Description
The ID-COOLING IS-40X stands as a premier thermal solution for Small Form Factor (SFF) enthusiasts, measuring just 45mm in total height. By utilizing a down-draft airflow design and four 6mm copper heatpipes with direct-touch technology, it effectively dissipates heat from the CPU while simultaneously providing secondary cooling to the surrounding VRM components. This low-profile cooler ensures that high-performance computing is possible even within the most restrictive Mini-ITX chassis, offering a significant upgrade over standard stock cooling solutions.
This product is for:
- SFF PC Builders: Ideal for those constructing ultra-compact rigs like the Velka or K39 where every millimeter of clearance is critical for the side panel to close.
- HTPC Users: Perfect for home theater enthusiasts requiring a quiet yet capable cooler for slim living room media centers and console-style cases.
- Office Professionals: A reliable, long-lasting alternative to noisy stock Intel or AMD coolers in small-form-factor desktop units used for daily productivity.
- Budget Gamers: An affordable air cooling upgrade that fits standard Mini-ITX motherboards without causing interference with high-performance RAM modules.
- System Integrators: Professionals needing a universal mounting solution that supports both modern Intel and AMD sockets in slim, space-constrained enclosures.
Detailed specifications:
- Dimensions: 93mm x 100mm x 45mm
- Heatpipes: 4x 6mm Copper Heatpipes (Direct Touch Base)
- Fan Size: 92mm x 92mm x 15mm (Slim PWM)
- Fan Speed: 800–2500 RPM (±10%)
- Max Airflow: 44.3 CFM
- Static Pressure: 3.24 mmH2O
- Noise Level: 14.0–33.4 dB(A)
- Bearing Type: Hydraulic Bearing (HB)
- Weight: 350g
- Compatibility: Intel LGA 1700/1200/115x and AMD AM5/AM4
Installing the IS-40X is straightforward thanks to its universal mounting bracket system, which avoids the bulkiness of larger air coolers. In real-world operation, the 92mm PWM fan remains nearly silent at idle, ramping up smoothly under load to maintain stable temperatures during gaming or productivity tasks. The offset design is specifically engineered to avoid encroaching on memory slots, allowing for the use of high-profile RAM modules in tight spaces. The build quality is robust, featuring a black-coated fin stack that resists oxidation while maintaining a sleek, professional aesthetic inside the case.
Compared to standard stock coolers, the IS-40X offers significantly better thermal headroom due to its four-heatpipe array, whereas many stock units rely on simple aluminum extrusion. While it is not intended to compete with massive dual-tower coolers in raw TDP capacity, it outperforms most 37mm or 40mm competitors by providing a larger surface area and a more powerful 92mm fan. This makes it the ideal middle ground for users running 65W to 100W TDP processors who need a balance of silence, size, and cooling efficiency.
Q&A:
- Will the ID-COOLING IS-40X fit in a 1U server rack? No, 1U racks typically require coolers under 30mm; however, it is perfect for 2U cases and most SFF enclosures like the Fractal Terra or Node 202.
- Does this cooler interfere with tall RAM sticks? The 93x100mm footprint is designed to stay within the "keep-out zone" of most Mini-ITX motherboards, ensuring high compatibility with various RAM heights.
- Is the thermal paste included in the box? Yes, ID-COOLING provides a tube of high-conductivity thermal grease to ensure an efficient interface between the CPU and the direct-touch heatpipes.
- Can I replace the fan with a standard 25mm thick fan? While possible with longer screws, the included 15mm slim fan is specifically optimized for the 45mm total height requirement of the heatsink.
- Which CPU sockets are supported by the IS-40X? It features a universal mounting system that supports modern sockets including Intel LGA 1700, 1200, 1151, 1150, 1155, 1156, as well as AMD AM4 and AM5.
