ID-COOLING 45mm Low-Profile CPU Cooler vs ID-COOLING 120mm Black CPU Air (2026): Key Differences
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The id cooling is 40x v3 45mm low profile CPU cooler vs se 224 xts black comparison highlights two distinct thermal solutions from the same brand. Both units feature four copper heat pipes and PWM fans for automatic speed control. They also share broad socket support for modern Intel and AMD platforms. The primary difference lies in their physical form factors. One is a compact low-profile design, while the other is a standard tower cooler with a larger fan diameter.
Key differences
| Aspect | ID-COOLING 45mm Low-Profile CPU Cooler | ID-COOLING 120mm Black CPU Air Cooler |
|---|---|---|
| Tower Design | Low-Profile | Standard Tower |
| Cooler Height | 45mm | 151mm (5.94 inches) |
| Fan Size | 92mm | 120mm |
| Max Air Flow | 46 CFM | 70 CFM |
| Max Noise Level | 35.2 dB(A) | 28.9 dB(A) |
| Weight | 11.2 ounces | 1 pound |
Which one should you choose?
Choose ID-COOLING 45mm Low-Profile CPU Cooler if
- You are building an HTPC or small form factor PC with limited case clearance.
- You need a cooler that fits under low RAM modules without interference.
- You require a compact solution that weighs less than half a pound.
Choose ID-COOLING 120mm Black CPU Air Cooler if
- You prioritize higher maximum air flow for better thermal performance.
- You want a quieter operation with a lower maximum decibel rating.
- You have a standard ATX case with ample height for a 120mm fan.
Verdict: The IS-40X V3 is the practical choice for tight builds where space is the primary constraint. The SE-224-XTS offers superior airflow and lower noise levels for standard desktop cases. Your decision depends entirely on whether you need low-profile compatibility or maximum cooling capacity.
Low-Profile vs Full-Size Air Cooler
Tower Design
The ID-COOLING IS-40X V3 is a low-profile cooler with a total height of only 45mm. This compact design makes it ideal for small form factor builds, HTPCs, and ITX systems where case clearance is tight. In contrast, the SE-224-XTS Black is a standard air cooler standing 5.94 inches tall. This larger footprint requires more vertical space inside the case. You must check your case specifications carefully before choosing the taller model. The low-profile option wins here for users with space constraints, while the standard tower suits mid-tower or full-tower cases with ample height.
Fan Size
Fan size directly impacts airflow capacity and noise levels. The IS-40X V3 uses a 92mm PWM fan that delivers up to 46 CFM of air flow. The maximum noise level for this fan is 35.2 dB(A). The SE-224-XTS Black features a larger 120mm PWM fan. This bigger fan moves significantly more air, reaching up to 70 CFM. It also operates more quietly, with a maximum noise level of just 28.9 dB(A). The larger fan in the SE-224-XTS provides better cooling performance and quieter operation. This gives the SE-224-XTS a clear advantage in efficiency and acoustics.
Heat Pipes
Both coolers utilize four copper heat pipes for heat transfer. The IS-40X V3 relies on standard heat pipe construction to move thermal energy from the CPU base to the fins. The SE-224-XTS Black also has four heat pipes but highlights exclusive direct contact technology. This design allows the heat pipes to touch the CPU surface directly for faster heat dissipation. Since both units have the same number of pipes, the direct contact feature in the SE-224-XTS offers a slight technical edge in thermal conductivity. However, the IS-40X V3 remains effective for its low-profile class. This round is a tie for basic specs, but the SE-224-XTS has a design advantage.
Socket Compatibility
Both coolers support a wide range of modern Intel and AMD sockets. The IS-40X V3 supports Intel LGA1700, 1200, 1151, 1150, 1155, and 1156, as well as AMD AM5 and AM4. The SE-224-XTS Black covers the exact same socket list. It includes Intel LGA1700, 1200, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156 and AMD AM4 and AM5. Neither unit has any socket advantage over the other. Both are fully compatible with current generation processors from both major manufacturers. You can choose either cooler based on other factors without worrying about socket support. This is a complete tie in terms of compatibility.
RAM Clearance
RAM compatibility is crucial for compact builds. The IS-40X V3 features a small size design that provides excellent memory compatibility, even on Mini-ITX motherboards. Its low profile ensures tall RAM sticks will not interfere with the cooler. The SE-224-XTS Black uses a heatsink slant design to avoid interference with memory mounting. This allows it to work well even in mini-ITX setups. Both coolers prioritize RAM clearance, but for different reasons. The IS-40X V3 wins for extremely tight ITX builds due to its minimal height. The SE-224-XTS is also good but requires more vertical space. The low-profile model has the edge for tight cases.
Which ID-COOLING cooler fits you
Small form factor builders needing low clearance
The IS-40X V3 measures just 45mm in height. This compact profile fits inside tight HTPC cases and Mini-ITX systems where space is limited. It uses a 92mm PWM fan to manage heat without blocking nearby RAM modules. You get four heat pipes for efficient transfer in a slim package.
Users wanting higher airflow and quieter operation
The SE-224-XTS uses a larger 120mm fan to move 70 CFM of air. This bigger fan runs quieter at a maximum of 28.9 dB while providing stronger cooling potential. The four direct contact heat pipes improve thermal transfer. It is the better choice if you have standard case height and need more cooling power.
ITX enthusiasts prioritizing memory clearance
This low-profile design ensures excellent memory compatibility even on small motherboards. The 45mm height prevents interference with tall RAM sticks. You can install high-performance memory without worrying about the cooler blocking the slots. The 92mm fan and four heat pipes provide sufficient cooling for compact builds.
The products compared
ID-COOLING 45mm Low-Profile CPU Cooler
Best for: Compact ITX and HTPC builds
- Socket Compatibility
- LGA1700/1200/115X, AM5/AM4
- Cooler Height
- 45mm
- Heat Pipes
- 4
- Tower Design
- Low-Profile
- Fan Size
- 92mm
- Features
- Fan
View on Amazon: ID-COOLING 45mm Low-Profile CPU Cooler Affiliate link
This is a low-profile CPU air cooler designed for compact builds. It stands 45mm tall and uses four heat pipes for heat transfer. The unit includes a 92mm PWM fan that moves up to 46CFM of air. It fits Intel LGA1700, 1200, 1151, 1150, 1155, 1156, and AMD AM5, AM4 sockets. Its slim design helps with memory clearance in small form factor cases.
Pros
- 45mm total height for small cases
- 4 copper heat pipes for heat dissipation
- 92mm PWM fan with 46CFM max airflow
- Compatible with Intel LGA1700 and AMD AM5
Cons
- 92mm fan is smaller than standard 120mm fans
- 45mm height limits use in tall cases
- No mention of RGB lighting features
Good fit if
- You are building an HTPC or ITX system
- You need a cooler under 50mm tall
- You require RAM clearance in tight spaces
Skip if
- You have a standard ATX tower case
- You need maximum cooling for high-end CPUs
- You prefer 120mm or 140mm fans
Verdict: ID-COOLING IS-40X V3 45mm Low Profile Cooler is a practical solution for small form factor builds where space is tight. It delivers adequate cooling for compact systems using a slim 92mm fan and four heat pipes.
ID-COOLING 120mm Black CPU Air Cooler
Best for: Standard ATX builds with RAM clearance needs
- Heat Pipes
- 4
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Color
- Black
- Features
- Fan
- Dimensions
- 4.72 × 4.72 × 5.94 inches
- Weight
- 1 pounds
View on Amazon: ID-COOLING 120mm Black CPU Air Cooler Affiliate link
This is a 120mm air cooler with four direct-contact heat pipes. It uses a PWM fan for automatic speed control. The fan moves up to 70 CFM of air. Noise stays at 28.9 dB at maximum speed. The slanted heatsink design avoids blocking RAM modules. It fits Intel LGA1700 and AMD AM5 sockets. You get a standard black finish on a 1-pound unit.
Pros
- Four direct-contact heat pipes for efficient heat transfer
- 120mm PWM fan with 70 CFM max airflow
- Slanted heatsink prevents RAM interference
- Quiet operation at 28.9 dB max
Cons
- Heavier at 1 pound compared to low-profile alternatives
- Larger dimensions require more case clearance
- Single fan limits cooling potential under heavy loads
Good fit if
- You need standard tower cooling for modern sockets
- You have RAM slots close to the CPU socket
- You prefer quiet operation under typical use
Skip if
- You are building in a small form factor case
- You need a low-profile cooler under 45mm height
- You require liquid cooling for extreme overclocking
Verdict: ID-COOLING SE-224-XTS Black 120mm Air Cooler fits users who want reliable air cooling without RAM clearance issues. It is a solid choice for standard ATX builds.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | ID-COOLING 45mm Low-Profile CPU Cooler | ID-COOLING 120mm Black CPU Air Cooler |
|---|---|---|
| Socket Compatibility | LGA1700/1200/115X, AM5/AM4 | not stated |
| Cooler Height | 45mm | not stated |
| Heat Pipes | 4 | 4 |
| Tower Design | Low-Profile | not stated |
| Fan Size | 92mm | 120mm |
| Color | black | Black |
| Features | Fan | Fan |
| Dimensions | 3.62 × 0.59 × 3.62 inches | 4.72 × 4.72 × 5.94 inches |
| Weight | 11.2 ounces | 1 pounds |
| Size | 101x94x45mm | SE-224-XTS BLACK |
| Model | IS-40X | SE-224-XTS BLACK |
Frequently asked questions
Which ID-COOLING cooler is better for an ITX case?
The IS-40X V3 is the better choice for ITX cases. It stands only 45mm tall, fitting into tight spaces where larger coolers cannot. The SE-224-XTS is much taller at 5.94 inches, which would likely interfere with case clearance in small form factor builds.
Do both coolers use the same number of heat pipes?
Yes, both models use four copper heat pipes. This shared feature helps transfer heat from the CPU to the aluminum fins efficiently. Whether you choose the low-profile IS-40X V3 or the full-size SE-224-XTS, the core thermal transfer mechanism remains consistent between the two units.
Is the SE-224-XTS black compatible with standard ATX motherboards?
Yes, the SE-224-XTS Black is designed for standard ATX builds. Its 120mm fan and larger tower design provide ample cooling for typical desktop systems. It is a solid option for users who need reliable air cooling without worrying about RAM clearance issues in a standard chassis.
What is the weight difference between the two coolers?
The IS-40X V3 weighs 11.2 ounces, while the SE-224-XTS Black weighs one pound. The lighter profile cooler is easier to mount in compact cases. The heavier full-size tower offers more mass for heat dissipation but requires a sturdier motherboard support for installation.
Can the IS-40X V3 fit inside an HTPC?
Yes, the IS-40X V3 is ideal for HTPC builds. Its slim 45mm height allows it to fit inside small media centers where space is limited. The 92mm fan provides adequate airflow for compact systems without generating excessive noise or taking up valuable internal volume.
Do both coolers include fans with PWM control?
Yes, both the IS-40X V3 and the SE-224-XTS Black include fans with PWM features. This allows the motherboard to automatically adjust fan speeds based on CPU temperature. You get efficient cooling performance while maintaining quieter operation during light workloads on either cooler.