Corsair XD3 RGB Pump/Reservoir Combo Installation Guide
Introduction
This guide provides detailed instructions for installing the Corsair XD3 RGB Pump/Reservoir Combo. It covers package contents, mounting options, connections for RGB illumination and pump power, and filling/priming procedures. Corsair recommends a 24-hour leak test for all custom water-cooling systems.
Important Notice: This Quick Start Guide is a general installation guide and does not cover the specifics of individual case or radiator mounting. Corsair recommends you thoroughly leak-test your custom cooling system for at least 24 hours to ensure that the system is securely sealed and operating reliably. Corsair warranty does not cover any hardware damage resulting from poorly executed, improper and otherwise hasty assembly of your custom water-cooling system. Disassembly of Corsair Hydro products is highly discouraged due to complex design of components. Such action may result in irreparable mechanical, electrical or chemical damage that may void the warranty. For an exact and up-to-date product compatibility list, please refer to the Corsair website.
Package Contents
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| A | XD3 RGB Pump/Reservoir |
| B | Perpendicular Mounting Bracket |
| C | 120mm & 140mm Fan Mounting Adapter Plate |
| D | ATX 24-Pin PSU Jumper Bridge |
| E | Corsair G1/4" Plugs (x3) |
| F | Corsair G1/4" Temperature Sensor Plug |
| G | Fan Self-Tapping Screws (x4) |
| H | M4 Hex Nuts (x4) |
| I | M4 Washers (x4) |
| J | M4x8mm Screws (x4) |
| K | M3 Thumb Screws (x8) |
| L | Plug Tool |
| M | Corsair iCUE Commander PRO Smart RGB Lighting and Fan Speed Controller |
| N | Phillips-Head Screwdriver |
| O | Filling Flask & Corsair XL5 Coolant |
Diagram showing all included components labeled A through L.
Prerequisites (Not Included)
M: Corsair iCUE Commander PRO or Lighting Node PRO (required for RGB illumination and pump control).
N: Phillips-Head Screwdriver.
O: Filling Flask & Corsair XL5 Coolant.
Mounting Options
Mounting to a Perpendicular Mounting Bracket
1. Secure the perpendicular mounting bracket (B) to the XD3 RGB (A) using four (4) M3 thumb screws (K).
2. The perpendicular mounting bracket can be oriented in two ways, allowing free movement along the horizontal axis.
3. Secure the XD3 RGB (A) with the perpendicular mounting bracket onto a 120mm or 140mm fan mounting adapter plate (C) using four M3 thumb screws (K).
4. The fan adapter brackets can be mounted horizontally or vertically, allowing free movement along the horizontal or vertical axis (depending on orientation).
Diagrams illustrating the mounting of the XD3 RGB to a perpendicular bracket and then to a fan mounting adapter plate.
Mounting to a Fan Mounting Adapter Plate
1. Place the XD3 RGB (A) on the 120mm or 140mm fan mounting adapter plate (C). Secure the XD3 RGB to the mounting adapter plate using four M3 thumb screws (K).
2. The fan adapter brackets can be mounted horizontally, allowing free movement along the horizontal axis.
Diagrams showing the XD3 RGB mounted to a fan mounting adapter plate.
Mounting to a Corsair XR Radiator
Secure the XD3 RGB (A) with the pre-installed 120mm or 140mm fan mounting adapter plate (C) to the Corsair XR radiator using the short 6mm (0.25") M4XP0.7 screws supplied with the Corsair XR radiator itself.
Diagram showing the XD3 RGB mounted to a Corsair XR radiator.
Mounting to a Case Fan
Secure the XD3 RGB (A) with the pre-installed 120mm or 140mm fan mounting adapter plate (C) to a fan using four enclosed self-tapping fan screws (G).
Diagram showing the XD3 RGB mounted to a case fan.
Mounting Directly to a Case Fan Slot
Secure the XD3 RGB (A) with the pre-installed 120mm or 140mm fan mounting adapter plate (C) onto a case fan opening. Use the enclosed M4x8mm screws (J) along with washers (I) and M4 hex nuts (H).
Diagram showing the XD3 RGB mounted directly into a case fan slot.
Mounting Directly to the Case Chassis
Locate the suitable cut-out hole pattern in the chassis that would fit an 88mm x 55mm hole pattern (if mounting the XD3 RGB directly) or a 27.5mm x 55mm pattern if using the perpendicular mounting bracket. If no hole patterns are available, drill holes using a Ø3.4mm - Ø4mm drill bit. Secure the unit by screwing four M3 thumb screws (K).
Diagrams illustrating direct mounting to a case chassis, including hole pattern dimensions.
XD3 RGB Mounting Orientation
The XD3 RGB must be installed vertically.
Diagrams showing correct vertical mounting orientation.
Finalizing the Setup
1. Install the two (2) appropriate Corsair XF G1/4 BSPP threaded-type fittings (not included) into the reservoir ports and tighten them by hand. Do not use any tools (i.e., pliers).
2. It is mandatory to use the front-left port as the OUTLET. The recommended INLET (return) port is marked on the image below. Optionally, you can use the top G1/4 port as an INLET (return) line as well.
3. Install the Corsair G1/4 Temperature Sensor Plug (F) into the G1/4 port located on the base of the unit. Do not install the temperature sensor on any of the top ports.
4. Close the remaining three (3) open (unused) ports with the included Corsair G1/4 plugs and tighten them using a plug tool (L). Refrain from using a screwdriver as it may result in damage to the surface of the plugs.
Diagrams showing port identification (INLET, OUTLET, FILL port) and installation of the temperature sensor plug.
Connecting the Pump and Using the Integrated Digital RGB Illumination
A Corsair iCUE Commander PRO or Lighting Node PRO is required to use the integrated RGB illumination on the XD3 RGB. The Corsair iCUE software is used to program visual effects. The Corsair iCUE Commander PRO is required for automatic pump control and liquid temperature monitoring using the iCUE software suite.
The XD3 RGB Pump/Reservoir can be connected to the appropriate Corsair controller either directly or "daisy"-chained with other Corsair addressable RGB component(s).
1. Identify the correct RGB connector on the reservoir-pump unit.
2. Insert the RGB connector into a Corsair iCUE Commander PRO port or Lighting Node PRO port.
3. Download and install the Corsair iCUE software suite from: https://www.corsair.com/icue. Configure visual and lighting effects by following the manual for iCUE software.
4. Connect the XD3 RGB's pump 4-pin fan connector into Fan Port #6 on your Corsair iCUE Commander PRO.
5. Connect the XD3 RGB's temperature sensor into temperature Port #1 on your Corsair iCUE Commander PRO.
6. Connect the XD3 RGB's main power cable by plugging in a 4-pin Molex connector from your power supply.
Diagrams illustrating the RGB and power connections to the Corsair iCUE Commander PRO.
Filling and Priming the XD3 RGB
1. Disconnect PSU power cables from all computer components except the XD3 RGB 4-pin Molex power connector. Ensure the PSU is turned OFF at the plug socket or rear toggle switch. Connect the enclosed ATX 24-pin PSU Jumper Bridge starter to your PSU 24-pin ATX cable to power the XD3 RGB without powering on the PC.
2. Fill the reservoir through the top G1/4 opening with Corsair XL5 coolant using a filling flask to about 0.5cm (1/5") below the top.
3. Turn on the power by flipping the ON switch on the PSU. The pump motor will be primed with coolant from the reservoir and will start flowing through the system. Turn the power OFF before the reservoir is emptied. Do not let the pump run dry or without coolant in the reservoir, as this will damage the pump!
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until your custom cooling system is full. Corsair recommends not filling the reservoir more than about 0.5cm (1/5") from the top.
5. Once the system is filled with coolant, Corsair recommends running it for 24 hours to remove any trapped air and ensure there are no leaks. After thoroughly leak-testing, turn OFF the PSU, disconnect the ATX 24-pin PSU Jumper Bridge, reconnect power to other peripherals, and start the computer.
Diagrams illustrating the filling and priming process.
FAQ
- Can I use the XD3 RGB as a standalone part? No, this is a water-cooling pump with an integrated reservoir that requires a complete custom water-cooling system, including cold plates (water blocks) and a radiator. For more information, please visit corsair.com.
- Can I use the XD3 RGB with aluminum water-cooling equipment? No, you cannot. Certain parts are made from copper and brass and should not be mixed with aluminum.
- Can I connect the RGB header directly to my motherboard? No, you cannot. The RGB function is only compatible with the Corsair iCUE Commander PRO and the Corsair Lighting Node PRO controllers.
- Can the XD3 RGB pump be controlled without the use of Corsair iCUE Commander PRO? While it is possible to use the XD3 RGB without a Corsair iCUE Commander PRO, doing so will remove the automated pump speed control in Corsair iCUE software. The pump speed may be manually controlled by motherboard UEFI when the XD3 RGB's 4-pin fan PWM connector is connected.
- How many RGB devices can I daisy-chain to a single channel on a Corsair controller? Corsair recommends connecting no more than three (3) Hydro X Series RGB devices of any type in series on a single channel. However, you can connect one (1) XC7/XC9 water block, two (2) XG7 RGB water blocks, and one (1) XD3 RGB pump unit for a total of four (4) devices. Do not mix Corsair fans or RGB LED strips and Corsair Hydro X products on the same channel on the controller. Use a dedicated channel for other components.
