iBUYPOWER is a U.S.-based company notable for its custom-built gaming PCs and peripherals. Established in 1999, the company offers an extensive range of self-branded products, including pre-built desktop computers, laptops, and gaming accessories. These products cater to various performance needs, from casual gaming to high-end competitive gaming. iBUYPOWER is particularly recognized for its customizable gaming PCs, allowing users to select specific components according to their preferences. The company’s self-branded peripherals, such as keyboards, mice, and headsets, are designed to complement their gaming systems, providing a cohesive experience for gamers.
iBUYPOWER also offers a variety of cooling products, including air and liquid cooling solutions, tailored to ensure optimal thermal performance and custom aesthetics for their gaming systems. While most of these products are sourced from other manufacturers, the company is also expanding into offering their own cooling products. The most notable of these is the new AW4 360 mm AIO liquid cooler. This review will focus on the AW4 AIO, evaluating its design, cooling efficiency, and overall performance within high-demand gaming and computing environments.
iBUYPOWER AW4 360 ARGB AIO Cooler Specifications |
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Type | All-in-One Liquid Cooler | ||
Dimensions | 397 x 120 x 52 mm (radiator with fan) | ||
Fans | 3 x 120 mm Hydraulic Bearing Fans 2000 RPM (max) |
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RGB | Yes (ARGB) | ||
Supported Sockets | Intel: LGA1700 / LGA 115x
AMD: AM5 / AM4 |
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Warranty | 3 Years | ||
Price | $99 |
Packaging & Bundle
We received the AW4 in a long, sturdy cardboard box that hints at the cooler’s dimensions. The black/red box is adorned with abstract shapes and a rendering of the cooler itself. Inside the box, the cooler is securely placed within custom-designed cardboard inserts, ensuring its protection during transit.
iBUYPOWER provides only the essential parts required to use the AW4. Inside the box, we found a basic manual, the necessary hardware to mount the cooler, and a cable for powering the three cooling fans. We should note that there is no LED controller included; a compatible motherboard is required for the LED lighting to function.
The three 120 mm fans included with the AW4 feature the iBUYPOWER logo, but their OEM remains unidentified. They have an advanced sleeve bearing engine, notched fan blades, and soft anti-vibrational pads on their frame’s edges. There are no LEDs on them. Their speed range is relatively narrow, varying from 700 to 2000 RPM.
The iBUYPOWER AW4 360 mm AIO Liquid Cooler
At first glance, the iBUYPOWER AW4 360 mm cooler closely aligns with the standard design of most 360 mm AIO coolers on the market. This cooler follows the typical AIO configuration, featuring a single radiator, two hoses, and a combined block that integrates a copper CPU contact plate with a compact liquid pump. iBUYPOWER employs black sleeved low-permeation rubber tubing, enhancing both flexibility and visual appeal.
The substantial radiator of the AW4 360 mm cooler, measuring 397 mm in length, requires a case capable of accommodating three 120 mm fans in sequence, with enough space for the radiator’s additional dimensions. With a thickness of 27 mm, the radiator requires a total clearance of 55 mm when paired with fans to ensure proper installation. It follows the prevalent dual-pass cross-flow design, featuring small fins soldered onto thin, oblong tubes. There are no company logos or other adornments on the radiator.
The main block of the iBUYPOWER AW4 360 mm cooler is the only part of the cooler designed to draw attention. It features a smooth, round body with a high-gloss semi-transparent top cover displaying the company logo. The LEDs under the cover create an eye-catching faux 3D visual effect. The hoses are connected by 90° fittings on its side, and two cables exit from the same area—one 4-pin power cable and one for the RGB lighting.
At the bottom of the main block assembly, a squircle contact plate is attached to the plastic base cover with eight screws. The surface is not polished to a mirror finish but is sufficiently smooth and flat. A thermal pad is pre-applied to the base.
The RGB lighting of the iBUYPOWER AW4 360 mm cooler is only present at the top of the main cooling block. It is attractive and draws attention without being overwhelming, and it syncs with any other RGB-equipped parts connected to the motherboard’s RGB controller. The downside is that the lighting of the AW4 will not function if it is not connected to a compatible RGB controller.