Thermalright Aqua Elite 360 ARGB Liquid CPU Cooler Instruction Manual

1. Product Overview

The Thermalright Aqua Elite 360 ARGB Liquid CPU Cooler is an all-in-one (AIO) liquid cooling solution designed for efficient heat dissipation from your CPU. It features a 360mm radiator, three 120mm PWM ARGB fans, and a high-performance water block with addressable RGB lighting. This cooler is compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, providing robust cooling performance and customizable aesthetics for your computer system.

Image 1: Thermalright Aqua Elite 360 ARGB Liquid CPU Cooler showcasing the radiator, three fans, and water block.

2. Package Contents

Verify that all components are present in the package before beginning installation:

• Thermalright Aqua Elite 360 ARGB Liquid CPU Cooler (Radiator, Pump/Water Block, 3x 120mm ARGB Fans)
• Intel Mounting Bracket (LGA115X/1200/1700/1851/2011/2066)
• AMD Mounting Bracket (AM4/AM5)
• Intel LGA115X/1200/1700 Backplate
• Intel LGA115X/1200 Plastic Standoffs (x4)
• Intel LGA1700 Plastic Standoffs (x4)
• LGA2066 Screws (x4)
• Intel Nuts (x4)
• Radiator Screws (x12)
• Thermal Compound
• Fan Splitter Cable (PWM)
• ARGB Splitter Cables (3-pin +5V)

Image 2: Diagram illustrating the various components included with the cooler, including brackets, screws, and cables.

3. Installation Guide

This section provides detailed instructions for installing your Thermalright Aqua Elite 360 ARGB Liquid CPU Cooler. Please refer to the video for visual guidance.

3.1. AMD AM4/AM5 Installation

1. Remove the protective sticker from the coldplate of the water block.
2. Align the arrow on the AMD bracket with the water block and rotate to install it securely.
3. Apply thermal compound to the CPU Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS).
4. Place the water block onto the CPU, aligning it with the existing AMD retention brackets.
5. Use the buckles on the AMD bracket to secure the water block to the motherboard. Tighten both screws on the bracket with a screwdriver to apply even mounting pressure.

3.2. Intel LGA1700 Installation

1. For Intel LGA1700 motherboards, adjust the mounting hole position on the backplate to 1700.
2. Install the backplate from the backside of the motherboard.
3. Install the 1700 standoffs onto the backplate screws from the front side of the motherboard.
4. Remove the protective sticker from the coldplate of the water block.
5. Align the arrow on the Intel bracket with the water block and rotate to lock it in place.
6. Apply thermal compound to the CPU Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS).
7. Align the mounting holes on the bracket to the standoffs and install the water block.
8. Secure the metal brackets and water block with four nuts, applying appropriate mounting pressure evenly.

3.3. Fan and ARGB Connections

1. Connect the fan PWM cables to the provided fan splitter cable for synchronized fan speed control.
2. Connect the PWM splitter cable to the CPU_FAN socket on your motherboard to power the fans.
3. Remove the protective caps from the ARGB 3-pin connectors on the fans and the ARGB splitter cables.
4. Connect the fan ARGB cables to the ARGB splitter cables to synchronize lighting signals.
5. Connect the ARGB lighting cable from the splitter to the motherboard's 3-pin +5V ARGB socket for lighting control. Note: Only supports 5V 3-pin ARGB. Do NOT connect to 12V 4-pin RGB.

Image 3: Close-up view of the fan and ARGB connectors, showing the 3-pin +5V ARGB and 4-pin PWM connections.

4. Operating Instructions

The Thermalright Aqua Elite 360 ARGB Liquid CPU Cooler is designed for automatic and efficient operation once correctly installed.

• PWM Fan Control: The three 120mm TL-C12C-S ARGB fans are Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) controlled. Their speed automatically adjusts based on the CPU temperature, providing optimal airflow and minimizing noise. This is managed through your motherboard's BIOS or fan control software.
• ARGB Lighting Synchronization: The Addressable RGB (ARGB) lighting on both the CPU fan and the water cooling head can be synchronized with your motherboard's 5V 3-pin ARGB header. This allows for 16 million color soft light effects, which can be customized using your motherboard's RGB software (e.g., ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, ASRock Polychrome Sync).
• Pump Operation: The water pump operates at a speed of up to 2600 RPM ±10%, ensuring continuous coolant circulation for effective heat transfer. The pump's power is typically connected to a CPU_OPT or AIO_PUMP header on the motherboard.

Image 4: Illustration detailing the PWM intelligent control features of the fans, including S-FDB bearing and shock-absorbing silicone pads.

5. Maintenance

Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your liquid CPU cooler.

• Dust Cleaning: Regularly clean dust from the radiator fins and fan blades using compressed air or a soft brush. Accumulated dust can impede airflow and reduce cooling efficiency.
• Fan Inspection: Periodically check the fans for any unusual noises or vibrations. Ensure they are spinning freely and securely mounted.
• Tubing and Connections: Inspect the coolant tubes and connections for any signs of leaks, kinks, or damage. While the polymer compilation protection water pipes are designed for low evaporation and high lifespan, occasional checks are recommended.
• Thermal Paste: The thermal paste applied between the CPU and water block typically lasts for several years. If you notice a significant increase in CPU temperatures, reapplying fresh thermal paste might be necessary.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Thermalright Aqua Elite 360 ARGB Liquid CPU Cooler, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:

• High CPU Temperatures:
  • Ensure the water block is securely mounted to the CPU with adequate pressure.
  • Verify that thermal paste was applied correctly and evenly.
  • Check if the fans are spinning and the pump is operating (you might hear a faint hum or feel vibrations in the tubes).
  • Clean any dust accumulation on the radiator fins.
  • Confirm fan curves in BIOS are set appropriately to increase fan speed with temperature.
• Fans Not Spinning or RGB Not Lighting Up:
  • Check all power connections (PWM for fans, 3-pin +5V ARGB for lighting) to ensure they are firmly seated in the correct headers on the motherboard.
  • Ensure the ARGB cable is connected to a 5V 3-pin header, not a 12V 4-pin RGB header.
  • Verify that the fan splitter and ARGB splitter cables are correctly connected.
  • Check your motherboard's BIOS or RGB software for fan and lighting control settings.
• Unusual Noises:
  • If you hear gurgling noises, it might indicate air bubbles in the loop. Gently tilt your PC case to help move air bubbles to the radiator.
  • Rattling or grinding noises from fans could mean a fan is faulty or hitting an obstruction. Inspect fans and replace if necessary.
  • A loud pump noise might indicate an issue with the pump or air in the system. Ensure the pump is running at an appropriate speed.

7. Specifications

Image 5: Detailed specifications and dimensions of the Thermalright Aqua Elite 360 ARGB cooler components.

8. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the official Thermalright website or contact their customer service directly. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.