Corsair Liquid CPU Cooler Installation Guide

Sep 12, 2024

Corsair iCUE RGB Elite Series Liquid CPU Coolers Installation Guide

Overview

  • Corsair iCUE RGB Elite Series offers:
    • First-class cooling
    • Integrated RGB lighting
    • Refined aesthetics
  • Equipped with AF Elite Series PWM fans using fluid dynamic bearing for optimal cooling and aesthetics.

Compatibility

Mounting Hardware

  • Compatible with:
    • Intel: LGA 1700, 1200, 1150X, 2066
    • AMD: AM4, STRX4

Installation Steps

  1. Determine Radiator Location

    • Decide where to mount the radiator and fan orientation (e.g., top panel exhaust).
  2. Mounting the Radiator

    • Secure fans onto radiator using provided screws.
    • For this tutorial, a 240mm radiator is mounted at the top panel of a Corsair 4000D Airflow case.
  3. Pump Head Installation

    • Intel Systems:
      • Pump head comes with an Intel mounting bracket pre-installed.
    • AMD Systems:
      • Remove thermal paste plastic cover.
      • Swap out bracket for appropriate one for your motherboard socket.
  4. Backplate Installation

    • For Intel:
      • Use provided Intel socket backplate, align, and attach it to the back of the motherboard.
    • For AMD:
      • Unscrew and remove plastic retention clips; keep the default AM4 backplate.
  5. Standoff Installation

    • Hand-tighten provided standoffs onto the backplate through the motherboard.
  6. Secure Radiator

    • Attach radiator using the provided screws.
  7. Install Pump Head

    • Align corners of mounting bracket with standoffs and use thumb screws to secure in a star pattern.
  8. Connect Cables

    • Plug cooler's USB-C cable into the pump head.
    • Route other end behind motherboard tray.
    • Connect AF Elite fans to PWM fan splitter.
    • Connect pump TAC cable to CPU fan header.
    • Connect USB data cable to USB 2.0 internal header.
    • Connect cooler to SATA power from power supply.

Final Steps

  • Turn on PC and install/update to the latest version of Corsair iCUE.

Customization in iCUE

  • Home Screen: Select RGB Elite cooler for lighting controls.
  • Lighting Effects Tab:
    • Use presets or create a unique lighting profile with multiple effects.
  • Cooling Tab:
    • Select or customize performance curves.
    • Zero RPM and variable pump speed for reduced noise during idle/light loads.
  • Alerts Tab:
    • Set cooler to light up or trigger actions based on CPU temperature.

Additional Resources

  • For a more in-depth tutorial on Corsair iCUE for liquid CPU coolers, check linked video in description.

Conclusion

  • Successfully installed Corsair iCUE RGB Elite Liquid CPU Cooler.