ROG Edition 20 Full System Build Guide

Before installing any components, the motherboard must first be stripped of its external covers and cooling structures to prepare for assembly.

Step 1: Remove the I/O Cover Plate
Detach the ROG-branded rear I/O cover plate from the back panel area.

Step 2: Remove the Upper Decorative Cover
Remove the upper decorative shroud located at the top section of the motherboard.

Step 3: Remove the Crosshair Edition 20 Frame
Detach the Crosshair Edition 20 photo frame positioned above the CPU socket.

Step 4: Remove the Edition 20 Plaque
Remove the Crosshair Edition 20 plaque located below the CPU socket area.

Step 5: Release the Lower M.2 Heatsink
Press the red-arrow-marked button to release the lower M.2 heatsink assembly.

Step 6: Release the 3DVC M.2 Heatsink
Press the second red-arrow button to detach the 3DVC M.2 heatsink.

Step 7: Remove the Gold ROG Logo Plate
Remove the gold ROG Crosshair Edition 20 logo plate. The motherboard is now fully stripped and ready for further assembly steps.

Step 1: Open the CPU Socket
Press the socket lever downward, push it slightly outward, then lift it fully to release the lock. Open the load plate until it remains in the open position.

Step 2: Check Alignment Markers
Locate the small triangle marker at the top-left of the socket. Also note the alignment notches on the sides, which prevent incorrect CPU orientation.

Step 3: Install the CPU
Align the triangle on the CPU with the marker on the socket, then place the CPU straight down into the socket. Do not slide or tilt it.

Step 4: Avoid Contact with Sensitive Areas
Do not touch the contact pads on the underside of the CPU or the pins inside the socket, as this may cause damage or contamination.

Step 5: Lock the Socket
Close the load plate and press the lever back down, securing it under the retention tab.

Step 6: Remove Protective Cover
The black plastic socket cover will eject automatically during locking. Keep it stored safely for future use.

Step 1: Locate the M.2 Slots
Identify the M.2 slot positions on the motherboard.

Step 2: Remove Thermal Pad Film
Peel off the protective film from the thermal pads on the heatsinks to ensure proper thermal contact.

Step 3: Check SSD Type
Determine whether the SSD is single-sided or double-sided:
Single-sided SSD: requires installing the rubber support pad (included in the motherboard accessory kit) to prevent PCB flex under heatsink pressure
Double-sided SSD: typically does not require additional support

Step 4: Install the SSD
Align the SSD keying notch with the M.2 slot, then insert it at approximately a 30-degree angle until the gold contacts are fully seated.

Step 5: Secure the SSD
Press the tail end of the SSD downward until it clicks into the retention latch, confirming it is locked in place.

Step 6: Reinstall the Heatsink
Remove the protective film from the underside thermal pad of the heatsink, reseat it over the SSD.

Step 1: Set the Motherboard Aside
Temporarily place the motherboard aside before moving on to the chassis preparation.

Step 2: Remove the PSU Shroud
Slide the rear PSU shroud to the “Release” position and remove it from the case.

Step 3: Remove the PSU Bracket
Detach the right-side PSU mounting bracket.

Step 4: Remove the Fan Bracket
Remove the cooling fan bracket located on the left side of the chassis.

Step 5: Reorient the Chassis
Flip the entire chassis and lay it flat with the front panel facing upward to prepare for motherboard installation.
 

Step 1: Position the Motherboard
Lower the motherboard into the chassis and align all mounting holes with the standoffs.

Step 2: Prepare Screws
Retrieve the screws labeled “F” from the chassis accessory kit.

Step 3: Initial Placement
Loosely install all screws first to ensure proper alignment of the motherboard.

Step 4: Cross Pattern Tightening
Tighten screws in a diagonal cross pattern, alternating corners instead of following a circular sequence.

Step 5: Gradual Tightening
Tighten all screws progressively and evenly, rather than fully securing one screw at a time.

Step 6: Final Check
Ensure all screws are fully seated and secured, preventing vibration issues or potential electrical short risks.

Step 1: Align the Radiator Bracket
Position the AIO radiator bracket so that its mounting holes align with those on the radiator.

Step 2: Verify the Orientation
Ensure the bracket is installed in the correct orientation. The side that mounts to the chassis should face the same direction as the radiator tubes.

Step 3: Secure the Bracket
Fasten the bracket to the radiator using the provided screws, and verify that it is securely attached.
 

Step 1: Remove the AMD Retention Brackets
Remove the AMD retention brackets from the motherboard.

Step 2: Prepare the Pump Block
Take out the Ryujin 360 Edition 20 AIO cooler. Remove the protective cover from the copper pump base and peel off the protective film from the thermal pads on both sides of the pump block.

Step 3: Position the Pump Block
Align the copper pump block over the CPU, ensuring it is correctly positioned with the top and left edges of the motherboard socket area.

Step 4: Secure the Pump Block
Tighten the mounting screws around the ROG logo using a diagonal cross-tightening pattern to apply even mounting pressure across the CPU.

Step 5: Secure the VRM Cooling Contact
Using the VRM Mounting Screws included in the AIO accessory kit, fasten the VRM cooling contact to complete the installation.
 

Step 1: Stand the Chassis Upright
Carefully return the chassis to its upright position.

Step 2: Remove the Upper Corner Panel
Remove the top decorative corner panel. This requires removing screws and disconnecting LED cables, so handle the wiring carefully.

Step 3: Remove the Structural Corner Piece
Detach the structural corner piece underneath the panel to open up routing space for the AIO tubing.

Step 4: Install the Radiator Bracket
Insert the radiator bracket into the rear chassis slots and slide it to the right until it locks into place.

Step 5: Reinstall Structural Components
Reinstall the corner structural piece, reconnect the LED cables, and secure everything with screws.

Step 6: Reattach the Decorative Panel
Snap the decorative corner panel back into position and secure it.

Step 7: Mount the Radiator
Secure the radiator to the chassis using its mounting screws. Ensure all fasteners are fully tightened.

Step 1: Install the Power Supply Unit
Slide the PSU into the PSU bracket, ensuring correct orientation within the chassis design.

Step 2: Secure the PSU
Use the screws from bag “E” to fasten the PSU to the bracket.

Step 3: Mount the PSU Bracket Assembly
Align the PSU bracket assembly with the chassis mounting holes and seat it into position.

Step 4: Secure the Assembly
Fasten the PSU bracket assembly to the chassis using the appropriate screws, ensuring all points are fully tightened.

Step 1: Verify Fan Orientation
Fan connectors are facing upward
The ROG logo faces outward, away from the radiator

Step 2: Align with Radiator Mounting Holes
Position the fans so their mounting holes align with the radiator.

Step 3: Secure the Fans
Fasten the fans to the radiator using the provided screws.

Step 4: Connect the Cables
Connect all fan power and control cables properly.

Step 1: Route Power Cables
Feed all power cables into the chassis from the rear side.

Step 2: Connect to the PSU
Connect the opposite ends of the cables to the power supply unit, matching the labels on both the cables and PSU ports.

Step 3: Reinstall the PSU Shroud
Reattach the PSU shroud cover and slide it into the locked position.

Step 1: Switch to the Front Side
Flip the chassis back to the front-facing working position.

Step 2: Remove the Cable Management Cover
Loosen the screw at the bottom-right of the cable management cover next to the motherboard, slide it upward, and remove it.

Step 3: Connect Main Power Cables
Begin connecting all power cables and relevant system connectors while managing cable routing.

Step 4: Route AIO Tubes
Route the AIO tubing neatly along the top of the chassis, ensuring no sharp bends or interference with other components.

Step 5: Connect System I/O Cables
Connect motherboard I/O extensions, power connectors, and all necessary signal cables, referring to the motherboard, chassis, and PSU manuals for exact port locations.

Step 6: Reinstall Cable Cover
Once cable management is complete, reinstall the upper cable shroud and secure it in place.

Step 7: Reattach I/O Cover Plate
Snap the ROG I/O cover plate back into position.

Step 8: Connect Remaining Bottom Cables
Connect all remaining cables located at the lower section of the motherboard.

Step 9: Install Cross-Flow Fan
Using screws from bag “H”, mount the cross-flow fan from the chassis accessories. Ensure proper alignment with mounting holes before tightening.  
 

Step 1: Install the Slim Motherboard I/O Frame
Install the slim motherboard I/O frame first.

Step 2: Install the GPU Support Bracket
Fit the GPU support holder into the right-side chassis slots, align it with the mounting holes, and secure it with screws. This bracket is laterally adjustable and should be positioned according to the GPU length before tightening.

Step 3: Install the GPU I/O Bracket
Mount the GPU I/O bracket on the left side of the chassis and secure it.

Step 4: Reinstall Cable Shroud
Lay the chassis flat again. Reinstall the cable shroud by sliding it into alignment with the chassis holes and securing it.

Step 5: Install the Graphics Card
Locate the primary PCIe x16 slot on the motherboard. Insert the GPU vertically and press firmly and evenly until it fully seats with an audible click.

Step 6: Secure the GPU
Stabilize the graphics card and fasten it to the chassis using screws from bag “G”.

Step 7: Connect PCIe Power
Connect the PCIe power cables, ensuring all connectors are fully seated with no partial insertion.

Step 1: Open the Memory Slot Latches
Open the retention clips on both sides of the DIMM slots.

Step 2: Handle the Memory Properly
Hold each memory module only by the edges. Do not touch the gold contacts at the bottom.

Step 3: Align the Notch
Align the notch on the RAM stick with the key ridge in the memory slot.

Step 4: Insert at an Angle
Insert the module at a slight angle to establish initial alignment.

Step 5: Press Down to Secure
Press down evenly on both ends until the retention clips snap into place.

Step 6: Repeat for Remaining Modules
Repeat the same process for all additional memory sticks.

Step 7: Dual-Channel Configuration
For a two-stick dual-channel setup, install the modules in slots 2 and 4 instead of 1 and 2. This is the correct configuration on most AM5 and LGA1851 platforms and ensures proper dual-channel operation.

Step 8: Lower DIMM Slot Option
The lower DIMM slots can be fitted with either the ROG Edition 20 logo plate or the Memory Q-Fan module.

Step 1: Align the Screen Base
Align the notch on the screen base with the radiator tube orientation on the pump head.

Step 2: Check the Mounting Clip
Ensure the mounting clip on the left side properly engages with the pump base to secure the screen.

Step 3: Apply Pressure Correctly
Do not press on the top surface of the screen. Apply even downward force only from the base to seat it properly onto the pump.

Step 4: Remove GPU Protective Film
Peel off the protective film from the right-side display area on the graphics card.

Step 5: Connect the Screen Cable
Connect the GPU display ribbon cable.

Step 6: Connect Power Cable
Attach the 3-pin power cable to the pump display power connector.

Step 7: Turn Power ON
Switch the power to ON to activate the display system.
 

Step 1: Power Down the System
Ensure the system is completely powered off before beginning.

Step 2: Remove the Pump Display
Remove the pump display from the front of the AIO cooler and disconnect the OLED cable.

Step 3: Remove Installed Components
Remove the Memory Q-Fan module, the magnetic ROG logo badge, and the graphics card.

Note: Before removing the graphics card, release the PCIe slot latch through the Q-Release Switch, then pull the card straight out smoothly.

Step 4: Position the Chassis
Place the protective foam included with the chassis accessories on a flat surface, ensuring the grooved side faces the chassis. Carefully lay the chassis flat onto the foam.

Step 5: Remove the Bottom Bracket
Remove the connecting bracket from the bottom of the chassis, along with the support feet on both sides.

Step 6: Reinstall the Support Feet
Install the support feet onto the left and right sides of the chassis, then tighten them securely.

Step 7: Reattach the Decorative Panel
Reinstall the decorative panel and secure it with screws.

Step 8: Reinstall Removed Components
Lift the chassis off the foam and reinstall the graphics card, Memory Q-Fan module, magnetic logo badge, pump display, and OLED cable.

Step 9: Complete Horizontal Mode
Verify that all components are properly reinstalled. The chassis has now been successfully converted to Horizontal Mode.

Step 1: Return the Chassis Upright
Place the chassis back into its upright position.

Step 2: Disassemble the Connecting Bracket
Take the connecting bracket removed earlier and separate it into its individual bracket pieces.

Step 3: Remove the Rubber Plugs
Remove the rubber plugs from both support feet.

Step 4: Install the Right Bracket (R)
Secure the bracket marked “R” to the support foot closest to the cooling fans.

Step 5: Install the Left Bracket (L)
Secure the bracket marked “L” to the support foot nearest the PSU.

Step 6: Complete Angled Mode
Verify that both brackets are securely installed. The chassis has now been successfully converted to Angled Mode.