1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the ID-COOLING FX360 INF 360mm Liquid CPU Cooler. This All-In-One (AIO) liquid cooler is designed to provide efficient cooling performance for high-performance computing systems, featuring a 360mm radiator, three 120mm daisy-chained fans, and an ARGB infinity mirror effect on the pump. This manual will guide you through the installation, operation, and maintenance of your new CPU cooler to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
2. Safety Information
- Always disconnect power from your computer before installation or maintenance.
- Handle components with care to avoid damage.
- Wear anti-static gloves or use an anti-static wrist strap to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage to sensitive components.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Do not open the liquid cooler's sealed components; doing so will void the warranty and may cause leaks.
- Ensure proper ventilation in your PC case for optimal cooling performance.
3. Package Contents
Please verify that all components are present before beginning installation:
- FX360 INF AIO Liquid Cooler (Radiator, Pump, Tubing, 3x 120mm Fans pre-installed)
- Intel Backplate
- Intel Mounting Brackets
- AMD Longer Brackets
- AMD Short Brackets
- Tightening Nuts
- Stud Bolts (for Intel and AMD)
- Thermal Grease
- Socket Wrench
- 7-pin Fan Extension Cable
- User Manual (this document)
Image: All included mounting hardware and accessories.
4. Installation Guide
Before starting, ensure your motherboard is removed from the PC case or has sufficient access to the CPU socket area. Refer to the official installation video for a visual guide.
Video: Official Installation Guide for ID-COOLING FX INF Series. This video demonstrates the step-by-step process for mounting the cooler on both Intel and AMD platforms, including backplate, bracket, and pump installation.
4.1. Intel Socket Installation (LGA1851/1700/1200/115X)
- Prepare Backplate: Move the Intel backplate screws to the corresponding positions for your CPU socket (LGA1851/1700: pull outward; LGA1200/115X: pull inward). Insert the backplate through the back of the motherboard, aligning the screws with the mounting holes.
- Install Stud Bolts: Place the stud bolts onto the backplate screws from the front side of the motherboard. Ensure the closed surface of the stud bolt is facing upward. Use the provided socket wrench to tighten the stud bolts securely.
- Attach Intel Brackets: Place the Intel mounting brackets onto the stud bolts. Secure them with the tightening nuts, ensuring they are finger-tightened evenly.
- Prepare CPU and Cold Plate: Clean the CPU surface with isopropyl alcohol. Apply a small amount of thermal paste to the center of the CPU (pea-sized dot). Remove the protective cover and sticker from the bottom of the cooler's cold plate.
- Mount Cold Plate: Carefully place the cold plate onto the CPU, aligning the mounting holes with the stud bolts. Tighten the mounting screws on each side in a diagonal pattern until snug. Do not overtighten.
4.2. AMD Socket Installation (AM5/AM4)
- Remove Retention Frame: Remove the original AMD plastic retention frame from the motherboard, but keep the stock backplate.
- Install Stud Bolts: Place the stud bolts onto the stock backplate screws from the front side of the motherboard. Ensure the closed surface of the stud bolt is facing upward. Use the provided socket wrench to tighten the stud bolts securely.
- Attach AMD Brackets: Choose the appropriate AMD brackets (longer for AM5/AM4, shorter for specific AM4 configurations if needed). Place the AMD mounting brackets onto the stud bolts. Secure them with the tightening nuts, ensuring they are finger-tightened evenly.
- Prepare CPU and Cold Plate: Clean the CPU surface with isopropyl alcohol. Apply a small amount of thermal paste to the center of the CPU (pea-sized dot). Remove the protective cover and sticker from the bottom of the cooler's cold plate.
- Mount Cold Plate: Carefully place the cold plate onto the CPU, aligning the mounting holes with the stud bolts. Tighten the mounting screws on each side in a diagonal pattern until snug. Do not overtighten.
4.3. Pump and Fan Connections
The FX360 INF features daisy-chained fans for simplified cable management. Use the provided 7-pin extension cable for seamless integration.
- Pump Connection: Plug the 4-pin connector from the pump into an available "AIO_PUMP" or "CPU_OPT" header on your motherboard. Plug the 3-pin ARGB connector from the pump into a "5V D G" addressable RGB header on your motherboard.
- Fan Connection: The three 120mm fans are daisy-chained. Connect the main 4-pin fan connector to the "CPU_FAN" header on your motherboard. Connect the 3-pin ARGB connector from the fans to a "5V D G" addressable RGB header on your motherboard. If your motherboard has multiple 5V D G headers, you can connect the pump and fan ARGB cables to separate headers or use an ARGB splitter (not included) if needed.
Image: Simplified cable management with daisy-chained fans and 7-pin extension cable.
5. Operating Instructions
Once installed, the ID-COOLING FX360 INF will automatically begin cooling your CPU upon system startup. The pump operates at 2900RPM±10% for efficient heat dissipation, and the fans adjust speed based on CPU temperature to maintain optimal cooling while minimizing noise.
5.1. ARGB Lighting Control
The ARGB infinity mirror effect on the pump and the ARGB fans can be controlled via your motherboard's RGB software (e.g., ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light Sync, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, ASRock Polychrome Sync). Ensure your motherboard's ARGB headers are properly connected to the cooler's ARGB cables.
Image: The ARGB infinity mirror pump head creating an illusion of infinite depth.
Image: Three 120mm ARGB fans providing stable performance and vibrant lighting.
Video: FX360 INF Overview. This video showcases the cooler's design, ARGB lighting effects, and overall aesthetic when installed in a PC build.
6. Maintenance
- Dust Cleaning: Periodically clean the radiator fins and fan blades with compressed air to remove dust buildup. Dust can impede airflow and reduce cooling efficiency.
- Check Tubing: Inspect the tubing for any signs of kinks, cracks, or leaks. Ensure all connections are secure.
- Thermal Paste: While not frequently required, if you remove the cold plate from the CPU, you must clean off the old thermal paste and apply new thermal paste before re-mounting.
7. Troubleshooting
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| High CPU Temperatures | Insufficient thermal paste, poor cold plate contact, dust buildup on radiator/fans, incorrect fan/pump speed settings. | Reapply thermal paste, ensure cold plate is securely mounted, clean radiator/fans, check BIOS/software for fan/pump speed settings. |
| Fans/Pump Not Spinning | Incorrect power connection, faulty component. | Verify all power cables are securely connected to the motherboard headers. Check motherboard manual for correct header locations. If issue persists, contact support. |
| ARGB Lighting Not Working/Syncing | Incorrect ARGB connection, incompatible motherboard software, faulty ARGB component. | Ensure 3-pin ARGB cables are connected to 5V D G headers (not 12V RGB headers). Use your motherboard's dedicated RGB software. Update motherboard BIOS/drivers. |
| Unusual Noise from Cooler | Air bubbles in the loop, fan imbalance, pump issue. | Orient the radiator correctly (tubes down if possible) to allow air bubbles to settle. Check fan blades for obstructions. If pump noise is excessive, contact support. |
8. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | FX360 INF |
| Cooling Method | Water Cooling |
| Radiator Size | 360mm |
| Fan Size | 3x 120mm |
| Noise Level (Max) | 27.2 dB(A) |
| Pump Speed (Max) | 2900 RPM |
| Air Flow Capacity | 58 Cubic Feet Per Minute (CFM) |
| TDP | 350W |
| Compatible Sockets | Intel LGA1851/1700/1200/1151/1150/1155/1156, AMD AM5/AM4 |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin (PWM for fans), 3-Pin (ARGB) |
| Material | Metal, Plastic, Glass/Acrylic |
| Manufacturer | ID-COOLING |
9. Warranty and Support
ID-COOLING products are manufactured to the highest quality standards. This product is covered by a manufacturer's warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Please refer to the official ID-COOLING website or your retailer for specific warranty terms and conditions, as these may vary by region and product.
For technical support, troubleshooting assistance, or warranty claims, please contact ID-COOLING customer service through their official website or the contact information provided with your purchase. When contacting support, please have your product model (FX360 INF) and proof of purchase readily available.
