Question Arctic Freezer 3 pro 360 on Z490 Tomahawk

[Spangles]

I picked up an Arctic Freezer 3 pro 360 to replace a dead Kraken cooler on my Z490 MAG Tomahawk MB. I saw there was a separate mounting kit available compatible with the LGA 1200 sockets and thought it would be fine. Reading installation stuff there was a link to a motherboard compatibility list. Unfortunately the Z490 isn't listed in there at all. I can't think of any reason why it wouldn't be ok but hoping someone else may have experience of it.

Any wise words appreciated !
thx

 

[Lutfij]

I think the reason lies with the positioning/placement of the VR area on the motherboard. If you go here;
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09VGNYTD3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
you'll see an Amazon customer review;
https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-...ef=cm_cr_dp_d_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B09VGNYTD3

Further reading;

https://www.reddit.com/r/arcticcooling/comments/1b1jagy/can_i_convert_the_liquid_freezer_3_to_lga_1200/

If I were you, I'd have moved forward with a platform migration or a cooler that was period correct for your platform.

My 2 cents.

 

[Spangles]

Hi,

Thanks for taking the time to help. I haven't tried this yet and am still weighing up if its worth bothering with.

I admittedly did only a limited amount of research as the pump was failing in my Kraken x73 cooler and I was desperate to get a replacement on order. Freezer 2 was recommended, Freezer 3 was out and the availability of the separate mounting kit for LGA 1200 made it seem like a good choice at 2am. When the Kraken pump ceased my pc was jumping to 100 degrees and clocking down enormously so I was eager to get it sorted before it went again.

My initial reaction when I seen the hardware was that I'd send it back. Installation guide included a link to a motherboard compatibility list where my MB wasn't even on the list. Although this could just be due to how old it is.

The more I look at it though I can't see why it wouldn't actually fit ok. So now I have it I am considering it.

The 1st link you have provides is the pack I bought along with it.
The 2nd link to the review images of the Z590 I've had a good look at. The fan header on mine is further out so won't be an issue. The Z590 here seems much more constricted for space than my Z490. The capacitors on the left and right of the processor are the main concern as the frame needs to sit over them.
The 3rd link was a useful read.

You've helped a lot. I hadn't found these. There's a few checks I can do now with some measurements. I might as well now since it's sitting in a box next to me. Also some of the other reviews on the mounting kit were quite positive.

You are right though. I should have went for something directly compatible.
I've put a support ticket into Arctic. Asking them directly as well.

https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/MAG-Z490-TOMAHAWK/Gallery

So I'm now going to measure the clearance on the capacitors aside the processor and also the overall position where the base of the tubes will be. It might be worth a go.

 

[Spangles]

Wow.

Done all my measurements and did not expect the result at all.

Looks like it won't fit but for entirely different reason than any of my main worries. The mount looks like it would fit, the capacitors would be cleared, the fan header is far enough away, the pipes have enough room at the base of the pump.

I was nearly giving it a go.

Then I continued to measure stuff and found out the radiator itself when measured from the centre of the last screw hole to the edge of the unit is 4mm to big for my case. I have a Phantek P500 case. The case is big enough but when its lined up with the screw holes one side is just too long to fit. Damn,

I guess that settles that then.

 

[Spangles]

Apparently not. I've found the elusive 4mm for the radiator. Man this has developed into quite the drama!

 

[Spangles]

Cooler fitted perfectly. Zero issues installing. Quite impressive performance in comparison to kraken x73 it was replacing. Controversial 2 screw cooler attachment on this model actually felt totally solid in result. Very happy with it.