MPG CORELIQUID P13 Installation
Like most AIOs, the installation of the be MSI MPG CORELIQUID P13 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 MPG CORELIQUID P13 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 MPG CORELIQUID P13 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 risers is first fitted to the CPU backplate.
With the mounting hardware in place on the motherboard, 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 thumbscrews makes the rest of this installation very simple.
Lastly, as it relates to the pump housing, a simple, yet elegant, cover is magnetically held in place to cover up the mounting hardware. This gives a nice finished look to the cooler, something a lot of other brands to take a lesson from.
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. With the use of MSI’s Streamline sleeving carrying the power and control cabling up from the pump housing, this is where you have a couple of options for connecting all of the associated cabling to your system.
MSI has also utilized the 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. Those without an available JAF header will need to utilize the included JAF to PWM and 3-pin ARGB adapter cable. The remaining USB 2.0 and PWM connector for the fans were routed to their respective headers.
With all of the hardware in place and the wiring complete, it is time for testing.
