1. Introduction
The ID-COOLING SE-55 ARGB is a high-performance dual-tower CPU air cooler designed to provide efficient cooling for a wide range of Intel and AMD processors. Featuring a dual-fan configuration, 6 high-efficiency pure copper heat pipes, and a nickel-plated copper base, this cooler ensures optimal thermal conductivity and heat dissipation. The ARGB lighting on one of the fans allows for customizable aesthetics, synchronizing with your system's lighting setup.
This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your SE-55 ARGB CPU cooler. Please read it carefully before proceeding with installation.
2. Package Contents
Please verify that all components are present before beginning installation. If any parts are missing or damaged, please contact your retailer.
Image: Overview of included components.
- Radiator Body: x1
- 12CM Fan (ARGB): x1
- 12CM Fan (No Light): x1
- Universal Bracket: x2
- Intel Backplane: x1
- AM5 & 1200 Gel Post (Gray): x4
- 1700 Rubber Pillar (Gray with Prongs): x4
- AM4 Rubber Pillar (Red): x4
- Intel Bolt: x4
- AMD Bolt: x4
- Thermal Conductive Paste: x1
Image: Detailed list of components and dimensional drawings.
3. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | SE-55 ARGB |
| Cooler Type | Dual Tower Air Cooler |
| Product Dimensions (L x W x H) | 120mm x 136mm x 152mm |
| Product Net Weight | 1200g |
| Heatpipes | 6 (Pure Copper, Nickel Plated) |
| Base Material | Nickel Plated Copper (Precision CNC Fly Base) |
| TDP | 3W (Note: This value may be a misprint in source data, typical CPU coolers have much higher TDP ratings) |
| Supported CPU Sockets | Intel: LGA 1150, LGA 1151, LGA 1155, LGA 1156, LGA1200, LGA 1700 AMD: Socket AM5, AM4 |
| Rated Voltage | 12VDC |
| Operating Voltage | 10.8-13.2VDC |
| Startup Voltage | 7VDC |
| Fan Size | 120mm x 120mm x 25mm |
| Fan Life | 100,000 hrs |
| Blade Quantity | 9 |
| Bearing Type | Hydraulic Bearing |
| Certification | CE |
Fan 1 (ARGB) Specifications:
- Rated Current: 0.25A
- Input Power: 3W
- Fan Speed: 500-1500RPM ±10%
- Maximum Airflow: 68.2CFM
- Noise: 30.5dB(A) MAX.
- Power Interface: 3-pin/4-pin (PWM)
Fan 2 (No Light) Specifications:
- Rated Current: 0.2A
- Input Power: 2.4W
- Fan Speed: 700-1800RPM ±10%
- Maximum Airflow: 76.16CFM
- Noise: 35.2dB(A) MAX.
- Power Interface: 3-pin/4-pin (PWM)
4. Installation
This cooler features a multi-platform fastener design for quick, easy, and solid installation on various Intel and AMD platforms. Always ensure your system is powered off and unplugged before installation.
General Installation Steps:
- Prepare CPU and Motherboard: Clean any old thermal paste from your CPU and ensure the CPU socket area on your motherboard is clear.
- Install Backplate: Depending on your CPU socket (Intel or AMD), install the appropriate backplate on the rear of your motherboard.
- Attach Standoffs: Screw the correct standoffs into the backplate from the front side of the motherboard.
- Apply Thermal Paste: Apply a small, pea-sized amount of the provided thermal conductive paste to the center of your CPU's integrated heat spreader (IHS).
- Mount Radiator Body: Carefully place the radiator body onto the CPU, aligning the mounting holes with the standoffs. Secure it with the universal brackets and bolts. Tighten screws in a diagonal pattern until snug.
- Attach Fans: Use the included fan clips to attach both 120mm fans to the radiator fins. Ensure the airflow direction is correct (typically pushing air through the heatsink towards the rear of the case).
- Connect Fan Cables: Connect the 4-pin PWM fan cables to the CPU_FAN headers on your motherboard.
- Connect ARGB Cable (for ARGB fan): Connect the 3-pin ARGB cable from the ARGB fan to a compatible 5V ARGB header on your motherboard. Ensure it is a 5V ARGB header and not a 12V RGB header to prevent damage.
Platform-Specific Mounting:
Image: Multi-Platform Fastener Design for Intel and AMD sockets.
Refer to the diagrams for specific bracket and standoff configurations for LGA1700, LGA1200/115X, AMD AM5, and AM4 platforms. The appropriate rubber pillars (gray for Intel 1700, red for AM4) and bolts are provided for each socket type.
Memory Compatibility:
Image: Memory compatibility and fan adjustment options.
In cases of memory heatsink interference, the front fan's mounting position can be adjusted upwards or moved to the rear of the cooler to provide clearance for tall RAM modules. The fan clips allow for flexible positioning.
5. Operation
Fan Control:
Both fans are connected via 4-pin PWM connectors, allowing your motherboard to dynamically control their speed based on CPU temperature. This ensures optimal cooling performance while minimizing noise when the system is under light load.
ARGB Lighting:
Image: ARGB fan and standard fan connections.
The SE-55 ARGB features a 5V ARGB fan that supports glare synchronization. Connect the 3-pin ARGB cable to a compatible 5V ARGB header on your motherboard. You can then control the lighting effects using your motherboard's RGB software (e.g., ASUS Aura Sync, MSI Mystic Light Sync, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, ASRock Polychrome Sync).
6. Maintenance
Regular maintenance helps ensure optimal performance and longevity of your CPU cooler.
- Dust Cleaning: Periodically (every 3-6 months, or more frequently in dusty environments) use compressed air to clean dust from the heatsink fins and fan blades. Ensure the fans are not spinning rapidly during cleaning to prevent damage to the bearings.
- Fan Inspection: Check fan blades for any obstructions or signs of wear. Ensure fan cables are securely connected.
- Thermal Paste: While not required frequently, if you remove the cooler for any reason (e.g., CPU upgrade), it is recommended to clean off the old thermal paste from both the CPU and the cooler base and apply a fresh layer.
7. Troubleshooting
- Fans Not Spinning:
- Check if the 4-pin PWM fan cables are securely connected to the CPU_FAN headers on your motherboard.
- Ensure the motherboard's BIOS/UEFI settings are configured to allow fan control.
- Poor Cooling Performance:
- Verify that the cooler is securely mounted to the CPU and that there is good contact between the cooler base and the CPU IHS.
- Check if thermal paste was applied correctly and evenly.
- Ensure fans are spinning and oriented correctly for optimal airflow (typically front-to-back or bottom-to-top through the heatsink).
- Clean any dust buildup from the heatsink fins and fan blades.
- ARGB Lighting Not Working:
- Ensure the 3-pin ARGB cable is correctly connected to a 5V ARGB header on your motherboard. Connecting to a 12V RGB header can damage the LEDs.
- Check your motherboard's RGB software to ensure lighting effects are enabled and configured.
- Verify that the ARGB header on your motherboard is enabled in the BIOS/UEFI.
- Excessive Noise:
- Check for any cables or obstructions hitting the fan blades.
- Ensure fan screws are tightened properly.
- If noise persists, check fan bearings for wear (though unlikely for a new cooler).
8. User Tips
- Cable Management: Route fan and ARGB cables neatly to avoid interference with other components and to improve airflow within your PC case.
- Thermal Paste Application: While a pea-sized dot is common, some users prefer the 'line' method for rectangular CPUs to ensure full coverage. Consistency is key.
- Fan Orientation: Experiment with fan orientation (push/pull configuration) if you have specific case airflow in mind, but generally, pushing air through the heatsink from front to back is effective.
- BIOS Fan Curves: Customize fan curves in your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI to balance cooling performance and noise levels according to your preference.
9. Warranty and Support
ID-COOLING products are manufactured to high quality standards. For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official ID-COOLING website or contact your local retailer. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.