AIO: How should I mount the radiator of my AIO cooler?

How you mount your AIO cooler to your computer case is important. An optimal mounting position not only decreases the amount of noise, but it also increases the longevity of your cooler.

• Best practices for mounting a radiator
• What are ideal ways to mount the radiator?
• What if I cannot mount my radiator in those two positions?

Best practices for mounting a radiator

In general, you want to make sure that:

• The radiator is in a higher position in the loop than the pump. This ensures that the air is captured at the top of the loop and does not go into the pump.
• The side of the radiator where the tubes are connected should not be at the top of the loop. When air is collected at the top, having the radiator mounted with the tubes down means air is not sucked into the tubes and the pump.

What are ideal ways to mount the radiator?

Radiator mounted at the front with the tube side at the bottom

One good mounting position is to mount the radiator of the cooler at the frontal area of the case interior. The side of the radiator where the tubes connect should be at the bottom, and the pump should be mounted in a position where it is slightly lower than the top of the radiator, where air is captured.

Radiator mounted on top of the case with tubes down

One good mounting position is to place the radiator at the top of the case with the tubes pointing downwards. This ensures the pump is below the radiator and that air will sit at the top of the loop and not be sucked into the tubes.

What if I cannot mount my radiator in those two positions?

If your case does not allow you to mount your radiator at the front of the case with the tubes down or at the top of the case, you can mount your radiator at the front of the case with the tubes up as a last resort.

If you do so, make sure that your cooler pump is mounted in a lower position than the top of your radiator. This will reduce the amount of air bubbles that enter the pump through the tubes, reducing the amount of noise made by the cooler.