ID-Cooling has done a damn good job with the SE-225-XT Black. It offers a good level of performance for its price while also being visually appealing, especially if you are tired of ARGB lighting. Its smaller size makes it a good fit for most entry-level cases where taller coolers cannot be used. Meanwhile, the wide RPM range makes for a decent overall noise profile as the cooler is essentially silent to barely audible unless the CPU is stressed quite heavily. While its noise output with the fans at maximum RPM isn't stellar, anything below 1400 RPM will be unobtrusive to most users.

Regarding overall build quality, it is honestly quite good, although I did notice some high and low spots on the HDT base that are easily visible when a razor blade is pressed against it. While nowhere near the worst I have seen, there is room for improvement here all the same. However, on the flip side, considering the price point of the cooler, I wouldn't consider it a significant concern when looking at the performance on offer.

That said, I do believe ID-Cooling has another problem here, and it is one they have created. The SE-224-XT Basic overshadows its more visually appealing sibling. While the SE-225-XT Black does edge it out in cooling potential, the difference is still relatively slight. Enough so that it clarifies that the SE-225-XT Black will cater to those who want something more visually appealing but with no ARGB lighting, whereas those focused purely on performance per dollar will likely opt for SE-224-XT Basic.

In general, the SE-225-XT Black is a visually appealing, solid performer for the price that is easy to recommend if you want a good all-around cooler for an entry-level system.