Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your Thermalright Royal Knight 120 CPU Air Cooler. Please read this manual thoroughly before installation to ensure proper setup and optimal performance.
Image: Thermalright Royal Knight 120 CPU Air Cooler, showcasing its dual-tower design with two 120mm fans.
Setup and Installation
The Thermalright Royal Knight 120 CPU cooler supports a wide range of Intel and AMD platforms. Ensure you have all components listed in the packaging before beginning installation.
Installation Video Guide
Video: Official installation guide for the Thermalright RK120 series CPU cooler, demonstrating step-by-step assembly for various CPU sockets.
General Installation Steps
- Prepare Motherboard: For AMD AM4/AM5 motherboards, remove the existing plastic brackets but keep the original backplate. For Intel LGA1700, adjust the backplate to the 1700 position and install it from the back of the motherboard.
- Install Standoffs: Place the appropriate standoffs (red for AMD, blue for Intel 1700) onto the motherboard mounting holes.
- Mount Brackets: Secure the metal mounting brackets onto the standoffs using the provided screws. Ensure they are tightened evenly.
- Apply Thermal Compound: Apply a small amount of thermal compound (included) to the center of the CPU's Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS).
- Position Heatsink: Remove the protective sticker from the heatsink coldplate. Carefully place the heatsink onto the CPU, aligning the heatsink bracket nuts with the screws on the mounting brackets.
- Secure Heatsink: Using a screwdriver, alternately tighten the nuts on the heatsink bracket to apply even mounting pressure. Do not overtighten.
- Install Fans: Attach the fan clips to the fans (short clips for the slim fan, standard clips for the standard fan). Mount the fans onto the heatsink.
- Connect Fan Cables: Connect the 4-pin fan connectors to the provided Y-cable. Then, connect the Y-cable to the motherboard's CPU_FAN header.
Compatibility Overview
The Royal Knight 120 CPU cooler is designed for broad compatibility with mainstream Intel and AMD CPUs. This includes:
- Intel: LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156, LGA1200, LGA2011, LGA2066
- AMD: AM5, AM4
Image: Diagram illustrating the CPU socket compatibility for the Royal Knight 120 cooler, including Intel LGA1851/1700/115X/1200/2011/2066 and AMD AM5/AM4.
Image: Visual representation of CPU compatibility for the Thermalright Royal Knight 120, highlighting support for various Intel and AMD platforms.
Image: Illustration of the Royal Knight 120's RAM compatibility, featuring slim performance fans and an offset heatsink design to prevent interference with RAM modules.
Operation
The Thermalright Royal Knight 120 is a high-performance dual-tower, dual-fan CPU air cooler designed for efficient heat dissipation. It features an anodic frosted top cover, fully electroplated 6 heat pipes, and a micro-carved reflow soldering copper bottom process to ensure stable cooling performance.
- Dual Fan Configuration: The cooler utilizes two 120mm PWM fans. The front fan is a thinner 12cm fan (15mm thickness) with a high RPM of 1900RPM, while the middle fan is a standard 12cm fan (28mm thickness). This configuration optimizes airflow and ensures RAM clearance.
- AGHP 4.0 Heat Pipe Technology: Equipped with 6x6mm pure copper heat pipes, this cooler incorporates AGHP 4.0 technology to effectively manage heat transfer regardless of the cooler's orientation (vertical or horizontal). The pure copper base directly senses CPU temperature for efficient heat transfer.
- RAM Clearance: The cooler's design ensures ample space for RAM modules, preventing obstruction even with tall RAM heatsinks.
- Noise Reduction: Soft silicone corner pads on the fans help reduce vibration and noise during operation.
- Y-Adapter Cable: A Y-adapter cable is included to connect both fans to a single CPU_FAN header on the motherboard, synchronizing fan speeds.
Image: Close-up of the heatsink base and heat pipes, illustrating the AGHP 6x6mm anti-gravity heat pipe technology designed to optimize performance in any orientation.
Image: Two 120mm fans, one standard thickness (TL-H12-X28) and one slim (TL-H12015B), highlighting their dual thickness design for optimal compatibility and airflow.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your CPU cooler.
- Dust Removal: Periodically clean the heatsink fins and fan blades to prevent dust buildup, which can impede airflow and reduce cooling efficiency. Use compressed air or a soft brush.
- Fan Inspection: Check the fans for any signs of wear, damage, or unusual noise. Ensure the fan cables are securely connected.
- Thermal Compound: While not required frequently, if you remove the cooler for any reason, it is recommended to clean off the old thermal compound from both the CPU and the coldplate and apply fresh thermal compound before reinstallation.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Thermalright Royal Knight 120 CPU cooler, refer to the following common solutions:
- High CPU Temperatures:
- Ensure the heatsink is securely mounted and making full contact with the CPU.
- Verify that thermal compound was applied correctly and evenly.
- Check for dust buildup on the heatsink fins and fan blades; clean if necessary.
- Confirm that fans are spinning correctly and connected to the CPU_FAN header.
- Ensure adequate airflow within your PC case.
- Fans Not Spinning or Making Unusual Noise:
- Check all fan connections, including the Y-cable and the motherboard CPU_FAN header.
- Inspect fan blades for any obstructions.
- If a fan is making excessive noise, it may indicate a bearing issue. Contact support if the fan is faulty.
- Installation Difficulties:
- Refer to the installation video and step-by-step instructions carefully.
- Ensure you are using the correct mounting hardware for your CPU socket (AMD vs. Intel).
- For AMD installations, confirm the original motherboard backplate is in place.
Specifications
Detailed technical specifications for the Thermalright Royal Knight 120 CPU Air Cooler:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Royal Knight 120 |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 122mm x 114mm x 156mm (4.8"L x 4.49"W x 6.14"H) |
| Heat Dissipation Material | Aluminum + Copper (All Aluminum Fins) |
| Heat Pipes | 6 x 6mm Pure Copper (AGHP 4.0 Technology) |
| Fan Type | Dual 120mm PWM Fans (One slim 15mm, one standard 28mm) |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 1900 RPM |
| Air Flow Capacity | 136.81 Cubic Feet Per Minute (CFM) |
| Noise Level | 29.4 Decibels (dB) |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Voltage | 12 Volts (DC) |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| CPU Socket Compatibility | AMD: AM4/AM5; Intel: LGA1851/1700/1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/2011/2066 |
| Item Weight | 3.63 pounds |
Image: Detailed dimensions of the Thermalright Royal Knight 120 CPU cooler, including height, width, length, and fan thicknesses.
Warranty Information
Please refer to the product packaging or the official Thermalright website for specific warranty terms and conditions. Typically, CPU coolers come with a manufacturer's warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
Customer Support
For further assistance, technical support, or warranty claims, please contact Thermalright customer service through their official website or the retailer where the product was purchased.