MSI MAG CORELIQUID A15 360 Installation
Like most AIOs, the installation of the be MSI MAG CORELIQUID A15 360 is a very straightforward process. As DIY PC building seems to be getting more popular each and every day, the option of AIO liquid coolers is sure to entice those wanting to have a more advanced build, and easy installation will go a long way towards not scaring off first-time builders. As I mentioned when I covered the included accessories, MSI has included all of the necessary mounting hardware for modern AMD and Intel platforms, though they have opted for a digital installation manual. We are seeing more companies move to digital versions of their product manuals, and while I appreciate their reduced waste, I still prefer a physical copy of installation instructions.
Our testing is performed with the fans in a push configuration, and as MSI has already mounted the fans in this orientation, that was a step that we could skip past.
As previously mentioned, the MAG CORELIQUID A15 360 has universal mounting hardware installed, so there is no need to install any AMD mounting hardware to the pump housing for my Ryzen 7 7600X test system.
The MAG CORELIQUID A15 360 does not use the factory AMD mounting clips for securing the cooler to the motherboard, so I did have to remove the plastic mounting brackets in order to secure the cooler to the motherboard. Instead, a set of threaded standoffs are first fitted to the CPU backplate.
With the mounting hardware in place and thermal paste applied to the CPU, it is time to line up the cooler with the brackets, and tighten everything down. The use of four spring-tensioned screws makes the rest of this installation very simple. Next up is attaching the radiator to the top of our case. Using the twelve included screws, simply align them with the appropriate mounting points on your case, and tighten.
In addition to the standard 4-pin PWM and 3-pin ARGB cabling, MSI has also included the ability to utilize a JAF connector for the ARGB and pump connector, bringing both of those items into a single connector with seven total pins. This allows builders with a compatible motherboard with a JAF header to use just a single connection for this need.
With all of the hardware in place and the wiring complete, it is time for testing.
Gallery
Here are a few shots of the MAG CORELIQUID A15 360 powered on and running.
