NZXT Kraken Plus RGB CPU Cooler Installation Guide

Product Overview

The NZXT Kraken Plus RGB is an All-in-One (AIO) liquid CPU cooler designed for efficient and quiet thermal management of high-performance computer processors. It features a distinctive NZXT aesthetic with customizable RGB lighting for personalized system builds.

Package Contents

• Kraken Plus RGB Radiator and Pump Unit
• Cooling Fans (e.g., 3x 120mm)
• Mounting Hardware:
  • Intel Mounting Brackets (for LGA 1700, 1200, 115X sockets)
  • AMD Mounting Brackets (for AM5, AM4 sockets)
  • Assorted screws for bracket, fan, and radiator attachment
  • Standoffs and thumb nuts
• Cables:
  • Fan Power Cables (PWM)
  • RGB Cables
  • USB 2.0 Cable (for NZXT CAM controller)
  • SATA Power Cable (for controller)
• NZXT CAM Controller (for RGB and fan speed management)
• Installation Manual

Installation Instructions

Step 1: Prepare CPU and Motherboard

Diagram Description: Illustrates a CPU on a motherboard socket and a thermal paste tube. It shows cleaning the CPU surface and applying thermal paste.

Action: Ensure the CPU's integrated heat spreader (IHS) is clean. Apply a small amount of thermal paste (e.g., a pea-sized dot or a thin line) to the center of the CPU.

Step 2: Install Mounting Brackets

Diagram Description: Displays the pump unit alongside separate Intel and AMD mounting brackets, showing how to attach the correct bracket to the pump.

Action: Select the appropriate mounting bracket for your CPU socket type (Intel or AMD). Align the chosen bracket with the mounting holes on the pump housing and secure it using the provided screws. For Intel, typically two brackets are used, one on each side. For AMD, a single bracket may be used.

Step 3: Mount the Cooler to the CPU

Diagram Description: A series of diagrams shows the pump unit being placed over the CPU, with arrows indicating screw insertion and tightening in a cross pattern for even pressure.

Action: Carefully position the pump unit onto the CPU, aligning the mounting bracket with the motherboard's CPU socket mounting holes. Insert the provided screws through the bracket and into the motherboard standoffs or mounting points. Tighten the screws gradually in a cross pattern (e.g., top-left, bottom-right, top-right, bottom-left) to ensure even pressure distribution across the CPU. Avoid overtightening.

Step 4: Install Radiator and Fans

Diagram Description: Shows fans being attached to the radiator using screws, followed by mounting the radiator assembly inside a computer case.

Action: Attach the included fans to the radiator using the provided screws. Ensure fans are oriented for optimal airflow (typically pushing air through the radiator). Mount the radiator and fan assembly into your PC case, usually in a top, front, or rear fan mount location, securing it with appropriate screws.

Step 5: Connect Cables

Diagram Description: Illustrates various cables from the pump and fans connecting to the motherboard and the NZXT CAM controller.

Action:

• Connect the pump's power cable (3-pin or 4-pin) to the CPU_FAN or AIO_PUMP header on your motherboard.
• Connect the fan cables to the appropriate fan headers on your motherboard or the NZXT CAM controller.
• Connect the RGB cables from the pump and fans to the NZXT CAM controller or compatible motherboard RGB headers.
• Connect the NZXT CAM controller to an internal USB 2.0 header on your motherboard using the provided USB cable.
• Connect the NZXT CAM controller to a SATA power connector from your power supply.

Software Setup

Diagram Description: Shows the NZXT logo and mentions the NZXT CAM software with a URL.

Action: To manage fan speeds, monitor temperatures, and customize RGB lighting, download and install the NZXT CAM software from the official NZXT website: nzxt.com/camapp.

Important Safety Information

Diagram Description: Contains warning symbols (e.g., exclamation mark in a triangle) and text in multiple languages, highlighting safety precautions.

General Precautions: Read all instructions before installation. Ensure your system is powered off and unplugged. Handle components with care to avoid static discharge. Consult your motherboard manual for specific header locations.