Installation

You will want to prep the cooler first. Put the fans back on the radiator and make sure to connect the PWM Y-cable first. Using the eight screws Zalaman included, install the mounting clip for the socket next. While eight screws are a bit much in my opinion, they will definitely secure the mounting clip to the pump well.


With the fans attached and the pump ready, it's time to install the four brackets to the radiator. These brackets allow users to move the radiator a bit, which increases compatibility with motherboard heatsinks, etc. First, you will want to get the brackets ready for mounting. Start with the black brackets and end caps and arrange them as shown, putting the metal bracket's nuts into place and sliding the caps over those, which should hold them in place snugly. With that done, attach the brackets to the radiator as shown.


With all the prep work done, it's time to mount the Reserator 3 Max Dual. First, prepare the backplate with the double-sided tape and put the backplate's nuts into place, securing them with the caps. Once done, put the backplate into place and apply some thermal compound. With those steps done, the pump can now be mounted.


Line the mounting clip's holes up with the mounting holes on the motherboard and use the proper screws to tighten the pump down. With that done, plug the pump and fans into the motherboard's CPU fan headers to finish the installation procedure.

The mounting hardware Zalman provided with the Reserator 3 Max Dual is a bit confusing; however, the included manual greatly simplifies things. Overall, the mounting hardware works well and secures the cooler to the motherboard exceptionally well and with good mounting pressure. Yet the many small pieces make for a rather tedious installation. As such, I would rate the Reserator 3 Max Dual's installation a 7 on a scale of 1 (hardest) to 10 (easiest).