Hydro X:How to install your HYDRO X Series XG5 RGB GPU Water Block onto your 30-series reference graphics card

This article contains instructions and a video to help you install your CORSAIR HYDRO X Series XG5 RGB GPU Water Block onto your reference design NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30-series graphics card.

NOTE: If you want to use the integrated RGB illumination of the XG5, you will need either a CORSAIR iCUE Commander PRO / CORE XT or a Lighting Node PRO controller, which will let you use the iCUE software to program and control the visual effects.

Video instructions

Step 1: Prepping your graphics card

The first step is to prep your graphics card for installation of the water block.

1. Unscrew the PCI slot mounting bracket from the graphics card.
   
   
   
2. If your graphics card has a backplate, unscrew it from the graphics card.
3. Unscrew the GPU heatsink retention bracket from the graphics card.
   
   
   
4. Remove the graphics card PCB from the heatsink assembly.
   • Make sure you carefully disconnect the fans from the onboard headers.
5. Use a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol to remove the old thermal paste on your GPU.

Step 2: Installing the water block

Once you have removed the graphics card PCB from the original heatsink assembly and cleaned off any old thermal paste, you can now install the water block.

1. Remove the plastic cover from the XG5 coldplate.
2. Mount the graphics card GPU onto the XG5, making sure to align the holes.
3. Use the provided screws to secure the graphics card onto the XG5.
   
   
   
4. Connect the XG5 to your CORSAIR lighting controller or the motherboard ARGB header with an adapter.
   
   

Step 3: Installing your XG5 into your custom cooling loop

The final step is to install the XG5 into your system's custom cooling loop. You will need two CORSAIR XF G1/4" BSPP threaded-type fittings to install the XG5 into your custom cooling loop. You can purchase these on the CORSAIR Webstore.

NOTE: Make sure you do NOT use one of the water block ports on the XG5 as both your inlet and outlet; this will result in fluid bypassing the water block.

1. Install the two CORSAIR XF G1/4" BSPP threaded-type fittings into the water block ports of the XG5; make sure you tighten the fittings by hand and do NOT use any tools to tighten (e.g. pliers).
   
   
   
2. Close the remaining ports of the XG5 using the G1/4" plugs.
3. Tighten the plugs using the plug tool included with your fittings.
   • NOTE: Do NOT use a screwdriver, as it can damage the surface of the plugs.
4. Install the appropriate tubing for the XF compression-fitting type you used.
5. Use the locking ring to secure the tubing to your custom cooling loop.
   • NOTE: If you used fittings other than compression fittings, use the appropriate securing method for that fitting type.
6. Leak test your cooling loop before turning on your PC.