Installation

Installing the iBUYPOWER AW4 360 mm is an easy process, although the mounting mechanism for AMD is not my favorite. To start with you will want to install the radiator fans to make the mounting and cable routing process easier. Next you will need to remove the pre-installed Intel bracket and replace it with the AMD bracket. Then attach the clips to the bracket with the thumbscrews. Keep these loose for now.


If you plan to use the pre-applied thermal paste you do not need to apply any. However, those with a preferred paste will want to remove the pre-applied TIM and then use their own. With that out of the way position the pump block on the CPU and hook the clips onto the black plastic mounting brackets on the motherboard. Once both are in place tighten the thumbscrews, alternating often for even pressure.


Now secure the radiator to the chassis and connect the fans to the 3-way splitter before connecting the splitter to your CPU fan header. Make sure to plug in the pump 3-pin header to your alternative CPU or PUMP header. Finally, plug the ARGB header into the corresponding header on the motherboard.

Overall, the installation is pretty straightforward on AMD and Intel, with no major hurdles or headache-inducing design choices. My only gripe is the two attachment points used on AMD. While this setup works fine with air coolers, I find on liquid coolers four attachments gives a better TIM spread, and typically units using four attachment points perform better even if only by a miniscule margin when all else is the same.