How to Install a CPU Cooler

How to Install a CPU Cooler

How to Install a CPU Cooler

Installing a CPU cooler correctly is critical for keeping your processor running at safe temperatures. A poorly mounted cooler — even with great thermal paste — can result in high temperatures, throttling, and reduced component lifespan. This guide covers both air coolers and AIO liquid coolers.

Before You Start

  • Check your cooler is compatible with your CPU socket (AM5, AM4, LGA1700, LGA1851, etc.)
  • Check your case supports the cooler height (air) or radiator size (AIO — 240mm, 280mm, 360mm)
  • Have thermal paste ready (skip if your cooler has pre-applied paste)
  • Have your motherboard manual open for CPU_FAN and CPU_OPT header locations

Installing an Air Cooler

  1. Install the backplate — most coolers include a backplate that mounts behind the motherboard. Feed the screws or posts through the motherboard holes from the back.
  2. Attach the mounting brackets — fit the socket-specific brackets to the front of the motherboard, aligning with the backplate posts.
  3. Apply thermal paste — a pea-sized dot in the centre of the CPU IHS. See our thermal paste guide for methods.
  4. Lower the cooler — align the cooler base with the mounting holes and lower it straight down onto the CPU. Do not slide it.
  5. Tighten in a cross pattern — tighten screws diagonally (top-left, bottom-right, top-right, bottom-left) gradually. Don’t fully tighten one screw before moving to the next.
  6. Connect the fan — plug the cooler fan into the CPU_FAN header on the motherboard. If you have a second fan, use CPU_OPT.

Installing an AIO Liquid Cooler

  1. Plan radiator placement first — decide where the radiator will mount (top, front, or rear). Top-mount is generally preferred for heat exhaust.
  2. Mount the radiator and fans — attach fans to the radiator, checking airflow direction (fans should push air through the radiator and out of the case). Mount the radiator to the case.
  3. Install the pump block — follow the same backplate and bracket process as an air cooler. Apply thermal paste if not pre-applied.
  4. Lower and secure the pump block — same cross-pattern tightening. Even pressure is critical.
  5. Connect headers — pump to CPU_FAN (or AIO_PUMP if available), radiator fans to CHA_FAN headers or a fan hub.
  6. Cable management — route tubes and cables neatly. Ensure tubes are not kinked or under tension.

Verifying Installation

  • Boot into BIOS and check CPU temperature at idle — should be 30–45°C for most coolers.
  • Run a stress test (e.g. Cinebench, Prime95) and monitor temperatures — should stay below 90°C under full load for most CPUs.
  • If temperatures are unexpectedly high, reseat the cooler and check thermal paste coverage.