Installation

To install the SE-225-XT Black on Socket AM4, you will first need to remove the plastic brackets holding the AMD backplate in place. With those removed, use the proper screws and slide them through the holes on the mounting arms. Slide the gray plastic spacers over the screws and with the AMD-provided backplate in place, secure it with said screws. Since everything is a loose fit, getting everything in place is a bit finicky. I would prefer improvements to the mounting hardware, such as friction-fit spacers at the very least, to make the process even more accessible, especially for users building in cramped cases.


With the brackets secure, it is time to apply the thermal paste and mount the heatsink. Make sure to alternate between the two mounting-plate screws to apply even pressure.


With the heatsink mounted, you can now attach the fans via the included fan clips and plug them in. With that complete, the cooler is good to go.

While improvements to the installation process can be made, the smaller size of ID-Cooling's SE-225-XT Black means it is easier to install than its larger sibling, the SE-207-XT Black. While I would still like to see threaded stand offs, or at least friction-fit spacers for easier mounting, the process wasn't the worst I have run across. On the Intel side of things, the installation is effortless and straightforward, with no complications to speak of.