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Reviewing the most affordable segment of CPU coolers has always been interesting – especially when comparing it with flagship models that cost well over $100. Today, I’ll be taking a closer look at the ID-Cooling SE-224-XTS, a cooler that I initially expected to perform much like its predecessor, the SE-904-XT.
Read also: Reviews of cooling systems (coolers) for PCs
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Technical specifications
- Max. noise level: 28.9 dBA
- Fan dimensions: 120×120×25 mm
- Cooler dimensions: 120×75×151 mm
- Weight: 650 g
- Socket compatibility: Intel 115x, Intel 1200, Intel 1700, AMD AM4/AM5
- Heat sink material: aluminium
- Heat pipes: copper, 4 pcs., direct-contact
- Fan model: ID-Cooling ID-12025M12S
- Connector: 4-pin
- Rotational speed: 600–1600 RPM
- Airflow: 70 cubic feet per minute
- Bearing type: hydrodynamic
Price and Market Position
Interestingly, both coolers are priced in roughly the same range, with each retailing for around $25. The SE-224-XTS is also available in two variants: the Black edition, featuring an all-black finish, and the Essential version, which comes with a standard metallic aluminum finish.
Package Contents
The ID-Cooling SE-224-XTS package includes the cooler itself, a mounting kit compatible with the most common platforms – Intel LGA 1700/1200/115x and AMD AM4/AM5 – a tube of thermal paste, one ID-Cooling ID-12025M12S 120 mm fan, and two sets of fan clips, allowing an additional fan to be installed in a push–pull configuration.
An important detail is the inclusion of two sets of fan clips. This means the ID-Cooling SE-224-XTS supports the installation of a second fan on the opposite side of the heatsink in a push–pull configuration. Dual-fan support is still relatively uncommon in the budget CPU cooler segment, making it a welcome addition.
Design of the ID-Cooling SE-224-XTS
One of the first things worth noting is the heatsink’s asymmetrical design. It is offset to one side, which is especially noticeable when looking at the mounting bracket. One side extends approximately 2 cm from the base, while the other extends about 3 cm.
This offset design provides excellent RAM compatibility, as the fan is positioned farther away from the memory slots. However, depending on the motherboard layout, it may reduce clearance around tall capacitors or oversized VRM heatsinks.
I noticed this while testing the cooler on an ASUS ROG B650E-E Gaming WiFi motherboard. In practice, however, this is unlikely to be a concern for the target audience, considering the cooler costs more than fifteen times less than the motherboard itself. With more mainstream and budget-oriented motherboards, clearance issues of this kind are unlikely to occur.
Overall, the ID-Cooling SE-224-XTS has an attractive appearance and looks noticeably different from the SE-904-XT. This is largely due to the absence of a conventional top cover over the heat pipes. Instead, each heat pipe is capped with its own individual metal cylinder, giving the cooler a cleaner and more distinctive look. The black-coated heatsink also adds to its visual appeal.
The cooler uses a direct-contact base with four copper heat pipes, allowing heat to be transferred directly from the CPU’s integrated heat spreader to the heatsink for improved thermal efficiency.
Specifications
The ID-Cooling SE-224-XTS stands 151 mm tall, making it compatible with a wide range of PC cases, including many compact mid-tower models. With the fan installed, the cooler weighs approximately 650 g.
The included 120 mm fan features a hydraulic bearing, delivers a maximum airflow of 70 CFM, and produces up to 29 dBA of noise. It consumes 1.8 W at its maximum speed of approximately 1,500 RPM. While the official minimum speed is rated at 600 RPM, I observed it idling at around 700 RPM during testing. There is no RGB lighting on either the fan or the heatsink, giving the cooler a clean and understated appearance.
Installation Process
On the AMD AM5 platform, installing the ID-Cooling SE-224-XTS requires removing the motherboard’s default plastic retention brackets. Another thing to keep in mind is that the cooler cannot be installed with the fan already attached. The heatsink must be secured first, after which the fan can be clipped onto the radiator.
Removing the fan retention clips is not particularly convenient. I usually use a pair of pliers to unhook one side first, after which the other side comes off much more easily.
Test System and Results
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D
- Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix B650E-E Gaming WiFi
- Memory: Kingston Fury 16 GB DDR5-6000
- Case: ASUS TUF Gaming GT502
- Power Supply: be quiet! Power Zone 2 1000 W
Testing was conducted at an ambient temperature of 27°C using OCCT with the default preset. I deliberately avoided manual overclocking, as pushing a processor that costs more than twenty times as much as the cooler simply wasn’t worth the risk for this review.
I should point out that the ID-Cooling SE-224-XTS handled a sustained 132 W load without any significant issues. Throughout the test, the processor maintained a clock speed of 4.65 GHz while peak temperatures reached 91°C. For an entry-level air cooler paired with a near-flagship CPU, that’s a very respectable result.
During the test, the fan operated at its maximum speed of nearly 1,600 RPM. While I wouldn’t describe the noise level as intrusive, it was certainly noticeable under full load.
Conclusion
The budget CPU cooling market once again demonstrates just how easy it is to keep even a near-flagship multi-core processor under control, provided you prioritize practicality over extreme performance ambitions. The ID-Cooling SE-224-XTS offers an attractive design, support for a second fan in a push–pull configuration, excellent RAM compatibility, and broad case compatibility. Considering its price, there is very little to criticize, making it one of the strongest value-oriented air coolers in its class.
