MSI MAG Coreliquid A13 240 CPU Liquid Cooler User Manual

1. Product Overview

The MSI MAG Coreliquid A13 240 is an All-in-One (AIO) liquid cooling solution designed for high-performance computing systems. It features a 240mm radiator, dual 120mm ARGB PWM fans, and an integrated pump for efficient heat dissipation. This cooler is compatible with a wide range of CPU sockets, including LGA 1700, LGA 1851, AM5, and AM4, making it suitable for various modern desktop builds.

Key features include:

• LGA 1851 Ready: Provides out-of-box support for the latest Intel LGA 1851 sockets.
• Split-Flow Radiator with Integrated Pump: The aluminum radiator incorporates a unique split-flow water cooling system with an integrated three-phase pump, enhancing durability and reducing motor resonance.
• High-Performance Pump: Equipped with a pump operating at speeds up to 3800 RPM and high-quality ceramic bearings, balancing performance with quiet operation.
• Evaporation-Proof Tubing: Features 390mm triple-layered netted plastic tubing concealed beneath reinforced mesh sheathing to prevent coolant evaporation.
• Wide Socket Compatibility: Includes an easy-to-install mounting bracket for AMD (AM5, AM4) and Intel (LGA 1700) CPU sockets. Thermal paste is included.

Figure 1: MSI MAG Coreliquid A13 240 CPU Liquid Cooler with dual ARGB fans and pump.

2. Package Contents

Verify that all components are present before beginning installation:

• MSI MAG Coreliquid A13 240 AIO Cooler (Radiator, Pump/Cold Plate, and Dual 120mm ARGB PWM Fans pre-installed)
• Mounting Hardware Kit for Intel (LGA 1700/1851) and AMD (AM5/AM4) sockets
• Thermal Paste
• User Manual

3. Setup and Installation

Follow these general steps for installing your MSI MAG Coreliquid A13 240. Refer to the detailed instructions in the included user manual for specific socket installation procedures.

3.1 Prepare Your System

1. Power off your computer and disconnect all cables.
2. Open your computer case to access the motherboard and CPU area.
3. Remove any existing CPU cooler. Clean the CPU surface thoroughly to remove old thermal paste.

3.2 Install Mounting Hardware

Select the appropriate mounting brackets and backplate for your CPU socket (Intel LGA 1700/1851 or AMD AM5/AM4). Attach the backplate to the rear of the motherboard and secure the standoffs around the CPU socket.

3.3 Apply Thermal Paste

Apply a small amount of the included thermal paste to the center of your CPU's Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS). A pea-sized dot is usually sufficient. The pressure from the cold plate will spread it evenly.

3.4 Mount the Pump/Cold Plate

Carefully place the pump/cold plate assembly onto the CPU, aligning the mounting holes with the standoffs. Secure it with the provided thumb screws or nuts, tightening them in a diagonal pattern until snug. Do not overtighten.

Figure 2: Full copper base of the cold plate for optimal heat transfer.

3.5 Install Radiator and Fans

Mount the radiator and its pre-installed fans to an available fan mount in your computer case (e.g., top, front, or rear). Ensure proper airflow direction (intake or exhaust) based on your case's cooling strategy. Secure the radiator with the appropriate screws.

3.6 Connect Cables

Connect the pump power cable to the designated AIO_PUMP or CPU_FAN header on your motherboard. Connect the fan cables to available fan headers (e.g., SYS_FAN) or a fan controller. Connect the ARGB lighting cable to a compatible 3-pin 5V ARGB header on your motherboard for lighting control.

Figure 3: EZ Connect system simplifies cable management.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1 Initial Power-On

After installation, close your computer case and reconnect all peripherals. Power on your system. Monitor CPU temperatures using your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI or a software utility (e.g., MSI Center) to ensure the cooler is functioning correctly.

4.2 ARGB Lighting Control

The ARGB lighting on the fans and pump can be customized using MSI Center software or other compatible motherboard RGB software. This allows you to synchronize lighting effects with other ARGB components in your system.

4.3 Fan and Pump Speed Control

Fan and pump speeds are typically controlled via PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) through your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI settings or MSI Center software. You can set custom fan curves to balance cooling performance and noise levels according to your preferences.

5. Maintenance

Regular maintenance helps ensure optimal performance and longevity of your liquid cooler.

• 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.
• Inspect Tubing and Connections: Occasionally check the tubing for any signs of wear, kinks, or leaks. Ensure all connections to the pump, radiator, and motherboard are secure.
• Thermal Paste: While not frequently required for AIOs, if you ever remove the cold plate from the CPU, you must clean off the old thermal paste and apply new thermal paste before reinstallation.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your MSI MAG Coreliquid A13 240, consider the following:

• High CPU Temperatures:
  • Ensure the cold plate is securely mounted to the CPU and thermal paste is properly applied.
  • Check that the fans are spinning and the pump is operating (you might feel a slight vibration on the pump housing).
  • Clean any dust from the radiator fins.
  • Verify fan and pump speeds in BIOS/UEFI or MSI Center.
• Pump Noise:
  • A gurgling sound might indicate air bubbles in the loop. Orient the radiator higher than the pump if possible, or gently tilt the case to help dislodge air.
  • Ensure the pump is securely mounted and not vibrating against other components.
• ARGB Lighting Not Working:
  • Check all ARGB cable connections to the motherboard header.
  • Ensure the ARGB header is enabled in your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI.
  • Verify that MSI Center or other RGB software is installed and configured correctly.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official MSI website. MSI provides technical support and resources to assist with any product-related inquiries or issues.

MSI Support Website: www.msi.com/support