Installation

Due to a platform swap, I will be installing the G.SKILL ENKI 360 on an AMD Ryzen 3900X system. To do so, you will need to remove the plastic brackets on the motherboard. Next, reuse the AM4 backplate included with the motherboard; you will need the AMD mounting screws, black plastic spacer, and appropriate mounting arms. The easiest way to secure everything is to first position the screw in its hole on the mounting bracket. Now, slide the plastic spacer over the screw while making sure the wider opening is facing towards the motherboard. With that done, line the mounting arm screw up with the backplate and tighten it slightly, and repeat this process for the other side of the mounting arm. Once both sides are attached to the backplate, tighten them up to secure everything. Repeat this process for the second mounting arm. With everything in place, you can now move on to the next step if you're using the pre-applied thermal paste. However, if you have a preferred paste, you will want to apply it now.


Next, take the mounting screw and slide the springs over the screw, followed by the washers. Now, line up the pump and secure it by tightening each screw in an alternating pattern. With that done, install the radiator and fans using the provided screws and washers.


All that remains is to route all the cables and hook them up. Sadly, G.SKILL doesn't include a PWM splitter, so if you don't have one, you will have to order one. This is a glaring oversight—one should have been included.

Overall, the installation was fairly easy and straightforward; however, there are many improvements that could be made. For example, the screws used to secure the cooler to the mounting arms could be captive to the pump's mounting plate. This would make it a bit less tedious. Rather than using bolts that pass through the mounting arms, I am sure many AM4 users would like to see screw pillars that secure the backplate and make securing the mounting arms easier, as seen on Intel's mainstream sockets. Trying to hold so many pieces in place can be annoying.

As for Intel mainstream systems, the process is a bit easier thanks to the backplate. Position the proper screws in the backplate and use rubber o-rings to secure them. It is then just a matter of positioning the backplate on the motherboard with the plastic spacers, all of which stays in place a great deal better than on the AMD system when the case is vertical. Otherwise, the process is essentially the same as for the AMD installation after the mounting arms are secured in place.

As for pet peeves, there's no excuse for the lack of a PWM splitter with three fans. It is basically mandatory, especially on a cooler that has an MSRP of $179.99.