Aorus X299X Xtreme Waterforce Motherboard Review

Installing a waterblock is no different from installing any heatsink or CPU waterblock.  You first install the required components such as the CPU, and then secure the cooler.

The first step will be to install your processor and any NVMe drives you plan to run.  At this point I would recommend locating where the RGB headers are and be prepared to partially install the monoblock while attempting to connect the RGB headers.  That part is pretty easy but does take some time.

Next I like to install some thermal compound on the CPU.  Personally I prefer the 5-dot method however you can do whatever you want.

Be sure to remove the protective plastic from the thermal pads.  That will ensure good thermal contact between your components and that they are designed to cool.

Please don’t be one of those who leave the plastic covers on.

There are a number of screws used to secure the monoblock to the motherboard and they all need to be installed.  I started with the four near the CPU socket first.  Start by placing the monoblock on the motherboard close to where it needs to be.  This is also when you need to install the RGB headers and since they will be under the monoblock you’ll need to do this before the block is settled in place.

From there I flip the board over being careful to support the monoblock and install the four screws around the CPU.  Be sure to use the included protective washers.  The monoblock only goes on one way and once you get it settled in the proper place everything will naturally line up.

When you are done you should have something that looks like this.  Of course the final step will be to install your fittings and prepare the board for installation.  I’m using a set of 7/16” soft compression fittings from XSPC and will be hooking that into my self contained pump res radiator combo.