Keeping Your Rig Frosty

Is your CPU hitting thermal limits during an intense gaming session? There is nothing worse than frame drops when you are one kill away from a Chicken Dinner. If you are struggling with high temps, it is time to upgrade your cooling solution. Learning how to install a 120mm AIO CPU liquid cooler is one of the most effective ways to lower your thermals without needing a massive case. 🔧

Choosing the Right Hardware

Before you start, you need to ensure you have the right gear. Whether you are building from scratch or upgrading an existing PC, browsing our full range of CPU coolers is the best place to start. For those leaning toward a sleek liquid setup, our dedicated AIO liquid cooler section features options to suit any budget.

If you want premium aesthetics and top-tier pump performance, you cannot go wrong with a Corsair AIO. Alternatively, for gamers who want high-end thermal dissipation at a competitive price point, Deepcool liquid coolers are a firm favourite in the South African market. ⚡

Preparing for Installation

Once you have your cooler, clear your workspace. Ensure your motherboard is ready and your thermal paste is at the ready. While many modern coolers come with pre-applied paste, keep a spare tube handy just in case. If you find that a 120mm unit isn't enough for your overclocking ambitions, you might want to look at a 240mm radiator setup or even a 360mm radiator if your chassis supports it. 🚀

TIP

Installation Pro Tip ⚡

When mounting your radiator, ensure the tubes are at the bottom if mounted at the front of your case. This prevents air bubbles from getting trapped in the pump block, which can cause annoying clicking noises and shorten the lifespan of your unit.

Mounting the Block

  1. Remove the old cooler and clean the CPU surface with isopropyl alcohol.
  2. Install the correct mounting bracket for your socket (Intel or AMD).
  3. Apply a pea-sized amount of thermal paste to the centre of the CPU.
  4. Secure the pump block evenly in a cross-pattern to ensure uniform pressure.
  5. Connect your fan headers to the CPU_FAN or AIO_PUMP headers on your motherboard.

Take your time. There is no rush when you are dealing with delicate pins and thermal paste. Once everything is secured, boot up your BIOS to ensure the pump is detected and running at the correct RPM. ✨

Ready to Find Your Perfect Match? Keeping your system cool is the first step toward peak performance. Whether you need a compact 120mm cooler or a heavy-duty thermal solution, browse our complete range of cooling components and get your rig running ice-cold today.