Do you want to keep your computer’s CPU running cool and efficiently? If so, you need to know how to install liquid CPU cooler! In this blog post, we will teach you how to do just that.
We will walk you through the entire installation process step-by-step. So whether you are a beginner or an experienced PC user, you can follow our instructions.
One of the best ways to improve stability and functionality is to keep your PC’s most vital components at their ideal operating temperatures. Thermal regulation prevents unnecessary strain during day-to-day tasks and increases your computer’s lifespan by cutting back on the accumulation of wear over time.
Traditional designs and most out-of-the-box configurations rely on air cooling systems that use a series of fans and ventilation ports to prevent the accumulation of hot air, whether you are building a new gaming PC or fancy swapping out your current air cooler for an AIO, some first AIO (all-in-one) coolers are easy to install and bring added benefits to the system, such as lower temperatures and extra lighting.
To help you complete your build, today we are going to look at how to install liquid cooling, with a few sections on what an AIO cooler is before we finally get into a step-by-step guide.
All-in-one liquid coolers are gaining in popularity because of the increased power and performance of Intel and AMD processors. There are many ways to install the liquid cooler, depending on the position of the radiator and the direction of the fans.
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How To Install Liquid Cooling (AIO Cpu Cooler): Step-by-step
We are replacing a current cooler or building a new PC from scratch, there is no need for preparation. You will need to remove the case’s side panels for access to make sure the radiator is going to fit in your desired location.
The thermal paste comes pre-applied with most AIO coolers and it does a sufficient job, but you may want to clean this off and replace it with your fresh paste. If you don’t have any thermal paste, don’t worry, you are still going to want to get some in the distant future when this eventually dries out.
Method 1 – Install The Backplate
If you want to install an AIO cooler while building your new computer, you have to put this step first. You can swap out an older cooler first, but it’s not as important as it used to be.
Most cases have a cut-out at the back, which will allow you to put the backplate in place without having to uninstall your board. Unfortunately, that’s not possible.
We don’t have a gap to install your backplate, so we’re going to swap your coolers here, and then proceed with the steps below. Most of the non-stock coolers come with backplates for a variety of chipsets from both Intel and AMD, which makes them universally compatible.
If you are unsure, consult your manual and you will often find the backplates labeled. The majority of Intel boards don’t come with a backplate, whereas the majority of the boards do. If you want the backplate screw holes to fit through the holes in the middle of the board, you have to slot them in.
You can leave the backplate in place until you screw the pump into position, by using support screws to hold the backplate in place. If the manual requires you to replace the existing clips, then you should do so immediately.
If you screw your support screws into the four screw holes of the backplate, you can replace the previous brackets and leave this until you are ready to install the pump.
Method 2- Install The Fans
We are going to install the fans on the radiator next. Long screws in your AIO kit should be labeled as fan screws, but they are the only ones that will reach the radiator through the fan, so you can spot them.
The reason to install the fans first is that it is easier to screw in fans at this stage than it is to install a radiator.
There is a small arrow on the fans to show you the direction of the airflow, so make sure you orient your fans that way. Use a criss-cross pattern to place the screw into place.
Method 3 – Install The Radiator
One of the more challenging parts of the installation of the radiator. Now, for installing this on the top or at the front of your case, you need to make sure you remove any additional panels or brackets from your case.
Feed the fan cables through the nearest cutouts at the back of the case while you align and hold our radiator in place, and make sure the screw holes line up with the rivets/cutouts on the case.
Once one or two screws are in place, you can take your hands away, since the weight of the cooler can be taken by one or two screws at either end of the middle.
We feel the tubing is going to touch the rear case fan, you can slide/position the cooler slightly, but don’t tighten the screws just yet. You need to tighten up the screws when you have the cooler in the perfect spot.
Method 3- Install The Pump
When it comes to installing the pump, the first thing we need to do is install the correct retention brackets to go around the pump. Most modern cooler pump brackets come off in a variety of ways, but you should consult your manual for more information.
Make sure the pump is central and that the logo is oriented the right way up by aligning the pump brackets with the support screws. Attach the thumbscrews and tighten them with your hands. You can finish this with a screwdriver when you gradually tighten in a criss-cross pattern.
Attach the clips to the pumps brackets with the thumbscrews, make sure they fit with the motherboard brackets. The cable needs to be plugged into the CPU Fan. Please consult your manual, as we are unsure about this step.
We want to daisy-chain your fan cables, it is best to feed them out the back of the case for cable management.
Method 4- Start-up
This time to power up the system and make sure your cabling is correct. If the lighting illuminates, it’s usually a good sign, but if you don’t have any lighting, just check to see if the fans start spinning or the pump makes a slight hum. It is always a good idea to download the software that supports your particular AIO after you boot.
With either the manufacturer’s software or a third-party application, double check your system’s temperatures just to make sure nothing is overheating and everything is performing as it should.
Types of Liquid Cooler Installation
There are several things to consider when trying to install an AIO liquid cooler. The location of the tube, the direction of the fans, and the airflow direction of the fans are what you can find in a PC case. The location will affect the thermal performance. You can set the direction for the intake or exhaust to affect the thermal performance.
Our findings show that the temperature difference between the configurations is 13C, which is huge. The placement of your liquid cooler is important because of this.
TOP Mount
The top mounting configuration will make the problem of air accumulation less problematic. The air in the AIO system will accumulate on the top of the radiator, which does not affect the coolant flow in the system and does not reduce the thermal efficiency.
The most recommended configuration in terms of thermal performance is this one. It’s possible that some cases don’t have enough space for a 280mm or a 360mm radiator to be installed on the top.
Front Mount / Tubes Down
The front of a case is the location where the third configuration is to be mounted. You will have to consider the direction of the tubes, either going up or down.
With the tubes facing downward, the air will accumulate on the top of the radiator, which will not affect the water pump. According to our tests, this configuration has the lowest temperature for the processor.
FAQ- How To Install Liquid Cpu Cooler
How Does Water Or Liquid-based Cooling Work?
The standard setup of the metal heat sink with a fan and ventilation is an adequate way of preventing heat build-up and cooling the computer. A heat sink helps draw heat out of your PC’s active components because the heat conductivity of the sink’s metal material is greater than the air around it. The warm air is diverted away through the built-in ports of the fan.
Premium Devices Need Extra Cooling
That may not always be enough for those with a premium gaming PC or one that will be tailored for more extreme graphics potential or processing capacity. You might need a more efficient cooling system in these situations.
Liquid cooling comes in the form of water and other substances that have a higher thermal conductivity. To guarantee consistency, a pump uses a series of tubes to cool and circulate water through your device, or within its closed system.
Conclusion
We have a guide on how to install liquid cooling on your computer. Now that your new AIO cooler has been installed, you can sit back and enjoy the rewards of a chilled processor. The temperatures may not be as high as the best air coolers, but they bring a certain aesthetic to your build that no air cooler can.
If you are looking for an easy and affordable way to keep your CPU cooler, liquid CPU coolers are a great option. They are easy to install and can be found for a reasonable price.
We hope this guide has helped you understand the basics of installing a liquid CPU cooler and you will consider using one in the future. Thanks for reading!
From early on, Charley showed a keen interest in all things technical. He would spend hours taking apart and rebuilding computers- much to the dismay of his parents! But this early passion would eventually lead him to a successful career in tech.
Today, Charley uses his expertise to help companies large and small achieve their goals. He enjoys working with teams to develop innovative solutions that solve real-world problems.
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