TurboVS
ID-Cooling IS-23i Black specifications and in-depth review

ID-Cooling IS-23i Black

Manufacturer: ID-Cooling

The ID-Cooling IS-23i Black is a low-profile air CPU cooler built around a slim 23 mm heatsink footprint, making it a practical option for space-constrained builds. Weighing just 180 g, the unit ships with thermal paste included, covering the essentials without requiring additional purchases before installation.

The cooler operates with a single fan capable of spinning up to 2700 RPM, delivering a maximum airflow of 21.8 CFM while keeping audible noise between 14 dB and 23 dB across its range. Fluid dynamic bearings support the fan mechanism, and the heatsink measures 92 mm in both width and depth. Socket compatibility spans LGA 1150, LGA 1151, LGA 1155, LGA 1200, LGA 1700, and LGA 1851, covering a broad range of Intel platforms. The product carries a one-year warranty.

Pros
  • Fluid dynamic bearings support quieter and longer-lasting fan operation compared to sleeve-type alternatives
  • Thermal paste is included in the box, allowing immediate installation without sourcing additional materials
  • Noise output stays as low as 14 dB at minimum fan speed, making it unobtrusive during light workloads
  • Covers six Intel socket types spanning multiple generations, offering broad platform compatibility
  • The 23 mm heatsink height makes it suitable for compact builds with limited vertical clearance above the socket
Cons
  • A single fan with a maximum airflow of 21.8 CFM limits heat dissipation capacity under sustained heavy loads
  • The warranty period is limited to one year, which is shorter than many alternatives in the same category
  • No RGB lighting is included, which may be a drawback for users building systems with coordinated lighting setups
  • At 2700 RPM maximum, the fan reaches a relatively high speed to compensate for the constrained heatsink volume, which may affect long-term acoustics under load
Who is this for?

This cooler is well-suited for users building compact or small form factor systems where heatsink height is a hard constraint, given its 23 mm profile. It also fits builders working with Intel platforms across multiple generations, from LGA 1155 through LGA 1851, without needing adapter kits. Those prioritizing a quiet, unobtrusive system during everyday tasks will appreciate the 14 dB minimum noise floor, particularly in home office or living room environments.

Who is this NOT for?

Users running thermally demanding workloads such as sustained CPU-intensive rendering or overclocking will likely find the single fan and 21.8 CFM airflow insufficient to maintain stable temperatures over extended periods. The cooler is also a poor fit for builders who want RGB lighting integration as part of a coordinated aesthetic setup, since no lighting feature is present. Additionally, those seeking long-term warranty coverage will find the one-year warranty period limiting compared to what is typically offered by more robust cooling solutions.

Cooling:

Cooling type Air
Max fan RPM 2700 rpm
Max airflow 21.8 CFM
Number of fans 1

The IS-23i Black uses air cooling and is equipped with a single fan that spins at up to 2700 RPM, generating a maximum airflow of 21.8 CFM to move heat away from the CPU.

Dimensions:

Heatsink/water block height 23 mm
Heatsink/water block width 92 mm
Heatsink/water block depth 92 mm

The heatsink measures 92 mm in both width and depth, with a height of just 23 mm, resulting in a compact, low-profile form factor suited for builds where vertical clearance above the CPU socket is limited.

General info:

CPU socket LGA 1851, LGA 1700, LGA 1200, LGA 1150, LGA 1151, LGA 1155
Audible noise (min) 14 dB
Audible noise (max) 23 dB
weight 180 g
warranty period 1 years

The IS-23i Black is compatible with a range of Intel sockets, including LGA 1851, LGA 1700, LGA 1200, LGA 1150, LGA 1151, and LGA 1155, covering a wide span of platform generations. Audible noise sits between 14 dB at its quietest and 23 dB at full load, keeping operation relatively unobtrusive. The unit weighs 180 g and is backed by a one-year warranty.

Features:

Fan bearings Fluid dynamic bearings
has RGB lighting ✕
Thermal paste Included
Has a display ✕

The fan uses fluid dynamic bearings, and the cooler ships with thermal paste included, so no separate purchase is needed before installation. It does not feature RGB lighting or an integrated display, keeping the design straightforward and utilitarian.

Final Verdict

The ID-Cooling IS-23i Black is a purposeful air CPU cooler built around a clear set of priorities: minimal physical footprint, broad Intel socket support, and quiet everyday operation. Its 23 mm low-profile heatsink makes it a coherent choice for compact builds where vertical clearance is a genuine constraint, and the six-socket compatibility range adds meaningful flexibility across platform generations. That said, its single-fan configuration and modest airflow ceiling mean it is best reserved for systems with moderate thermal demands rather than sustained heavy workloads. For users whose needs align with those boundaries, the IS-23i Black delivers a focused, no-frills solution that does exactly what its specifications promise.