The iBUYPOWER AW4 360 AIO Cooler Review: A Good First Effort

Conclusion

The iBUYPOWER AW4 360 mm AIO liquid cooler is a solid entry into the competitive market of triple-fan liquid coolers, especially considering it is the company's first attempt at releasing a cooling solution under its own brand. Priced at $99, the AW4 offers a compelling value proposition for users seeking a balance between performance, aesthetics, and cost. While it may not revolutionize the industry, it certainly holds its ground against similar offerings from more established brands.

In terms of performance, the AW4 does a commendable job of managing CPU temperatures, particularly under high-load scenarios. With an average thermal resistance of 0.0759 °C/W at its maximum fan speed of 1940 RPM, the cooler performs well, though it slightly trails behind some of its direct competitors. The cooler's efficiency decreases slightly at lower loads, but it still maintains a fair level of cooling efficiency when the fans are operating at half speed, with an average thermal resistance of 0.0858 °C/W at 1000 RPM.

Acoustically, the AW4 is competitive but not exceptional. At full fan speed, it produces a sound pressure level (SPL) of 43.2 dB(A), which, while tolerable, is on the higher end compared to some rival coolers. This noise level may be noticeable during intensive tasks but it is unlikely to be a deal-breaker for most users. When the fans are running at half speed, the noise level drops to a more comfortable 35 dB(A), making it a quieter solution for everyday use and brings it to a much more competitive place in our charts.

Aesthetically, the AW4 is well-designed, with a clean and modern look that will complement most gaming setups. The RGB lighting on the main block is subtle yet effective, adding a touch of visual flair without being overwhelming. However, the lack of included RGB controllers means that users must have a compatible motherboard to take full advantage of the lighting features, which could be an inconvenience for some.

Overall, the iBUYPOWER AW4 360 mm AIO liquid cooler is a strong first effort from the company. It offers good thermal performance, reasonable acoustics, and a visually appealing design at a competitive price point. While it does not stand out as the absolute best in its class, it is certainly a viable option for gamers and PC enthusiasts looking for a reliable and aesthetically pleasing cooling solution. With a few refinements, future iterations could see iBUYPOWER becoming a more significant player in the cooling market.