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

Testing Results, Maximum Fan Speed

Our maximum speed testing is performed with both the fans and the pump of the kit powered via a 12V DC source. This input voltage should have the pump and fans matching the speed ratings of the manufacturer. According to the company’s specifications, the fans included should have a rotational speed of 2000 RPM. Our tachometer indicated that the fans were rotating at an average speed of 1940 RPM, very close to their rated specifications.

The iBUYPOWER AW4 360 mm cooler demonstrates commendable performance across various loads, with an average thermal resistance of 0.0759 °C/W at its maximum fan speed of 1940 RPM. While this figure is slightly higher than some other 360 mm coolers, it is fair considering the relatively modest maximum speed of the supplied fans. The cooler performs very well under high loads but loses some efficiency when the load is very low.

At full fan speed, the AW4 maintains a sound pressure level (SPL) of 43.2 dB(A), which, while tolerable, is a little high compared to what the immediate competition offers. 360 mm coolers, like the AW4, typically do not require their fans to run at maximum speed, as they can manage the thermal load of most CPUs efficiently without doing so.

Testing Results, Low Fan Speed

Using a PWM voltage regulator, we reduced the speed of the fans manually down to half their rated speed. At this setting, the 120 mm fans of the AW4 rotate at 1000 RPM.

With its fans operating at half speed, the iBUYPOWER AW4 360 mm cooler demonstrates fair cooling efficiency with an average thermal resistance of 0.0858 °C/W. It tends to be more efficient when the loads are high but not by much.

The acoustic performance of the iBUYPOWER AW4 is acceptable when its fans operate at half speed. At 1000 RPM, the cooler maintains a relatively low noise level of 35 dB(A), which is a very good figure as far as user comfort is concerned and fairly low for a 360 mm cooler.

Thermal Resistance VS Sound Pressure Level

During our thermal resistance vs. sound pressure level test, we maintain a steady 100W thermal load and assess the overall performance of the coolers by taking multiple temperature and sound pressure level readings within the operating range of the stock cooling fans. The result is a graph that depicts the absolute thermal resistance of the cooler in comparison to the noise generated. For both the sound pressure level and absolute thermal resistance readings, lower figures are better.

While the iBUYPOWER AW4 may slightly trail some similar designs in its category, it remains competitive in the market. It offers good thermal performance that remains fairly consistent and shows minimal impact from changes in airflow. Expectedly, its overall performance is on par with similar cooling solutions, however it does lag a little behind some of its direct competitors.