Introduction
The ID-COOLING IS-55 Black is a low-profile CPU air cooler designed for efficient heat dissipation in compact systems. Featuring 5 heatpipes and a 120mm PWM fan, it offers effective cooling performance while maintaining a low 57mm total height, making it suitable for HTPCs, ITX, and Small Form Factor (SFF) builds. This manual provides essential information for proper installation, operation, and maintenance of your IS-55 CPU cooler.
What's in the Box
Please verify that all components are present before beginning installation:
- IS-55 Heatsink with pre-attached 120mm PWM Fan
- Intel Mounting Brackets (LGA1851/1700/1200/115X)
- AMD Mounting Brackets (AM4/AM5)
- Backplate (for Intel sockets)
- Mounting Screws and Spacers
- Thermal Paste
- Wrench/Tool
Image: All components included in the ID-COOLING IS-55 Black CPU Cooler package.
Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 4.72"L x 0.59"W x 4.72"H (Fan) |
| Total Height | 57mm |
| Cooling Method | Air Cooling |
| Heatpipes | 5 |
| Fan Dimensions | 120x120x15mm |
| Fan Speed | 500-2000 RPM (PWM Controlled) |
| Max. Air Flow | 54.6 CFM |
| Noise Level | 13.8-31.2 dB(A) |
| Power Connector | 4-pin PWM |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 2.64 watts |
| Item Weight | 15.9 ounces |
Image: Fan dimensions for the IS-55 cooler.
Compatibility
The ID-COOLING IS-55 CPU Cooler is compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD CPU sockets:
- Intel Sockets: LGA1851, LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1151, LGA1150, LGA1155, LGA1156
- AMD Sockets: AM5, AM4
Its low-profile design ensures excellent RAM compatibility, even on Mini-ITX motherboards. It offers 100% clearance for I/O and up to 33mm RAM height. For low-profile I/O, the cooler can be rotated 180 degrees to support higher RAM modules.
Image: RAM and I/O compatibility diagram.
Setup and Installation
Before installation, ensure your system is powered off and unplugged. Refer to your motherboard manual for specific CPU socket details.
General Installation Steps:
- Prepare CPU and Motherboard: Clean the CPU surface thoroughly. If replacing an old cooler, remove any existing thermal paste.
- Apply Thermal Paste: Apply a small, pea-sized amount of thermal paste to the center of the CPU's Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS). Do not spread it manually; the pressure from the cooler will distribute it.
- Attach Mounting Hardware: Follow the specific instructions below for your CPU socket type (Intel or AMD) to attach the correct backplate and mounting brackets to your motherboard.
- Mount the Cooler: Carefully place the IS-55 heatsink onto the CPU, aligning the mounting holes. Secure it with the provided screws, tightening them in a diagonal pattern until snug. Do not overtighten.
- Connect Fan Cable: Connect the 4-pin PWM fan cable from the IS-55 cooler to the CPU_FAN header on your motherboard.
Intel LGA1851/1700/1200/115X Installation:
- Install the universal Intel backplate behind the motherboard, aligning the holes with the CPU socket.
- Place the appropriate Intel mounting standoffs through the motherboard holes and into the backplate.
- Secure the Intel mounting brackets onto the standoffs using the provided nuts.
- Proceed with steps 4 and 5 from the General Installation Steps.
AMD AM4/AM5 Installation:
- Remove the stock plastic retention modules from the motherboard, but keep the original AMD backplate.
- Install the AMD mounting standoffs into the holes around the CPU socket, screwing them into the original AMD backplate.
- Secure the AMD mounting brackets onto the standoffs using the provided nuts.
- Proceed with steps 4 and 5 from the General Installation Steps.
Video: An official product video demonstrating the installation process and features of the ID-COOLING IS-55 Black CPU Cooler, including its compact size and heat dissipation capabilities.
Image: IS-55 cooler installed in a small form factor PC case.
Operating Instructions
The ID-COOLING IS-55 features a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) controlled fan. This allows your motherboard to automatically adjust the fan speed based on CPU temperature, optimizing for both cooling performance and noise levels.
- Automatic Control: For most users, the default fan control settings in your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI are sufficient. The fan will spin faster under heavy CPU load and slow down during idle periods.
- Manual Adjustment (Advanced Users): You can fine-tune fan curves in your motherboard's BIOS/UEFI settings or using third-party software (if supported by your motherboard) to achieve a preferred balance between cooling and acoustics.
Image: PWM fan control diagram.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance helps ensure optimal performance and longevity of your CPU cooler.
- Dust Removal: Periodically (e.g., every 3-6 months), use compressed air to blow dust out of the heatsink fins and fan blades. Ensure the fan is held stationary during cleaning to prevent damage to the bearings.
- Fan Cleaning: If dust buildup is significant, gently wipe the fan blades with a soft, dry cloth.
- Thermal Paste: While not typically required frequently, if you remove the cooler for any reason, it is recommended to clean off old thermal paste from both the CPU and cooler base and apply fresh thermal paste before reinstallation.
Image: Black coated heatsink fins and heatpipes.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your ID-COOLING IS-55 CPU Cooler, consider the following common solutions:
- High CPU Temperatures:
- Ensure the cooler is securely mounted and making full contact with the CPU.
- Verify that thermal paste was applied correctly and evenly.
- Check if the fan is spinning. If not, ensure it's properly connected to the CPU_FAN header.
- Clean any dust buildup from the heatsink fins and fan.
- Check BIOS/UEFI settings to ensure fan speed control is enabled and functioning correctly.
- Excessive Fan Noise:
- Check for any cables or obstructions hitting the fan blades.
- Clean the fan blades and heatsink for dust.
- Adjust fan curve settings in BIOS/UEFI to reduce maximum fan speed if temperatures allow.
- Fan Not Spinning:
- Ensure the 4-pin PWM cable is firmly connected to the CPU_FAN header on the motherboard.
- Check BIOS/UEFI settings to ensure the CPU_FAN header is enabled and not set to a very low RPM threshold that prevents it from spinning at idle.
- Test the fan on another fan header if available to rule out a faulty fan or motherboard header.
Warranty and Support
ID-COOLING products typically come with a manufacturer's warranty. Please refer to the official ID-COOLING website or your retailer for specific warranty terms and conditions applicable to your region and purchase date.
For technical support, troubleshooting assistance, or warranty claims, please contact ID-COOLING customer service through their official website or the contact information provided with your product packaging.
Official Website: www.idcooling.com
