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CPU Cooler

There are several ways to install CPU coolers. The installation varies depending on the design. In principle, the motherboard should be removed - provided there is no recess for installing coolers.

Installation of a push pin cooler: 

With this type of installation, the mainboard can remain in its housing. The cooler is placed over the pins on the board, and the pins, pointing away from the heatsink with the arrows, are pushed through the board. This is done crosswise to avoid one-sided tensioning of the mainboard.

Installation over mounting lugs:

With this simple installation, the cooler is simply hooked into the AMD mounting lugs and possibly slightly screwed in to increase the contact pressure.

Installation via mounting hardware:

Note: With this type of installation, the mainboard must be removed if there is no recess in the housing for installing a cooler! Look through the supplied assembly material and find the parts required for your installation. Install the cooler according to the instructions.

Further installation instructions can be found at support.arctic.ac 


A 4-pin fan connection should always be used with PWM coolers. It does not matter which fan connection is selected. Either "CPU_FAN" or "CPU_OPT" are recommended. With the Liquid Freezer II, connection to a pump header leads to a permanent, unregulated speed of 100%.
Basically, the selected CPU cooler must be able to keep the CPU at moderate temperatures. The higher the temperature, the higher the power consumption and the potential of decreased lifespan and performance. The lowest possible CPU temperature protects your components and ensures stability.

The length of the backplate threaded sleeve is different on some AMD AM4 motherboards. You can get a free compatible backplate from us on request. Please send us a message with the subject 'Freezer 34 - AM4 Backplate', the desired shipping address and proof of purchase to support@arctic.ac.

If the standoffs are not long enough, the base area may be damaged during further assembly!

The CPU cooler is responsible for adequately cooling the processor in the computer. The CPU continuously transfers its high temperature to the base plate of the cooler, where it is dissipated in a tower cooler via the heat pipes to the actual heat sink, where it is distributed on the fins. The cooling fins are cooled down by the airflow generated by the fan.
Our CPU coolers should never be used with liquid metal (such as Thermal Grizzly Conductonaut), as they can cause strong oxidation when they come into contact with aluminum and copper. The base plate can be damaged to the point of material failure.
Socket 115X and Socket 1200 are mechanically identical, so you do not need a new CPU cooler or additional mounting parts.
The installation is also completely identical.
But please make sure that the cooler can handle the heat emission of your new CPU.
The maximum installation height of RAM modules must not exceed 37.5 mm when using these coolers! We recommend low profile RAM with smaller heat sinks.
No. On most processors, the hotspot is located in the middle of the CPU (on newer AMD processors, it is slightly shifted outwards). In any case, the bottom plate of the cooler sits above the dies and thus covers the hotspots. It does not necessarily cover the whole IHS (integrated heat spreader), but this is not required to achieve extraordinary cooling results. 
The PWM settings can be configured using appropriate software or directly in the BIOS, which is better. The curve is often configured using key values. This means that a temperature is assigned to a percentage value. If this temperature is reached, the fan rotates above the speed previously specified using PWM.

An increased CPU temperature can have several causes. First, you should clean your computer and check that all fans are rotating normally. If this is the case, the thermal paste should be replaced.
This is principally a matter of taste. Water cooling systems are often more powerful, but they also have a pump, which makes these coolers more complex. This means that, in addition to the fans, they have another source of noise and a potential weak point, which is why many enthusiasts still swear by air cooling.
In general, our warranty terms and conditions apply, which govern your rights as a consumer against Arctic in the event of defects in materials or workmanship of your Arctic product. Modified or opened water cooling systems lose all warranty claims. The affected hardware must be sent in and will be analyzed on a case-by-case basis.
CPU coolers can be constructed in different ways. A basic distinction is made between air and water coolers. There are radial and tower coolers for the air coolers. In the case of radial coolers, the heat sink sits directly on the processor, in the case of tower coolers the heat sink and base plate are connected to one another via so-called heat pipes. Inside is an extremely fast-boiling liquid that maximizes the speed of heat transfer within the pipe. In addition to the air coolers, there are also liquid-cooled coolers. In these, the heat generated by the components is pumped by means of a pump over water into a heat exchanger, which is cooled by fans. In the field of water cooling, a distinction is made between closed systems - so-called "AIO coolers" and complex "custom liquid cooling".

The number of fans connected in series depends on the output of the motherboard. Motherboard fan connectors typically have an output of 1 to 2 amps. The current rating of our fans can be found on the back of the motor hub and under the technical details.

Example using the Liquid Freezer II 360: The water pump and the VRM fan together have 2.7 W/0.225 A and a P12 PWM fan has 0.96 W/0.08 A.

Water pump and VRM fans as well as 6 fans in push-pull configuration can easily be connected in series on a 1 amp motherboard connector.

Steve from GamersNexus explains you the mistakes to avoid while assembling your water cooling AIO in your PC case.

The featured video is independently produced by GamersNexus, ARCTIC has been authorized to use by GamersNexus.

Most case manufacturers indicate the maximum CPU cooler height in their specifications. Please follow these specifications to make sure that the cooler fits into the corresponding case. If no specifications are available, please contact the case manufacturer or measure the distance between your motherboard tray and your side panel. If this distance is greater than the height of the cooler + 15 mm (mainboard stand-offs + mainboard + CPU), the size of your case should be adequate.
Unfortunately, some motherboards have problems when using the offset mounting.
More detailed information can be found in our blog:
An example of an affected motherboard is the Asus Crossfire Hero VIII.

GPU Cooler

In general, we try to diversify our graphics card cooler compatibility as widely as possible. We are compatible with graphics cards from AMD and NVIDIA in the reference design. To determine the compatibility of custom models, please check PCB dimensions as well as component height and spacing.
Our graphics card coolers can be connected in different ways. Most coolers and cards can use the regular fan connector on the graphics card. However, with newer "RTX" graphics cards a special adapter cable is included. If the cable is not included in the scope of delivery, please send a short message to customer service with proof of invoice and the shipping address. If none of the connection options mentioned can be used, the fan can be operated via a special "4-pin to Molex" cable with a fixed voltage of either 7 V or 12 V. The fan speed is fixed and cannot be regulated. 7 V represents a compromise between volume and performance, while operation via the 12 V cable allows maximum fan performance.
With a little luck, the temperature and volume of old, loud graphics cards can be reduced by replacing the thermal paste. If this doesn't help, a quieter, more powerful GPU cooler can help. It often helps the graphics card to perform better and in any case, to reduce the work volume.
At this point of time, none of our ARCTIC GPU-coolers is compatible with Nvidia's newly released RTX 3000-series cards.
Basically, the same criteria apply here as for the CPU cooler: a lower temperature has positive effects on the volume, performance and lifespan of the graphics card. It is important that the new cooler is within the TDP specification of your graphics card, as this is the only way to ensure that the heat generated can also be dissipated in a timely manner.
The backside cooler is used to cool components such as graphic RAM and voltage converters via the back of the PCB. Although the backside cooler makes a graphics card considerably thicker and heavier, it can easily be returned to the delivery state, since no thermal adhesive is used.
To ensure full compatibility with newer RTX cards, Accelero Xtreme coolers are now in their second revision. An additional adapter cable and another mounting plate are included. If you have received revision 1 and need the appropriate accessories, please write a message to cs@support.arctic.ac.

Case Fans

In addition to the size and speed of a fan, airflow and static pressure are two important indicators for evaluating the performance of a fan.
For airflow, the amount of air transported is specified either in cubic meters per hour (m³ / h) or alternatively in CFM (cubic feet per minute). In contrast, static pressure is measured in mm H²O with the so-called (milli-) meter water column and corresponds to the pressure in the specified water depth.
Information on the airflow therefore indicates the maximum amount of air that can be moved by the fan, whereas figures on the static pressure provide information about the pressure at which the air is transported.

Static pressure is important for cooling performance in situations where completely free air circulation is not possible. This can be a narrow-meshed housing inlet, or radiators and heat sinks with their closely spaced cooling fins. To guarantee a high air circulation through these resistors, the highest possible static pressure is required.

Without a correspondingly high static pressure, the desired air circulation can not be achieved, which means that cooling capacity is lost.
No, the fan is not defective. Thanks to the new motor technology, our new PWM fans come with the so-called 0 dB mode. If the PWM signal falls below 5%, the fan stops and is therefore completely silent.

If the operating load of the computer increases again and more cooling is necessary, the fan is informed via PWM and starts again. This happens fully automatically. 
You can only configure the PWM settings via your BIOS. Otherwise, please read the user manual for your mainboard.

The number of fans controllable via PWM sharing technology on a fan connector depends on the output of the motherboard and the current of the respective fans. Motherboard fan connectors typically have an output of 1 to 2 amps. The current rating of our fans can be found on the back of the motor hub and under the technical details.

Example: If a fan has a current strength of 0.2 Ampere and the motherboard fan connector has 1 Ampere, up to 5 fans can be operated in series via PWM Sharing Technology.


Four fans without PST technology can be connected in series via the PST Cable Rev. 2. Their speed is synchronised.

Parallel control of up to ten fans is possible via the Case Fan Hub.

There are two categories of ARCTIC case fans: P-fans and F-fans. While F-fans are used where airflow is required, P-fans work in such a way that they generate high static pressure. This makes P-fans particularly suitable for use on heat sinks, radiators or dust filters. The BioniX fan is a gaming fan available in both series and different sizes. Its extended speed range and special optics make it the ideal fan for gamers. The product name shows whether a fan has PWM. A "PST" in the product name identifies our popular PWM sharing technology, in which the PWM signal of a fan is shared with other fans. A "CO", on the other hand, indicates that the fan is optimised for continuous operation. Thanks to a double ball bearing, this has a longer service life and can be operated for years without interruptions.

A 3-pin case fan can easily be connected to a 4-pin connector on the motherboard. The fourth pin is simply left blank in this configuration. In most cases, it will then run unregulated at a fixed speed. Some newer boards offer the possibility to adjust the fan speed by voltage. Look for the option "Fan Control Mode" and set it from "PWM" to "Voltage" or "Analog". See the manual of your mainboard for detailed information. It is also possible to install a 4-pin fan on a 3-pin connector. Here the fan runs at full speed, too, provided the type of control has not been modified. 
Stagnant air is a very ineffective conductor of heat. Without air circulation, high-performance PC components would quickly build up heat and consequently suffer thermal throttling.

The rotating movement of the fan blades mechanically generates airflow. This airflow in the housing or on the heat sink helps to remove the warm air and draw in new, cooler air. This has a huge impact on cooling performance.
Yes, the 120 mm versions of the new P-fans can be connected to existing Freezer 32 and Freezer 33 models without any problems. This should generally lead to improved cooling performance.

At the same time, you can reap the benefits of the new motor technology and increased color variations of the PWM-capable P-fans. 
Thanks to the new motor technology of the PWM-capable P-fans, only 5% of the commutation vibrations of a conventional DC motor occur. A modern sinus magnetization guarantees an even distribution of force, eliminating the need for an additional rubber buffer.
Click here for an explanation of how PWM Sharing Technology (PST) works:
If you want to replace the fans of a compact water cooling system from a third-party manufacturer with the ARCTIC Bionix P140, it is possible that the pre-assembled screws may not fit. Compatible screws are available from ARCTIC support. To request these, please send an inquiry with the attached invoice for the P-fans to: cs@support.arctic.ac
4-Pin Assignment Pin Assignment 3-Pin Assignment

Thermal Interface

ARCTIC primarily offers two types of thermal interfaces: thermal paste and thermal pads. Paste usually performs better when it comes to thermal transfer, but due to its consistency can sometimes be an obstacle for beginners. A modification is the thermal adhesive of our graphics card cooler. When applied, it behaves similarly to the paste, but when dried it creates a rather permanent connection and is no longer that easy to remove. Thermal pads do not have quite as good conductive properties as pastes, but they can be cut to size and shape, making them easier to use, especially for beginners.
The surface of a heatsink is never completely flat. Its surface is covered with microscopic abrasions caused by the manufacturing. Direct contact would create air spaces that have an insulating effect on heat transfer. Therefore a filler material with very good thermal conductivity is required to compensate for the unevenness between the cooler and the chip and to fundamentally improve the heat transfer.
When using our paste, you do not have to worry about possible short circuits, since it is neither electrically conductive nor capacitive. Due to their viscosity, excess paste can simply be wiped off before drying.
The best way to effectively remove thermal grease is to wipe it off with a cloth dampened with isopropanol alcohol. Stubborn hardening can be wiped off with light pressure.
Thermal pads are relatively easy to use. However, there are also a few points to consider here: For example, you should never use thermal grease and pads together, as this can worsen the desired effect! Furthermore, you should not stack and place thermal pads on top of each other. They are available in different thicknesses. Stacked thermal pads can create a build-up of heat and damage your hardware! Furthermore, pads that have already been used should generally not be reused, but replaced. All residues must also be removed to avoid new bumps and to ensure ideal heat dissipation.
The look of our thermal paste packaging has changed several times over the years.
However, the formula has remained unchanged, which is why our MX pastes have stood for high performance and quality for years.
Thermal paste can be applied in different ways. While some only place a little in the middle and have them evenly distributed by the contact pressure of the cooler, you can also spread them beforehand or apply them in a specific pattern. It is only important that the entire surface of the processor is covered by a thin film. You can find a video tutorial on applying thermal paste here:
In the unopened state, our thermal paste can be stored for up to 8 years. Our syringes are resealable, so you basically don't have to worry about drying them out prematurely. Even when applied, our paste convinces with its durability. As soon as you feel changes in the temperature, the noise level or the performance, you should clean your PC and replace the thermal paste.
The Lucky Draw is a raffle for our MX customers, in which we raffle US $ 1000 every month. To participate, all you have to do is scan the QR code on the back of your MX-2 or MX-4 packaging and register on lucky.arctic.ac. Further details can be found in the conditions of participation for your country: 
Unlike with liquid metal, no corrosion damage can occur when using MX pastes. Carefree work is guaranteed at all times.

Monitor Mounts

A monitor arm frees up space on your desk. Your screen(s) can be optimally positioned and customized to meet your eye level, which means you avoid neck and back pains while simultaneously improving your posture. This contributes to a better, more comfortable gaming experience, especially when using multiple monitors.

Our monitor arms can be installed quickly, easily and without the need for additional tools. Everything you need for standard assembly is included. With the Pro and 3D models, direct screwing of the monitor arm to the table is also possible with so-called „desk hole mounting“. This method requires a 10 - 70 mm hole at the point where the hub is to be positioned.
Our models are suitable for mounting one to three monitors. Using the appropriate extensions from the Pro series, up to two additional screens or even a laptop can be attached to the monitor arm. Monitors can be used both in landscape and portrait format.

Connect the USB hub to your PC using a USB cable.

This connection ensures the basic data transfer between the hub and the PC.


Optionally, for optimal power supply to all connected devices:

1. Plug the included USB-A to DC barrel connector cable into the barrel connector on the SuperSpeed USB hub.

2. Use a USB power adapter (not included). Connect the USB-A to barrel connector to the power supply, then connect the power supply to a power source.

Note: Monitor arms of the previous series (Gen 3 Rev 1) have a Micro-USB connector instead of the DC Power Jack. No cable is included with these products.


Our functional monitor mounts offer several decisive advantages, starting with the quality: they are extremely stable and durable. The mounting system is simple, and the integrated cable management contributes to an orderly workspace. Our extensive product range offers suitable solutions for attaching up to three monitors to one monitor arm. In addition, we offer expansion kits for attaching one to two additional screens and a laptop holder. With the exception of the Z Basic Series, our monitor arms have four easy-to-access USB ports.
The robust base of the monitor arm can be quickly and easily attached to a table edge or in a table hole using the adjustable clamp. Once the base is secure, all that's left is to screw the VESA mount onto the screen and in a few simple steps, the monitor arm is mounted. Our monitor arms have a mounting knob that allows you to customize the pivot function by tightening and loosening in seconds according to your needs. It is not necessary to unscrew the monitor for this purpose.
The screen should have a minimum size of 13" and may measure up to 43", depending on the model. Our monitor arms are designed for different weights; some models can hold up to 15 kg per monitor. A monitor arm‘s compatibility also depends on the hole spacing, which is specified in the VESA standard.
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