Cooler Master: Elite Liquid, External Cover Mod with Mini Display

I've heard an old tale story:

• if there is a pump, there must be a cover

• if there is cover, there shall be a screen

So I followed :)
No AI used on the photos - screen graphics and QR code are real and coded into the microcontroller.

This project replaces the stock pump cover of the Cooler Master Elite Liquid with a custom 3D printed version that integrates a small round display.

I used the Waveshare RP2350 Touch LCD (1.46"), which is inexpensive and widely available and easy to implement (USB-C powered, programmable chip inside). You can show animations, logos, or anything else you want. This makes the cover not just decorative, but a smart display module.

Design Decision

I’m aware that Cooler Master provides both external and internal covers for the unit. For this project, I chose to modify the external cover, as it allows full use of the touch display functionality.

Additionally, the available clearance between the internal and external covers in the assembled state is not clearly documented. Since I don’t currently have access to the Cooler Master Elite Liquid unit, I focused on the external modification only.

I may revisit the internal cover design in the future once I have the opportunity to work directly with the hardware.

Planned functionality

My plan is to measure cooling performance using ΔT:

ΔT = air intake temperature vs air exhaust temperature on the AIO radiator fans

For this, I’m using 2× DS18B20 temperature sensors.
This could later be used to control case fans based on real cooling performance.
On the photos you see deeply modified LVGL demo, written in VSCode on C++, ready for future build. 

Parts required:

1. 1x Cooler Master Elite Liquid (obviously)

2. 1x RP2350-Touch-LCD-1.46 (link to manufacturer Wiki, board is inexpensive and widely available for purchase)

3. 1x Slim USB-C 90° angled cable (recommended for tight space, I use the one from Adafruit)

4. 3× M2 bolts (6–8 mm) for mounting

5. 2× DS18B20 temperature sensors (optional, depending on your project)

   • recommend probe version with wires

Printing:

The model consists of two parts, both already oriented for printing:

1. External pump cover
   - Elite Liquid Cover RP2350 display mod.step
   - snaps in place of the original cover
   - internal cover is not needed

2. Mounting plate for the display module
   - RP2350_board_mount_plate.step
   - photos are with v1 now, however, in the files there is v2 - optimized for better AIO LED's glow   

3. third file is a test stand to check snap fit of the cover, you see that on the photos
   - test_stand.step (totally optional)

Since there are no fine details, a 0.25 mm layer height works perfectly.
On the Prusa CoreOne+ print time is about 1.5 hours.

Materials:

I recommend printing with ASA if you have an enclosed printer, for better heat resistance and durability.
However, even PLA/PETG works fine in cases with good airflow.
For best visual results, use matte white or natural filament, which diffuses the pump LEDs nicely and creates a soft glow.

Assembly:

1. Snap the mounting plate into the cover from the inside
   - You may choose the board orientation (left or right), depending on your preferred USB-C cable routing
   - Screen orientation can be adjusted later in software
   - Gently push the plate until it clicks into place
   - The plate should be secured by 4 small notches

2. Connect the USB-C cable to the display

3. Route the other end of the USB-C cable through the assembly
   - Use the half-arc opening (see photos)

4. Carefully place the display module into the opening
   - Do not apply force, as this may damage the LCD
   - The screen should sit flush with the top surface of the cover

5. Hold the display in place and turn the assembly upside down

6. Align the mounting holes with the display module and secure it with M2 bolts

7. Install the cover onto the pump

8. Connect the USB-C cable to your PC or any other 5V power source

NOTE:

The programming and firmware are not included in this project. However, the setup process is well documented on the Waveshare wiki, and there are many available tools to help customize the display.

As I do not currently have access to the actual Cooler Master Elite Liquid unit, I cannot guarantee a perfect fit. To mitigate this, I created and printed a test stand to verify the snap-fit mechanism (visible in the photos).

If you encounter any issues or have feedback, please let me know.