
Swiftech Inc., 1703 E. 28
th
St., Signal Hill, CA 90755 T. (562) 595-8009 F. (562) 595-8769
Parts list
Common parts to both platforms Intel platform specific parts AMD platforms specific parts
Part Qty Part Qty Part Qty
MCW20 ™ assembly 1 Neoprene pads (strip of 4) 1 4-40 x 1 1/2” Philips screws 2
Tube inserts 2 4-40 HOOKS 2 Black fiber washers 6
Arctic Alumina Thermal
compound
4-40 x 3/16” socket screw 0.880” Spring 2 0.300” Spring 2
Socket wrench tool 2 Long bracket (1.10”) 2 ¼” tension limiters 2
1 Acorn nuts 2 Short bracket (.71”) 2
Knurled knobs 2
This product is intended for expert users. Please consult with a qualified technician for installation. Improper installation may result in damage
to your components. Swiftech assumes no liability whatsoever, expressed or implied, for the use of these products, nor their installation. The
following instructions are subject to change without notice. Please visit our web site at www.swiftnets.com
1 Nylon tension limiter ½” 2 4-40 mini-nuts 2
for updates.
I. Preparation steps common to both platforms
Step 1: Pre-installation assembly schematics
Attach the brackets to the water-block with the provided socket wrench tool.
Intel Platforms AMD platforms
Step 2: Prepare the tubing
a. Prepare two pieces of tubing of sufficient length to connect to the
rest of your circuit. The cuts must be square as shown in figure 1 or
leaks may occur:
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Square cut
Figure 1
Figure 3
Figure 2
b. Install the provided plastic tube inserts at each end of the
tubes, as shown in figure 4: these inserts are absolutely imperative
when using any kind of soft tubing, such as vynil, ClearFlex,
Taigon, etc...
Figure 4

c. Spread a little bit of grease or liquid
Figure 5
soap around the tubing. It helps pushing the
tubes in, particularly with Clearflex tubing,
which features a very “sticky” surface.
d. Fully insert both tubes into the fittings. The tip of the plastic tube inserts should be flush
with the inlet and outlet openings, as shown in figure 4 above. Inserting the tubes requires a
firm push, accompanied by a twisting motion.
II. Installation for Intel platforms
1. Prepare your Motherboard
Remove the existing heat sink
Carefully clean the processor, using alcohol
Install the 4 neoprene pads as shown figure 8. This
steps is only necessary if the processor core is exposed.
If the chipset features a heat spreader (a large lid
covering the entire area of the chipset), then the
neoprene pads MUST not be installed.
Lightly coat the processor with the provided thermal
compound. Only a paper-thin coat is necessary. It
should be applied using preferably a razor blade, or a
credit card, held between thumb and index at a 45°
2. Install the MCW20-P™ water-block
angle
TIP! It is preferable to have the tubing inserted
into the water-block BEFORE you install the
block onto the motherboard. This is because
pushing the tubes into the block while it is
already installed could exert undue pressure
onto the microprocessor.
Place the MCW20-P™ onto the processor, as
shown in figure 9: hooks should be engaged
into two diagonal motherboard loops first, then
install the nylon tension limiters (flange facing
down), the springs, and tighten the assembly
with the acorn nuts.
Figure 6
Figure 8
Figure 7
MCW20-P
Acorn nut
Spring
Nylon spacer
Hook
Neoprene
pad
Chipset core
Figure 9
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Swiftech Inc., 1703 E. 28
3. Connect the block to the rest of the cooling circuit.
th
St., Signal Hill, CA 90755 T. (562) 595-8009 F. (562) 595-8769
4. Type of Coolant:
a. For best performance, use 95% distilled water, and 5% Swiftech brand “HydrX” corrosion inhibitor (available here:
http://www.swiftnets.com/store/category.asp?CatID=2
b. In ALL cases, you MUST use Distilled water AND a corrosion inhibitor with the MCW5002 water-block. Regular
automotive anti-freeze is acceptable. Automotive manufacturers recommend that not less than 25% is used.
c. NEVER use tap water, even for a short-term test.
d. Not following paragraphs b and c above constitutes misuse (*) of the product, and will void your warranty.
4. Final inspection
Once the installation is completed, it is always a good idea to test the circuit for leaks, prior to powering up the computer. If
using Swiftech’s fill-and-bleed kit, such test can be done without any liquid into the circuit. Please refer to the FBK525 installation
guide for details. Troubleshooting help is available on our web site at www.swiftnets.com
8009.
, under the “accessories” section).
, or by calling customer support at 562-595-
III. Installation for AMD platforms
Remove the motherboard from the chassis
Remove the existing heat sink
Carefully clean the microprocessor, using alcohol
Install the provided screws through the motherboard,
using a black fiber washer on both sides of the
motherboard, and tighten the nuts.
Install the motherboard back into the chassis
Lightly coat the microprocessor with the provided
thermal compound. Only a paper-thin coat is necessary. It
should be applied using preferably a razor blade, or a credit
card, held between thumb and index at a 45-degree angle.
TIP! It is preferable to have the tubing inserted into the
water-block BEFORE you install the block onto the
motherboard. This is because pushing the tubes into the
block while it is already installed could exert undue
pressure onto the microprocessor.
Slide down the MCW20-A over the retention screws,
as shown figure 10, then install the nylon tension limiters
(flange facing down), the springs, and tighten the assembly
with the knurled knobs. Over tightening of the assembly is
prevented by the tension limiter. Users should be cautious
nonetheless, as nylon can be easily crushed.
1. Preparing your Motherboard
2. Installing MCW20-A™ water-block
Page 3 of 2
4-40 x 1 1/2“ philips screw
Figure 10
3. Connect the block to the rest of the cooling circuit.
The block is designed in such a way that it will bleed itself automatically in any vertical orientation (computer standing-up).
Type of Coolant:
4.
a. For best performance, use 95% distilled water, and 5% Swiftech brand “HydrX” corrosion inhibitor (available here:
http://www.swiftnets.com/store/category.asp?CatID=2
, under the “accessories” section).

b. In ALL cases, you MUST use Distilled water AND a corrosion inhibitor with the MCW5002 water-block. Regular
automotive anti-freeze is acceptable. Automotive manufacturers recommend that not less than 25% is used.
c. NEVER use tap water, even for a short-term test.
d. Not following paragraphs b and c above constitutes misuse (*) of the product, and will void your warranty.
5. Final inspection
Once the installation is completed, it is always a good idea to test the circuit for leaks, prior to powering up the computer.
Troubleshooting help is available on our web site at www.swiftnets.com
, or by calling customer support at 562-595-8009.
Note concerning removal of the tubing in quick-connect fittings: Push in the collet squarely against the face of the fitting
using swiftech’s tube removal tool, or a wrench of approximately the same opening diameter as the tube (1/2” +). The collet is the inner plastic
ring protruding from the face of fitting. It fits loosely into the fitting, and can be moved up and down by approximately 1/8”. With the collet
firmly held against the face of the fitting, the tube can be safely pulled out. Do not attempt to pull the tube out without pushing squarely against
the collet. This may result in damaging the fitting.
Figure 11
Figure 12
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES
While all efforts have been made to provide the most comprehensive tutorial possible, Swiftech assumes no liability expressed or implied for any
damage(s) occurring to your components as a result of using Swiftech cooling products, either due to mistake or omission on our part in the above
instructions, or due to failure or defect in the Swiftech cooling products.
WARRANTY
Our products are guaranteed for 12 months from the date of delivery to the final user against defects in materials or workmanship. During this period,
they will be repaired or have parts replaced provided that: (I) the product is returned to the agent from which it was purchased; (II) the product has
been purchased by the end user and not used for hire purposes; (III) the product has not been misused (*), handled carelessly, or other than in
accordance with any instructions provided with respect to its use. This guarantee does not confer rights other than those expressly set out above and
does not cover any claims for consequential loss or damage. This guarantee is offered as an extra benefit and does not affect your statutory rights as a
consumer.
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