When it comes to affordable coolers, potential buyers are truly spoiled for choice in today's market, which also means it has become much harder to release a cooler that can stand out. However, ID-Cooling has certainly managed to do so with the SE 234 ARGB. For $40, users get a slight bump in cooling performance over the SE 224 XT Basic and SE 224 XT ARGB to the tune of 2% and 4% overall respectively. In fact, in terms of pure cooling performance, the SE 234 ARGB managed to even beat out the Noctua NH-U12S by 2°C in the OC FPU test. Granted, the ID-Cooling offering is louder, but for those looking for pure value, it is not an entirely bad trade-off since the SE 234 ARGB is $10–$15 less while also featuring RGB lighting if you're into that.

Overall build quality is exceptional with no real issues to speak of. Even the mounting hardware is good—the design is strong and simple, making for an easy installation. The cooler also has no problems with regards to memory or graphics card clearance, making it a good choice for systems where the primary expansion slot is also the top slot on the motherboard, which has the potential for interference when using larger coolers. As for the overall design, it is well thought out and executed as the top plate and fan both look good when illuminated, and even if you are not a fan of ARGB lighting, the white and black color scheme offers a nice look all its own that should fit in with a black and white build no problem.

Other than the slightly higher noise levels, the only other downsides to the cooler are minor issues at best; one is based on motherboard choice, while the other is a personal choice. First, depending on the motherboard, the ARGB sync cable may be too short, and ID-Cooling does not provide an extension cable, which is an issue I have noted with other coolers as well. The other issue boils down to whether you want RGB lighting or not. However, overall, ID-Cooling has really stepped up their game in recent months, and the SE 234 ARGB continues that trend as it delivers remarkable performance for the price alongside an attractive design for those wanting RGB lighting.