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.