Thermalright Aqua Elite 120 V3 ARGB CPU Cooler

Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your Thermalright Aqua Elite 120 V3 ARGB All-in-One (AIO) CPU Liquid Cooler. This cooler is designed to provide efficient heat dissipation for your CPU, featuring a fourth-generation pump head, a 120mm aluminum fin radiator, protective mesh water pipes, and a 120mm ARGB fan. It supports a wide range of Intel and AMD sockets, ensuring broad compatibility for various PC builds.

Safety Information

Please read and understand all safety instructions before installation and operation. Failure to do so may result in damage to the product, other components, or personal injury.

• Ensure your computer system is powered off and unplugged from the wall outlet before beginning installation.
• Handle components with care to avoid damage.
• Avoid touching the CPU pins directly.
• Do not open the liquid cooler unit; it is a sealed system.
• Keep the product away from liquids and extreme temperatures.
• Use only the provided mounting hardware for installation.

Package Contents

Verify that all components are present before proceeding with installation:

• Thermalright Aqua Elite 120 V3 ARGB AIO CPU Cooler (with pre-installed fan)
• Mounting hardware for Intel sockets (LGA1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/2011/2066/1700)
• Mounting hardware for AMD sockets (AM4/AM5)
• Thermal compound
• FAN HUB fan hub
• Plumbing snaps
• User Manual

Setup and Installation

Follow these steps carefully for proper installation. Refer to the provided installation video for visual guidance.

1. Prepare Motherboard

For AMD AM5 and AM4 motherboards: Remove the motherboard's plastic brackets. Keep the original backplate as it will be reused. Install four red standoffs into the motherboard's mounting holes. Then, install two metal brackets onto the standoffs and secure them with screws using a screwdriver.

For Intel LGA1700 motherboards: Assemble the Intel backplate by using the outer mounting holes and blue washers to fix the backplate screws. Install the assembled Intel backplate from the back side of the motherboard, ensuring the backplate screws pass through the motherboard mounting holes. Install four blue standoffs onto the backplate screws. Then, install two Intel brackets onto the standoffs and secure them with nuts.

2. Apply Thermal Compound

Apply the provided thermal compound onto the CPU Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS). A pea-sized amount or a small 'X' pattern is generally sufficient to ensure good contact and heat transfer.

The Thermalright Aqua Elite 120 V3 ARGB CPU Cooler features ARGB lighting on both the fan and water block, which can be synchronized with motherboard software. The fan is pre-installed on the radiator for quick and easy setup, and the cooler incorporates a refined micro-fin design with a high-performance pump for efficient cooling.

3. Mount Waterblock

Remove the protective sticker from the coldplate of the waterblock. Carefully place the waterblock onto the CPU, aligning the waterblock bracket nuts with the screws on the installed brackets. Tighten the nuts in a diagonal pattern until snug, ensuring even pressure. Do not overtighten.

The water block features an aluminum casing with a mirror finish panel, adorned with addressable RGB lighting. It connects via a 5V 3-pin ARGB interface for lighting synchronization and is powered by a 4-pin 12V DC pump, operating at 3300 RPM ±10% for effective liquid circulation.

4. Connect Cables

Connect the fan's PWM power cable to the CPU_FAN socket on your motherboard to synchronize fan speed. Connect the waterblock's 4-pin PWM header to the motherboard's CPU_OPT or WATER_PUMP socket to power the water pump. Connect the ARGB lighting cable to a 3-pin 5V ARGB socket on your motherboard for lighting control and synchronization.

The cooler features specially designed water channels within the radiator to reduce water resistance and increase flow rate, enhancing cooling performance. Water tubes are protected by polymer sleeves to minimize liquid evaporation, extending the lifespan of the all-in-one liquid cooler.

Operating Instructions

Once installed, the Thermalright Aqua Elite 120 V3 ARGB CPU Cooler operates automatically. The PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) function allows the fan and pump speed to adjust based on CPU temperature, providing optimal cooling performance while minimizing noise. The ARGB lighting can be controlled and synchronized using your motherboard's dedicated ARGB software (e.g., ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, ASRock Polychrome Sync) via the 5V 3-pin ARGB header connection.

Maintenance

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

• Dust Removal: Periodically clean dust from the radiator fins and fan blades using compressed air. Ensure the fans are not spinning during cleaning.
• Cable Management: Ensure all cables are neatly routed and secured using the provided plumbing snaps to prevent interference with other components and improve airflow.
• Visual Inspection: Occasionally inspect the tubing for any signs of leaks, kinks, or damage. While the tubes are designed for low evaporation, a visual check is recommended.
• Software Updates: Keep your motherboard's ARGB control software and BIOS updated to ensure compatibility and access to the latest features and performance optimizations.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Thermalright Aqua Elite 120 V3 ARGB CPU Cooler, refer to the following common solutions:

• No Power/Fan Spin: Check all power connections, especially the 4-pin PWM headers for the fan and waterblock. Ensure they are securely connected to the correct motherboard headers (CPU_FAN, CPU_OPT/WATER_PUMP).
• No ARGB Lighting: Verify the 3-pin 5V ARGB cable is correctly connected to the motherboard's ARGB header. Check your motherboard's ARGB software settings to ensure lighting is enabled and configured as desired.
• High CPU Temperatures: Ensure the waterblock is securely mounted to the CPU with even pressure. Verify that thermal compound was applied correctly. Check fan orientation to ensure proper airflow through the radiator (typically pushing air through or pulling air from the radiator). Confirm pump is operating by checking its connection and listening for a faint hum.
• Unusual Noise: Inspect fans for any obstructions. Ensure all mounting screws are tight to prevent vibrations. If the pump is making excessive noise, ensure it is receiving adequate power and is not running dry (though unlikely in a sealed AIO).

Specifications

Warranty and Support

For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official Thermalright website or contact your retailer. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.