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As we are installing the cooler on the Z170 platform, we will be following installation instructions for socket LGA1151.
Installation starts with the backplate. There are four long screws which need to pass through the mounting holes, and these screws lock into place in the backplate with a pressure fit. With all four installed, you can then slot the backplate into place on the rear of your motherboard.
Four standoffs can then be installed, which need to be screwed down over the four long mounting screws.
With the standoffs firmly screwed into place, the CPU block itself needs to be prepared. There are two brackets included, a set for Intel and for AMD, which can be mounted to the side of the block with four small screws.
Once the CPU block is ready you can place it atop your CPU, and secure it using the four included thumb screws. It's a pretty simple process overall that only took around 5 minutes, with the only hindrance being the four longer screws which would fall out of the backplate from time to time.
Connecting up all the cables is also relatively simple. Each of the three 4-pin RGB connections, two from the fans and one from the pump, can be connected directly to the controller, and that receives a SATA power connection from your PSU. The fans themselves were connected to the included splitter, and then to the CPU fan header. Lastly, the micro USB cable connects to the pump, then also to a PSU SATA power connection.
The RGB lighting covers enough of the bases, but is a little basic. With the included controller, you have access to modes like static, breathing, strobing and gradient colour cycling, which is just about enough to keep us happy. The lighting does look great on the ringed fans though, and the Antec logo on the top of the block also lights up. It’s not the brightest lighting but still shines through well in a darker room.
