ID-COOLING SE-225-XT Black CPU Air Alternatives: 6 Similar Picks Compared
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The id cooling se 225 xt black CPU air alternatives list helps you find a cooler that matches your specific needs. This original model uses five heat pipes and dual 120mm fans to push and pull air through the heatsink. Its compact 5.9-inch height and non-interfering design ensure compatibility with tall RAM modules on mini-ITX boards. You might look for other options if you prefer a single tower, need ARGB lighting, or require a different socket support profile.
We selected these 6 alternatives because their specifications overlap with the original product. The list includes single-tower designs like the Montech NX400 and dual-tower options from upHere with six heat pipes. Some picks add features like ARGB lighting or support for newer sockets like LGA 1851. Each option provides a different balance of height, fan size, and thermal capacity. You can compare these specs to determine which cooler fits your case dimensions and cooling requirements best.
Our top pick: ID-COOLING Dual 120mm Fan 5-Heatpipe Cooler.
How the alternatives differ
ID-COOLING 120mm Black CPU Air Cooler
This ID-COOLING model drops one heat pipe, moving from five to four direct-contact pipes. It retains the 120mm fan size but uses an offset design to prevent RAM interference. The height is nearly identical at 5.94 inches compared to the original 5.9 inches. You get a slightly wider footprint at 4.72 inches square. This choice suits builds needing guaranteed memory clearance on a budget. You sacrifice some thermal mass for that specific compatibility. It remains a black, single-fan focused option if you prefer simplicity over the dual-fan push-pull configuration of the SE-225-XT.
upHere Dual Tower 120mm CPU Cooler
The upHere dual-tower design adds a second heatsink tower and increases heat pipe count to six. It keeps the 120mm fan size but delivers stronger airflow through a larger surface area. Noise stays below 25.6 dB(A), which is quieter than the original’s upper limit. It supports modern sockets including LGA 1851 and AM5. You gain significant cooling capacity for standard desktop cases. The trade-off is increased height and bulk. This pick is for users who need robust heat dissipation and do not have tight RAM clearance constraints. It offers wider socket support than the original.
upHere Dual Tower 120mm CPU Cooler
This upHere cooler also features a dual-tower structure with six heat pipes and dual 120mm PWM fans. It maintains a maximum noise level of 25 dB, which is lower than the original’s minimum. It supports a broad range of sockets, including LGA 1151 and AM5. You get enhanced thermal capacity for heavy loads while keeping operation quiet. The design is bulkier than the single-tower original. It is ideal for users prioritizing silence and multi-socket compatibility. You trade the compact profile of the SE-225-XT for superior airflow and lower noise ceilings.
upHere 120mm ARGB CPU Air Cooler
This upHere model uses four 6mm heat pipes, which is fewer than the original’s five. It includes ARGB lighting, adding a visual element the original lacks. The height is 6.1 inches, slightly taller than the original’s 5.9 inches. It supports LGA 1700 and AM5 sockets. Maximum noise remains under 26 dB(A), offering quiet operation. You gain aesthetic customization and specific LGA 1700 fitment. You lose some raw thermal mass compared to the five-pipe design. It is best for mid-range systems where lighting and memory clearance are priorities over maximum cooling headroom.
Montech NX400 120mm Single Tower Cooler
The Montech NX400 is a single-tower design with four heat pipes, reducing thermal mass compared to the original. It features a dense 52-fin stack and a deeper 28mm fan profile. The height is 6.14 inches, making it taller than the original. It supports non-illuminated builds, though ARGB variants exist. You get a focused, compact cooling solution for small cases. You sacrifice the dual-fan push-pull efficiency of the SE-225-XT. This pick suits users who need a lower profile alternative with a single tower, prioritizing fitment in compact chassis over maximum airflow.
Jonsbo CA40 Black 120mm ARGB CPU Cooler
The Jonsbo CA40 features four heat pipes and ARGB lighting, differing from the original’s non-illuminated five-pipe design. It supports LGA 1200 and AM5 sockets. The model focuses on silence and aesthetics. You get copper construction and visual customization. You lose one heat pipe and the dual-fan configuration. The height is not specified, but the design prioritizes low profile. It is suitable for users valuing aesthetics and quiet operation over raw thermal performance. It fits mid-range builds where lighting and specific socket compatibility are more important than maximum cooling capacity.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
ID-COOLING Dual 120mm Fan 5-Heatpipe Cooler
Best for: dual-fan cooling with mini-ITX RAM clearance
- Socket Compatibility
- Intel LGA1700/115X/1200 & AMD AM4/AM5
- Heat Pipes
- 5
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- TDP Rating
- 220W
- System Type
- Desktop
- Color
- Black
View on Amazon: ID-COOLING Dual 120mm Fan 5-Heatpipe Cooler Affiliate link
This CPU cooler pairs five direct-contact heat pipes with two 120mm PWM fans configured in a push-pull setup. At 5.9 inches tall, it fits compact chassis while maintaining clear access to memory slots on mini-ITX motherboards. The fans deliver up to 76.16 CFM of airflow across sound levels between 15.2 and 35.2 dB(A). It suits you if you need balanced cooling performance on modern Intel or AMD sockets without RAM interference.
Pros
- Dual 120mm PWM fans in push-pull arrangement generate up to 76.16 CFM airflow
- Five direct-contact heat pipes transfer thermal energy directly from the CPU
- Compact footprint ensures memory clearance even on tight mini-ITX boards
- Supports Intel LGA1700/1200/2066 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets
Cons
- Peak fan noise reaches 35.2 dB(A) at maximum operational speeds
- Lacks integrated RGB or lighting features
Good fit if
- You build inside mini-ITX systems requiring unrestricted RAM slot clearance
- You prefer push-pull dual 120mm fans for steady heatsink airflow
- You mount your cooler to standard Intel LGA1700 or AMD AM5 sockets
Skip if
- You want addressable RGB lighting integrated directly into the heatsink fans
- You need top fan noise levels restricted below 35.2 dB(A)
Verdict: ID-COOLING Dual 120mm Fan 5-Heatpipe CPU Cooler balances five direct-contact heat pipes and dual push-pull fans for dependable airflow. Its 5.9-inch height and mini-ITX RAM clearance make it an efficient all-black choice across modern Intel and AMD platforms.
ID-COOLING 120mm Black CPU Air Cooler
Best for: builds needing guaranteed memory clearance
- 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 ID-COOLING unit is a single-tower black air cooler built with four direct-contact heat pipes and one 120mm PWM fan. It pushes up to 70 CFM of airflow with a peak noise rating of 28.9 dB(A). The slanted heatsink design prevents memory interference even on mini-ITX motherboards. It suits you if you need a standard 5.94-inch tall cooler for Intel or AMD sockets without blocking RAM.
Pros
- Four direct-contact heat pipes for heat transfer
- Slanted heatsink design prevents RAM interference
- 120mm PWM fan delivers up to 70 CFM airflow
- Supports Intel LGA1700 and AMD AM5 sockets
Cons
- Includes only one fan rather than a dual-fan setup
- Features four heat pipes instead of five or more
Good fit if
- You need clear RAM clearance on standard or mini-ITX motherboards.
- You use an Intel LGA1700/1200 or AMD AM4/AM5 processor.
- You want a cooler height under 6 inches.
Skip if
- You require a dual-fan cooling setup out of the box.
- You need more than four heat pipes for thermal transfer.
Verdict: ID-COOLING 4-Heatpipe Black CPU Cooler provides dependable four-pipe cooling with an offset design that prevents RAM interference.
upHere Dual Tower 120mm CPU Cooler
Best for: dual-tower cooling on standard desktop builds
- Heat Pipes
- 6
- Tower Design
- Dual-Tower
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Fan Speed
- 1600 RPM
- Socket Compatibility
- AM4, AM5, LGA 1851, LGA 1150
- Color
- Black
View on Amazon: upHere Dual Tower 120mm CPU Cooler Affiliate link
The upHere Dual-Tower 6-Heatpipe CPU Air Cooler is a twin-heatsink cooler equipped with two 120mm fans and six 6mm direct-contact heat pipes. It delivers up to 68.2 CFM of airflow at speeds up to 1600 RPM while keeping noise levels under 25.6 dB(A). Standing 6.06 inches tall, it fits modern Intel and AMD sockets, suiting you if you want dual-tower cooling power without complicated fan clip disassembly.
Pros
- Six 6mm direct-contact heat pipes paired with a dual-tower heatsink
- Two 120mm fans delivering up to 68.2 CFM of airflow
- Operating noise level rated below 25.6 dB(A)
- Wide socket support across modern Intel LGA and AMD AM4/AM5 platforms
Cons
- Requires 6.06 inches of vertical chassis clearance
- Top fan speed is limited to 1600 RPM
Good fit if
- You want a dual-tower heatsink with six heat pipes for higher thermal capacity.
- You prefer an installation process designed to leave RAM modules unobstructed.
- You need standard 4-pin 12V motherboard fan connectivity.
Skip if
- You have a slim or small-form-factor case with under 6.06 inches of cooler height.
- You require high-RPM fans operating above 1600 RPM.
Verdict: upHere Dual-Tower 6-Heatpipe CPU Air Cooler delivers robust cooling through twin towers and six 6mm heat pipes while keeping noise below 25.6 dB(A). It is a practical alternative if you need strong airflow and wide socket compatibility in standard desktop cases.
upHere Dual Tower 120mm CPU Cooler
Best for: quiet dual-tower multi-socket cooling
- Socket Compatibility
- AM5, AM4, LGA 1851, LGA 1700, LGA 1200
- Heat Pipes
- 6
- Tower Design
- Dual-Tower
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Fan Speed
- 1650 RPM
- Color
- Black
View on Amazon: upHere Dual Tower 120mm CPU Cooler Affiliate link
This upHere dual-tower cooler uses six heat pipes and dual 120mm PWM fans reaching up to 1650 RPM. Its twin heatsink design increases surface area for heat dissipation while maintaining rated noise levels at or below 25 dB. It clears standard RAM modules and supports modern sockets like LGA 1851 and AM5 alongside older layouts. This suits your build if you want heavy-duty air cooling without high noise.
Pros
- Dual-tower heatsink layout with six heat pipes
- Dual 120mm PWM fans operating up to 1650 RPM
- Maximum noise level rated at or below 25 dB
- Broad socket coverage including Intel LGA 1851 and AMD AM5
Cons
- Larger dual-tower footprint than single-tower coolers
- No integrated RGB or ARGB lighting
Good fit if
- You want a dual-tower heatsink with six heat pipes.
- You require quiet operation rated down to 25 dB.
- You need clear RAM module clearance without interference.
Skip if
- You prefer a compact single-tower cooler footprint.
- You want integrated ARGB or LED lighting effects.
Verdict: upHere 120mm Dual-Tower 6-Heatpipe CPU Cooler delivers dual-tower thermal capacity with six heat pipes and dual 120mm PWM fans. It handles heavy thermal loads while maintaining quiet 25 dB maximum operation across modern Intel and AMD platforms.
upHere 120mm ARGB CPU Air Cooler
Best for: LGA 1700 systems with tall memory modules
- Socket Compatibility
- AM5/AM4, LGA 1851/1700/1200/1155/1156
- Cooler Height
- 6.1 inches
- Heat Pipes
- 4
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Fan Speed
- 1650rpm ±10%
- Lighting
- ARGB
View on Amazon: upHere 120mm ARGB CPU Air Cooler Affiliate link
This upHere single-tower cooler uses four 6mm direct-contact heat pipes and a 120mm ARGB fan to cool your processor. The fan delivers up to 68.2 CFM of airflow at 1650 RPM while keeping noise under 26 dB(A). At 6.1 inches tall, it provides clearance for tall RAM modules. It suits you if you need LGA 1700 or LGA 1851 socket compatibility paired with customizable lighting.
Pros
- Four 6mm heat pipes with 25mm direct contact area
- Generates 68.2 CFM airflow while staying under 26 dB(A)
- Supports Intel LGA 1700, LGA 1851, and AMD AM5 sockets
- Engineered to clear tall RAM modules without slot blockage
Cons
- Equipped with one fan rather than a dual-fan setup
- Provides four heat pipes rather than five or six
- Height of 6.1 inches requires adequate PC case depth
Good fit if
- You need mounting support for Intel LGA 1700 or LGA 1851 processors.
- You run tall RAM modules and need unobstructed slot access.
- You want integrated ARGB lighting powered via a standard 4-pin header.
Skip if
- You require a dual-fan push-pull configuration for higher thermal loads.
- You have a narrow PC chassis that cannot accommodate a 6.1-inch cooler.
- You prefer an all-black build without any ARGB lighting.
Verdict: upHere 120mm ARGB CPU Air Cooler delivers balanced heat dissipation across four 6mm heat pipes while ensuring fitment for LGA 1700 builds. Its sub-26 dB(A) maximum noise rating and memory clearance make it a practical fit for mid-range systems.
Montech NX400 120mm Single Tower Cooler
Best for: compact non-RGB single-tower cooling setups
- Socket Compatibility
- AM5/AM4, LGA1851/1700
- Cooler Height
- 156mm
- Heat Pipes
- 4
- Tower Design
- Single-Tower
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- Lighting
- Non-ARGB
View on Amazon: Montech NX400 120mm Single Tower Cooler Affiliate link
This single-tower CPU cooler features four vacuum-enhanced heat pipes, a 52-fin heatsink, and a 28mm-thick 120mm PWM fan. At 6.14 inches tall and 2.91 inches wide, it fits standard chassis layouts without multi-fan overhang. The thicker fan profile delivers focused static pressure across the fin stack. It suits you if you want an all-black setup with zero RGB lighting and rubberized vibration dampeners.
Pros
- Includes a 28mm-thick 120mm PWM fan for focused airflow
- Equipped with 4 vacuum-enhanced heat pipes
- Contains 52 fins to maximize cooling surface area
- Built-in vibration-dampening corner buffers minimize operational noise
Cons
- Features 4 heat pipes instead of 5 or 6 found on larger alternatives
- Lacks integrated RGB or ARGB lighting
- Single-fan configuration rather than a dual-fan push-pull design
Good fit if
- You need a single-tower cooler standing 6.14 inches tall to fit your case.
- You prefer an all-black design without any lighting components.
- You want a thicker 28mm fan for higher static airflow pressure.
Skip if
- You want built-in ARGB lighting effects on the cooler.
- You need a dual-fan or dual-tower setup for higher thermal demands.
- You require 5 or more heat pipes for your processor.
Verdict: Montech NX400 Single-Tower CPU Cooler provides focused heat dissipation using a dense 52-fin stack and a deeper 28mm fan. It is a practical fit for compact, non-illuminated builds.
Jonsbo CA40 Black 120mm ARGB CPU Cooler
Best for: Quiet LGA 1200 builds with ARGB needs
- Socket Compatibility
- AM5/AM4/Intel LGA115X/1200/1700/1851
- Cooler Height
- 157mm
- Heat Pipes
- 4
- Fan Size
- 120mm
- TDP Rating
- 225W
- Lighting
- ARGB
View on Amazon: Jonsbo CA40 Black 120mm ARGB CPU Cooler Affiliate link
The Jonsbo CA40 Black is a single-tower air cooler with a 157mm height. It uses four copper heat pipes and a 120mm PWM fan to manage up to 225W TDP. It supports AM5, AM4, and Intel LGA 1200 sockets. The unit features 5V ARGB lighting. It suits users who want quiet operation and aesthetic sync in a compact form factor.
Pros
- Four nickel-plated copper heat pipes for efficient heat transfer
- 120mm PWM fan with mute series technology for quiet operation
- Supports Intel LGA 1200 and AMD AM5 sockets
- 5V ARGB lighting synchronizes with motherboard headers
Cons
- Single 120mm fan limits airflow compared to dual-fan towers
- 157mm height may block tall RAM modules
- Only four heat pipes despite 225W TDP rating
Good fit if
- You need an LGA 1200 compatible cooler with ARGB
- You prefer a low-profile build under 160mm
- You want quiet operation during intensive tasks
Skip if
- You require dual-tower cooling for extreme loads
- You have tall RAM that exceeds 157mm clearance
- You need support for newer LGA 1851 sockets only
Verdict: Jonsbo CA40 Black 120mm ARGB CPU Cooler offers adequate cooling for mid-range builds with a focus on silence and lighting. It fits users prioritizing aesthetics and low height over maximum thermal headroom.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | ID-COOLING Dual 120mm Fan 5-Heatpipe Cooler | ID-COOLING 120mm Black CPU Air Cooler | upHere Dual Tower 120mm CPU Cooler | upHere Dual Tower 120mm CPU Cooler | upHere 120mm ARGB CPU Air Cooler | Montech NX400 120mm Single Tower Cooler | Jonsbo CA40 Black 120mm ARGB CPU Cooler |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Socket Compatibility | Intel LGA1700/115X/1200 & AMD AM4/AM5 | not stated | not stated | AM5, AM4, LGA 1851, LGA 1700, LGA 1200 | AM5/AM4, LGA 1851/1700/1200/1155/1156 | AM5/AM4, LGA1851/1700 | AM5/AM4/Intel LGA115X/1200/1700/1851 |
| Cooler Height | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | 6.1 inches | 156mm | 157mm |
| Heat Pipes | 5 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Tower Design | not stated | not stated | Dual-Tower | Dual-Tower | not stated | Single-Tower | not stated |
| Fan Size | 120mm | 120mm | 120mm | 120mm | 120mm | 120mm | 120mm |
| TDP Rating | 220W | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | 225W |
| Fan Speed | not stated | not stated | 1600 RPM | 1650 RPM | 1650rpm ±10% | not stated | not stated |
| Lighting | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | ARGB | Non-ARGB | ARGB |
| System Type | Desktop | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Color | Black | Black | Black | Black | Black | Black | Black |
| Material | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | Copper |
| Features | not stated | Fan | Fan | Fan | Fan | Fan | Fan |
| Dimensions | 5 × 4.25 × 5.9 inches | 4.72 × 4.72 × 5.94 inches | not stated | not stated | 5.12 × 2.87 × 6.1 inches | 4.72 × 2.91 × 6.14 inches | not stated |
| Weight | not stated | 1 pounds | not stated | not stated | not stated | 1.64 pounds | not stated |
| Size | not stated | SE-224-XTS BLACK | not stated | not stated | not stated | NX400 Non-ARGB | not stated |
| Model | not stated | SE-224-XTS BLACK | D6SEK-US | UE2K6 US | not stated | NX400B | CA40 Black |
When you need to cool an entire room instead of processor hardware, compare black decker portable air conditioner alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
Does the ID-COOLING SE-225-XT Black have RAM clearance issues?
The SE-225-XT Black is designed with a 5.9-inch height and specific clearance considerations. Its compact 5-inch length helps it fit well in many cases. For builds needing guaranteed memory clearance, the SE-224-XTS Black uses an offset design to prevent interference with tall RAM modules.
What is the best dual-fan alternative to the SE-225-XT Black?
The ID-COOLING Dual 120mm Fan 5-Heatpipe Cooler is the top pick for dual-fan cooling. It features five direct-contact heat pipes and dual push-pull fans. This model balances airflow with a 5.9-inch height, making it an efficient all-black choice for modern Intel and AMD platforms.
Which cooler is best for LGA 1700 sockets?
The upHere 120mm ARGB CPU Air Cooler is the best choice for LGA 1700 systems. It delivers balanced heat dissipation across four 6mm heat pipes. It ensures fitment for LGA 1700 builds while offering sub-26 dB(A) noise ratings and good memory clearance for mid-range systems.
Is there a quiet dual-tower option in this list?
Yes, the upHere Dual Tower 120mm CPU Cooler maintains quiet operation at 25 dB maximum. It delivers dual-tower thermal capacity with six heat pipes and dual 120mm PWM fans. This model handles heavy thermal loads while maintaining low noise across modern Intel and AMD platforms.
What is the best single-tower alternative for compact builds?
The Montech NX400 Single-Tower CPU Cooler is the best single-tower option. It provides focused heat dissipation using a dense 52-fin stack and a deeper 28mm fan. It is a practical fit for compact, non-illuminated builds that require efficient cooling in a smaller form factor.
Which cooler is best for LGA 1200 sockets?
The Jonsbo CA40 Black 120mm ARGB CPU Cooler is the best pick for LGA 1200 systems. It offers adequate cooling for mid-range builds with a focus on silence and lighting. It fits users prioritizing aesthetics and low height over maximum thermal headroom for older Intel platforms.
How many heat pipes do these alternatives have?
The alternatives vary between four and six heat pipes. The ID-COOLING Dual Fan model uses five heat pipes, while the SE-224-XTS Black uses four. The upHere models typically feature six 6mm heat pipes. The Montech NX400 also uses four heat pipes for its single tower design.