Installing the Kraken Core - Connecting the Pump Cap (AMD)

Updated September 29, 2025 16:17

For installation with Intel sockets, check out the guide here.

Installing the Kraken Core is an easy, fairly straight forward process with no need for additional breakout cables, USB connections, or dedicated controllers. This guide will cover installing the Kraken Core with the following AMD sockets:

AMD AM5
AMD AM4

The Kraken Core is not officially compatible with any other AMD sockets (i.e. AM3, FM2, TR4, etc.).

What hardware do I need?

For this step of the guide you will need the following hardware from the accessory bag:

G AMD AM5/AM4 Retention Bracket
H AMD Socket AM5/AM4 Standoff
L Universal Retention Screws

Installing the Standoffs

This step is best done before installing the motherboard in the case, however many cases will include a generous cutout for easy access to the back of the motherboard.

Remove the stock AMD mounting clips from the motherboard by unscrewing the four screws holding securing them. If you have an AM4 motherboard, it is recommended to remove one bracket at a time, installing its standoffs from the next step to prevent the backplate from falling off the motherboard.

With the mounting clip removed, screw the H AMD Socket AM5/AM4 Standoffs to the exposed posts that were previously used by the mounting clips.

If the motherboard is not installed in the case at this stage, finish installing the motherboard before continuing.

Replacing the Retention Bracket

You will need to replace the pre-installed D Intel Retention Bracket before securing the cap to the motherboard.

Remove the plastic cover from the Cap, then pull the bracket away from the tubes on the cap.

With the Intel bracket removed, secure the G AMD AM5/AM4 Retention Bracket by aligning it with the slots on the side of the Cap and pressing it towards the tubes.

Securing the Cap

Align the pump cap with the four standoffs, keeping to tubes to the right of the CPU socket. Secure the cap to the motherboard using the four (4) L Universal Retention Screws.

Start by loosely securing all four screws, then tighten them in an X-pattern as shown in the image above.

Powering the Pump

To power the pump, connect the 3-pin Pump DC Connector from the Cap to one of the following headers on your motherboard:

AIO_PUMP
- Depending on your motherboard, this may also be called CPU_OPT or CPU_FAN2. For more information refer to your motherboard user's manual.
CPU_FAN

Should I use AIO_PUMP or CPU_FAN?

The header you should use will depend on what options are available on your motherboard. If your motherboard does not have an AIO_PUMP header or an equivalent connector as mentioned above, it is recommended to use the CPU_FAN header.

Connecting the 5V ARGB

The Kraken Core's cap lighting is powered exclusively by 5V Addressable RGB (ARGB), which is found on many motherboards under various names such as ADD_HEADER, JRAINBOW, D_LED, ADD_GEN2, etc. For more information refer to your motherboard user's manual.

Connect the 5V Female Connector from the Cap to an available 5V ARGB header on your motherboard. If your motherboard does not feature 5V ARGB headers, you may need to use a compatible third-party adapter.