How to move an AIO Cooler into a new case

Currently, AIO coolers are viewed as the go-to cooling solution for all types of builds. Whether it’s a general-purpose PC or a high-end gaming rig, AIO liquid coolers are prevalent in most setups. This widespread acceptance stems from several compelling reasons, particularly their effective heat dissipation, which leads to improved thermal performance and quieter operation under heavy loads when compared to traditional air coolers.

Most, if not all, AIO coolers are quite simple to install in your PC, particularly the iCUE LINK AIO liquid CPU cooler, like the iCUE LINK TITAN RX RGB series. The installation process is significantly easier than that of a standard AIO cooler, thanks to iCUE LINK Technology. You can find more details about iCUE LINK in this article on Explorer. In terms of maintenance, AIO coolers require very little upkeep. Because they are vacuum-sealed and self-contained, there's no need to drain or refill the coolant.

This also makes them very easy to transplant from one case to another. Speaking of which:

In this step-by-step process on how to transfer your AIO liquid CPU cooler from one PC case to another, we will be using the iCUE LINK H150i RGB AIO Liquid CPU Cooler as our example.

1. The first step is to unplug all the cables from the pump block and fans.

2. Remove the pump block or CPU block mounted on the CPU.

3. Unscrew the four thumbscrews holding the CPU block in place using a Philips screwdriver.

4. Once the CPU block is removed, use alcohol wipes to clean the thermal paste on the CPU and cold plate.

5. Once the CPU block is removed, proceed to remove the radiator from the PC case. In this build, the radiator is mounted on top of a 3500X case. Remove the radiator screws.

6. Once all the radiator screws are removed, take the AIO cooler out of the build and set I aside.

7. The next step is to figure out where you want to mount the radiator in your new case. This will depend on what case you have. Standard Mid Tower PC cases will normally accommodate 240mm/360mm radiators in the front or top of the case. In this setup, we are using the FRAME 4000D Mid Tower PC case, where you have multiple radiator mount locations. We will install the radiator on top, similar to where we had them on the previous build. But first, you will need to install the CPU/pump block.

8. Place the case on its back on a flat surface to make it easier to install the CPU/pump block and the radiator.

9. Apply the thermal paste on the CPU. Make sure the thermal paste residue from the previous setup is removed from both the CPU and AIO liquid CPU cooler.

10. Gently place the CPU/pump block on top of the CPU and secure it with the four provided thumbscrews in each corner of the block. Be careful not to overtighten the thumbscrews; hand tightening is recommended. Stop turning the thumbscrew when it stops turning—there's no need to continue once you feel the screws are fully secured.

Pro Tip: When tightening the thumbscrews, do it in a crisscross pattern so that the thermal paste is evenly distributed.

11. Once you have fully secured the CPU/pump block, you can proceed with installing the radiator. Line up the screws on the radiator against the screw holes on the case. Ensure all the fans are fully secured to the radiator before installing the radiator in the case.

12. Here is a pro tip when installing the radiator. The easiest way to secure the radiator in place before installing the rest of the screws is to start securing the two opposite screws diagonal from each other first; that way, the radiator doesn’t move around when you are installing the rest of the screws.

13. After securing the radiator, connect the cables. This setup simplifies the process, as all iCUE LINK cables are easier to attach than those in a standard AIO liquid CPU cooler setup. For example, the cable from the pump is hidden and runs through the tube's sleeves, giving the cooler a cleaner look.

14. Attach the iCUE LINK cable to the fan. Did you notice I only mentioned the fan? That's correct because, as I pointed out earlier, iCUE LINK technology significantly simplifies PC building. The fans included with this cooler are iCUE LINK QX120 RGB fans, which allow you to daisy-chain them and eliminate the hassle of multiple cables—you only need one iCUE LINK cable to power all three fans.

15. Run the iCUE LINK cable from the fan to the iCUE LINK System Hub. Then, connect the 6-pin power connector from the iCUE LINK System Hub to the 6+2 PCI-e connector from the PSU. There's also a USB mini to a 9-pin USB connector that plugs into one of your MB's USB headers for lighting control via iCUE Software.

That’s it—you’ve effortlessly moved your cooler to a new build. This transition is made simpler thanks to CORSAIR iCUE LINK Technology. Explore CORSAIR’s complete range of AIO Liquid CPU Coolers on their official website.