How to Install an AIO CPU Cooler – Intel

Whether you’re building your first PC or upgrading your current one, the cooling of your CPU plays an important role in the overall performance of your system. One of the best options is an AIO or all-in-one cooler, which offers everything you need for premium cooling in one straightforward package. CORSAIR offers a full range of AIO coolers to match a variety of budgets, from the single-fan Hydro Series H60 all the way up to the triple-fan iCUE H150i ELITE LCD XT Display, which has an LCD display on top of the pump block.

Find out more at: CORSAIR CPU Liquid Coolers.

Installing an all-in-one liquid CPU cooler on an Intel platform is simple.

First, check your motherboard CPU socket and confirm that it is supported by your liquid CPU cooler’s mounting hardware.

With the processor already installed in the CPU socket, align the standoff mounting points with the holes surrounding the socket and install the cooler backplate onto the backside of your motherboard.

Now, grab the appropriate standoffs and screw them into the mounting points on the frontside of the backplate.

Prepare your cooler by installing the included fans to the radiator.

Now install the radiator into your system.

Check the pump head to ensure that the correct mounting bracket is installed.

Be careful not to touch the pre-applied thermal paste on the bottom of the pump head if you need to swap mounting brackets.

Align the holes on the mounting bracket with the standoffs installed earlier.

Gently place the pump head onto the processor, ensuring that the standoffs go through the holes in the mounting bracket.

Secure the pump head into place with the provided thumbscrews, making sure to hand tighten only in a criss-cross pattern.

If your cooler includes a fan and lighting controller, find an appropriate space in your system and install it using the provided mounting tape.

Your cooler should then connect to your system through both the CPU_FAN header and a USB2.0 header on your motherboard.

Finally, anything that requires power from your power supply should be connected as well.

Your CORSAIR all-in-one CPU liquid cooler should now be installed and you can continue with the rest of your build!