Since 1992 KWI Technology, Inc., better known as Kingwin have been manufacturing quality cpu coolers and mobile racks for both industrial and personal computers. Along the way, they have branched out into power supplies, external enclosures, fans, controller cards, system coolers and more. And although Kingwin does offer a few affordable racks in sturdy plastic, bulk of their line up of products is built of anodized aluminum garnering them a well deserved reputation for exceptional quality and good looks. Kingwin's small but impressive line of computer cases includes the KT-424, a all aluminum beauty that rivals those made by Lian Li and Cooler Master. Some would say, "Surpasses". So, what happens when a company like Kingwin decides to jump on the water cooling band wagon?

With the AWC-1 Arctic and the AquaStar AS-3000 Kingwin has entered the compact liquid cooling market in a understated, stylish manner that should appeal to many high end case owners who either lack the skill or simply don't like the idea of cutting up a very expensive case. With the entry level market for liquid cooling becoming more and more crowded, Kingwin may have found a niche many others have over looked.

Like so many of their products, both coolers are of aluminum construction and designed to fit in 5.25" drive bays negating the need for extensive case modification so often necessary with more elaborate water cooling solutions. The AquaStar we are reviewing here is Kingwin's "premier liquid cooling solution". And although it takes up two 5.25" bays when installed internally, it also includes side panel stickers allowing it to be used externally. At a price point of $129.99 from CrazyPC this makes the AquaStar one of, if not the least expensive external units on the market.

And like some of the more expensive external coolers, the AquaStar offers a multifunction LCD readout, fan speed control and temperature sensors. And unlike some of the more expensive coolers, the Kingwin kit offers both universal cpu and vga blocks, multicolor LCD readout and something I've never seen in a water cooler, a noise sensor. It would seem you get a great deal for the money.

Package

The AquaStar shipped directly from Kingwin at CrazyPC's request. It arrived on my doorstep in good order thanks to double boxing and what appears to be nesting material for large birds. Inside the bright blue box you can already see Kingwin's attention to detail, someone spent a great deal of time designing this packaging. All the components are separated into logical packages which should help the novice water cooler complete a relatively painless install. A 21 page manual tops the package, both text and pictures document a typical install in great detail.