Antec Skeleton 360 ARGB Liquid CPU Cooler User Manual

1. Product Overview

The Antec Skeleton 360 ARGB Liquid CPU Cooler is an all-in-one (AIO) liquid cooling solution designed to provide efficient thermal management for high-performance computing systems. It features a 360mm radiator, a high-performance pump with a unique skeleton-frame ARGB design, and three 120mm PWM ARGB fans. This cooler is compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD CPU sockets, ensuring broad applicability for various PC builds.

Image 1.1: The Antec Skeleton 360 ARGB Liquid CPU Cooler, showcasing the pump, tubing, and 360mm radiator with three fans.

2. Setup and Installation

Before beginning installation, ensure your system is powered off and unplugged. Refer to your motherboard manual for specific CPU socket information and clearance requirements.

2.1 Package Contents

Verify all components are present in the package:

Image 2.1: All included mounting hardware and accessories for the Antec Skeleton 360 ARGB Liquid CPU Cooler.

• 360mm Radiator with integrated pump and tubing
• 3 x 120mm PWM ARGB Fans
• Intel Mounting Bracket (LGA 115X/1200/1700/20XX)
• AMD Mounting Bracket (AM4/AM5)
• Backplate (for Intel sockets)
• Mounting Screws and Standoffs
• Thermal Paste
• ARGB Controller/Cables (if included)

2.2 Preparing the CPU

1. Clean the CPU surface thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol to remove any old thermal paste.
2. Apply a small pea-sized amount of thermal paste to the center of the CPU's integrated heat spreader (IHS).

2.3 Installing the Radiator and Fans

1. Attach the three 120mm ARGB fans to the 360mm radiator using the provided long screws. Ensure the fan airflow direction is appropriate for your case (typically exhausting air out of the case).
2. Mount the assembled radiator and fan unit to an available 360mm fan mount location in your PC case (e.g., top, front). Secure it with the appropriate screws.

Image 2.2: The Antec Skeleton 360 ARGB cooler with its three 120mm ARGB fans mounted on the radiator.

2.4 Installing the Pump/Cold Plate

1. For Intel sockets, install the appropriate backplate behind the motherboard. For AMD sockets, use the existing stock backplate.
2. Attach the correct mounting standoffs to the motherboard around the CPU socket.
3. Place the pump/cold plate assembly onto the CPU, aligning the mounting holes.
4. Secure the pump/cold plate with the provided thumb screws or nuts, tightening them in a diagonal pattern until snug. Do not overtighten.

Image 2.3: Close-up of the copper base plate on the Antec Skeleton 360 ARGB pump, designed for efficient heat transfer.

2.5 Cable Connections

1. Connect the pump's 3-pin or 4-pin power cable to the CPU_FAN or AIO_PUMP header on your motherboard.
2. Connect each fan's 4-pin PWM cable to available fan headers on your motherboard or a fan hub.
3. Connect the ARGB cables from the pump and fans to the motherboard's 5V 3-pin ARGB header or an external ARGB controller. Ensure correct polarity to avoid damage.

3. Operating Instructions

Once installed, the Antec Skeleton 360 ARGB Liquid CPU Cooler operates automatically based on your motherboard's fan and pump control settings. For optimal performance and aesthetics, configure these settings in your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI or through compatible software.

3.1 Fan and Pump Speed Control

• BIOS/UEFI: Access your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI settings during startup (usually by pressing Del or F2). Navigate to the fan control section to set custom fan curves for the CPU fans and pump. It is recommended to set the pump to run at 100% speed for consistent flow, while fan speeds can be adjusted based on CPU temperature.
• Software: Many motherboards offer proprietary software (e.g., ASUS AI Suite, MSI Dragon Center, Gigabyte SIV) that allows for fan and pump speed control within the operating system.

3.2 ARGB Lighting Control

The Skeleton-Frame pump head and PWM ARGB fans feature customizable lighting. Control options depend on how the ARGB cables are connected:

Image 3.1: The Antec Skeleton 360 ARGB pump head displaying its vibrant ARGB lighting effects.

• Motherboard Sync: If connected to a 5V 3-pin ARGB header, use your motherboard's ARGB software (e.g., ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light Sync, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, ASRock Polychrome Sync) to synchronize and customize lighting effects.
• External Controller: If an external ARGB controller is used, refer to the controller's manual for instructions on changing lighting modes, colors, and brightness.

4. Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity of your Antec Skeleton 360 ARGB Liquid CPU Cooler.

4.1 Dust Cleaning

• Radiator: Periodically clean dust from the radiator fins using compressed air. Ensure the fans are not spinning during cleaning to prevent damage.
• Fans: Gently wipe fan blades with a soft, dry cloth or use compressed air to remove dust buildup.

4.2 Tubing and Connections

Inspect the tubing and connections regularly for any signs of wear, kinks, or leaks. The high-density tubing is designed for durability, but visual checks are recommended.

Image 4.1: Close-up view of the elastic high-density tubing used in the Antec Skeleton 360 ARGB cooler.

4.3 Thermal Paste Reapplication

While not frequently required for AIOs, if you remove the pump/cold plate from the CPU for any reason, it is crucial to clean off the old thermal paste and apply new thermal paste before reinstallation.

5. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your liquid CPU cooler.

5.1 High CPU Temperatures

• Check Pump Connection: Ensure the pump's power cable is securely connected to the CPU_FAN or AIO_PUMP header and is receiving power. Verify pump speed in BIOS/UEFI.
• Check Fan Connections: Confirm all radiator fans are properly connected and spinning. Adjust fan curves in BIOS/UEFI or software to ensure adequate airflow.
• Thermal Paste: Verify that thermal paste was applied correctly and evenly between the CPU and cold plate. Reapply if necessary.
• Cold Plate Contact: Ensure the cold plate is making full and even contact with the CPU. Tighten mounting screws diagonally.
• Air Bubbles: Orient the radiator higher than the pump to allow air bubbles to settle in the radiator, preventing them from interfering with pump operation.

5.2 Fans or ARGB Not Working

• Power Connections: Ensure fan PWM cables are connected to motherboard headers or a fan hub.
• ARGB Connections: Verify ARGB cables are correctly connected to a 5V 3-pin ARGB header on the motherboard or an ARGB controller. Check for correct polarity.
• Software/BIOS: Confirm ARGB lighting is enabled and configured in your motherboard's software or BIOS.
• Controller Functionality: If using an external ARGB controller, ensure it is powered and functioning correctly.

5.3 Unusual Noise

• Fan Noise: Check for loose fan screws or cables obstructing fan blades. Adjust fan speed curves to reduce noise if temperatures allow.
• Pump Noise: A slight hum from the pump is normal. Excessive gurgling or grinding might indicate air in the pump. Try gently tilting your PC case to help dislodge air bubbles. Ensure the pump is running at 100% speed.

6. Product Specifications

7. Warranty and Support

Antec products are manufactured to high quality standards. For specific warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Antec website. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for warranty claims.

7.1 Technical Support

If you encounter issues not covered in this manual or require further assistance, please contact Antec customer support through their official website. You may need to provide your product model and serial number.

Official Antec Website: www.antec.com