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Our test system uses an ASRock Phantom Gaming X870E Nova WiFi motherboard and AMD Ryzen 9 9950X CPU, so I'll quickly run you through the installation process on AM5. The installation process for AM4 will be the same, Intel is slightly different as it requires the MSI backplate to be installed; however, the process is simple on either platform since the cooler uses a universal upper mount.
Installation on AMD AM5 requires the stock motherboard plastic upper retaining brackets to be removed. The compatible MSI CPU block standoffs need to be fitted to the motherboard and thermal compound manually applied to the CPU IHS, as there isn’t any pre-applied thermal compound to the base of the CPU block from the factory.
Then the CPU block is lowered and fastened in place using the four spring-loaded screws. For even contact between the CPU block and the IHS, tighten the screws evenly and progressively, a little at a time, in a cross pattern.
For the wiring, connect the extension cable to the fans, the 4-pin PWM fan cable to a motherboard PWM fan header, usually labelled CPU_FAN and connect the 4-pin pump power to another motherboard PWM header, usually labelled CPU_OPT or AIO_PUMP. The RGB cable is connected to a motherboard 3-pin 5V ARGB header. Connect the USB cable from the CPU block LCD to a motherboard USB 2.0 Header.
Since the MSI MPG CORELIQUID P13 260 uses all standard motherboard header connections, no additional hub is required for the cooler to fully function. Once the radiator is mounted in the case and the aesthetic cover placed over the CPU block mount, that’s the hardware installation complete.
To control the LCD screen features, MSI Centre software needs to be installed. From there the user can control and configure the LCD screen to display custom images, GIFs and show real-time system info. The software is easy to find on the MSI website, installation is simple and the configuration of the LCD screen isn’t too difficult. Overall, the installation is straightforward.
