Installation

To install the H170i on an AMD system, you will need to remove the Intel brackets, which simply slide out. At this point, you can slide the AMD brackets into place. Then secure the mounting clips to the bracket via two thumbscrews but don't tighten them just yet, leave them loose. Next, if you have a thermal paste you prefer, remove the pre-applied Corsair TIM and use your own—make sure to do a better job than I have for the photo.


While you can mount the radiator first, I find it easier to mount the pump first since I have more room to work with. To do so, position the pump over the CPU and then slip the mounting clips over the hooks on the AMD motherboard brackets. With that done, tighten the thumbscrews bit by bit, alternating between the two as you go. You can now mount the radiator and fans without too much trouble.


Finally, run the wires as best as you can, plug them into the proper ports on the Commander CORE hub, and plug that into an open USB header on your motherboard. After that, install the iCUE software for full control.

Overall, the installation was fairly straightforward for both platforms. While the wiring can be a bit of a mess, it is par the course for an ARGB-equipped cooler these days. That said, the Intel installation was even easier, and I would say the mount itself is of better quality. I am not a fan of using the default AMD mounting brackets that come standard on their motherboards. A backplate with standoffs would give four points of contact rather than two, which I would prefer. Even if they use the default backplate, just having some screw pillars to hold everything in place would be better overall.