Installation

Compared to most coolers I have tested, I will say MSI and Asetek get it right when it comes to making the installation easier on AMD's AM4 platform. The stand-offs screw into the AMD backplate and secure it in place. This means you don't have a backplate, spacer, screw, and mounting arm to juggle around just to get things ready. Instead, the process is dead simple. Secure the screw pillars to the AMD backplate, apply thermal paste, and once the pump's default Intel mounting plate is replaced with the AMD mounting plate, secure it to the motherboard via the included thumbscrews.


Next, mount the radiator and fans, after which you can connect the wiring and replace the pump cover. It's overall a very simple process.

Overall, the installation was fairly easy and straightforward for both platforms. My only gripe is that the unit is designed to have all the fans connected to the pump, which then offers control via software thanks to a USB header connected to the motherboard. The software works fine and is not overly bloated with useless junk, either. It offers users the ability to change the image on the LCD screen or have it display fan RPM, CPU temperature, etc. You may also control each fan individually, including the pump, giving users a great deal of freedom to determine that all-important sweet spot of noise to performance. It also offers ARGB lighting control, which is where the software should be improved.