Recently, we have mainly focused on Vinga cases, but there is much more of interest in their arsenal. For example, if you need an affordable liquid cooling system with lighting, the manufacturer has something to offer. The model we will discuss today features not just simple LED illumination, but full-fledged ARGB - it can be synchronized with other components.

We are talking about the Vinga Wanderer-360. Its purchase will cost you 2490 UAH ($92), making it one of the most affordable AIOs on the market in the 360 mm format. Agree, it looks quite attractive. Let's find out how it performs. But first, let's take a look at the detailed specifications.

Specification

Packaging and Contents 

The cooling system is packed in a cardboard box with an image of the device on the top side. On the back, there is a detailed specification and a description of the main advantages of the product.

Inside is a papier-mâché tray with compartments for all AIO components and related accessories. They are packed in polyethylene bags.

The supply package includes:

• plastic support plate;
• a set of mounting posts, screws, washers, and nuts;
• a tube of thermal paste with a spatula;
• lighting control controller.

Appearance and Design

The design of the Vinga Wanderer-360 is generally not surprising. We have a familiar combination of a pump and a radiator. They are connected by two flexible braided tubes with a length of 380 mm.

To reduce the final cost, the cylindrical water block is made in a plastic case. At the top, there is a plastic semi-transparent insert hiding the company logo and lighting LEDs. The standard dimensions of the water block do not pose any problems with its placement even in the most compact case.

For connection, a 3-pin cable without braiding with a length of 29 cm is used. However, to activate the lighting, a second cable with a length of 48 cm must be connected. It has a branch for sequential connection of fan lighting cables.

The tubes enter the water block from the side through L-shaped fittings. They can be rotated left and right with slight resistance.

The diameter of the copper base is 54 mm. It is secured with eight screws and is very well polished.

The radiator is made of aluminum. Its dimensions are 394x120x27 mm. The design consists of 16 longitudinal channels for coolant circulation, with numerous ribbon-type fins soldered between them: the thickness of the partitions is approximately 0.2 mm, and the distance between the plates is on average 1.3 mm. The fin density reaches 20 FPI.

On one end of the radiator, there is a sticker with the serial number and barcode, as well as the outlet for two fittings, onto which hoses are pressed. There is also a neck for refilling the coolant, but it is covered with a warranty sticker.

The radiator is cooled by three fans with ARGB lighting. According to official data, the fans support PWM speed control of the blades in the range of 900 - 1800 ±10% RPM with a maximum noise level of no more than 31.3 dB. The declared maximum airflow is 49.4 CFM or 83.9 m³/h. 

4-pin cables without braiding, 47 cm long, are used to connect the fans. Cables 62 cm long are provided for the lighting. 

The fans are mounted to the radiator using long bundled screws with a crosshead.

Lighting control can be implemented in two ways. Firstly, using the bundled controller with three buttons, powered by a SATA connector. The "S" button is responsible for changing the lighting speed; "L" changes the brightness, and with "M" you can select the operating mode (over 55 modes are claimed).

Secondly, the lighting connector can be connected to the motherboard, allowing it to be synchronized with other components.

Installation Process

The Vinga Wanderer-360 cooling system is compatible with AMD Socket TR4/AM4 and Intel Socket LGA2011 / LGA1156 / LGA1155 / LGA1151 / LGA1150 processor sockets. We will demonstrate the process using the GIGABYTE B550 AORUS PRO with Socket AM4.

In this case, everything is as simple as possible since the standard AMD mounting is used.

Simply apply thermal paste to the processor, attach the bundled AMD mounts to the pump, place the pump in position, and secure it with spring screws.

With active illumination, the AIO looks very pleasant.

Testing

The performance of the Vinga Wanderer-360 is at a very good level. At maximum fan speed, it surpasses the more expensive ASUS ROG STRIX LC 240 RGB by 2-3°C. The Noctua NH-U12A air cooler with two fans also fell short of the tested liquid cooler. The advantage of the latter at maximum speed was about 2-4°C.

The noise level is as follows:

Conclusion

The Vinga Wanderer-360 cooling system left a good impression. First of all, it attracts attention with its low price. It is one of the most affordable AIOs on the market in this format with ARGB lighting.

Some simplifications had to be made for this. For example, the water block is made of plastic, and the fans produce an unpleasant hum at maximum speed. However, the performance of the Vinga Wanderer-360 is more than sufficient even at lower fan speeds, especially if you do not plan to overclock hot flagship processors.

Overall, the Vinga Wanderer-360 can be a very successful and profitable purchase if you need an affordable and efficient AIO, and your case can accommodate a 360 mm format model.

Advantages:

• support for a large number of platforms;
• excellent performance in its segment;
• ARGB lighting of the water block and fans;
• pleasant design;
• refill capability (with warranty loss);
• easy installation.

Features:

• high noise level at maximum fan speed.

Author: Kostiantyn Shorokhov
Translation: Liliya Masyuk 
Link to the review on gecid.com