Best Low Profile CPU Cooler | Comprehensive Review Update 04/2024

It’s unusual to see a Mini ITX gaming PC. Even though they may be attractive, compact, and portable, tiny form factor cases have a constant problem with cooling.

If you have a small case, you’ll need extra airflow, and the stock coolers that come with most CPUs aren’t very efficient and tend to be irritating.

Bạn đang xem: Best Low Profile CPU Cooler | Comprehensive Review Update 04/2024

Low-profile CPU coolers are the solution.

For those building Mini ITX gaming PCs, a high-quality cooler is an absolute necessity. We’ll show you the best low-profile CPU coolers in this article.

Arctic Alpine 11 GT

Nominal speed: 500-2000 rpm

dBA (decibels) of noise

The Pros:

• Superior to most OEM coolers in terms of performance, but far quieter.
• The cost is quite low.

The Cons:

• If you already have a functional stock cooler, this isn’t a big deal.
• There is no AMD-compatible version available.

About The Cooler

Our list of the best CPU coolers in general already included the Arctic Alpine 11 GT, a low-profile CPU cooler with the same features that made it a first-place finisher here.

Aside from the fact that it’s cheap, it’s also a step above than the factory coolers. Choosing this cooler is the best option if you’re looking for a quieter cooler with a little performance gain at a low price.

Specifications

Our Thoughts

In terms of performance, the Alpine 11 GT is only a marginal improvement over the default Intel cooler. As it turns out, this cooler has a significant benefit over the default one in terms of noise reduction: it is substantially quieter.

If you’re a Ryzen user, you won’t be able to use this cooler because it’s not compatible with the AM4 socket (or any AMD socket).

Cryorig C7

600 to 2500 rpm

30 decibels of sound

The Pros:

• a neat and tidy appearance
• a strong showing
• Quiet operation

The Cons:

• The AM4 socket requires a separate mounting kit.

About The Cooler

After that, we come to the Cryorig C7, a more expensive and more serious low-profile cooling solution. The product website makes it clear that this cooler was created to be an improvement over the stock model’s quite lackluster cooling capabilities.

According to the manufacturer, the C7’s lower temperatures and quieter operation allow it to be 25% more energy efficient than an Intel stock cooler. What’s the secret to this cooler’s efficiency, if it’s true, as demonstrated by independent tests? Copper heatpipes are what they sound like. I counted not one but two of them.

Specifications

Xem thêm : Corsair K55 Review Update 04/2024

AMD: FM1, FM2, FM2+, AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, AM4*, FM3, AM3, AM3+

Our Thoughts

There’s no denying that the Cryorig C7 offers excellent value for the money. Even though it outperforms factory coolers in terms of performance and noise, even when running at maximum speed, it is far from the quietest cooler on the market.

A separate upgrade kit is required to make it compatible with the AM4 socket out of the box, which is its main flaw. Cryorig provides free upgrade kits to customers who can present evidence of purchase, so you won’t have to spend anything more if your cooler was released before the launch of the Ryzen CPUs.

That apart, the C7 is a solid performer in its own right. Obviously, it can’t compete with the more expensive coolers, but if you’re looking for a quality improvement that will not only lower the temperature but also significantly reduce the noise levels when your PC is under high strain, this is the best option on this list..

Noctua NH-L9i

600 to 2500 rpm

14.8-23.6 dBA of noise

The Pros:

• a strong showing
• A very low level of sound pollution

The Cons:

• A separate AM4 mounting kit is available.
• On the pricey side of things.

About The Cooler

We can’t talk about CPU coolers without discussing Noctua, whose fans are instantly recognizable for their excellent but deceptively cheap appearance. In terms of quality and performance, the Noctura NH-L9i cooler we’ve got here is exactly what you’d expect from a Noctura cooler.

Even yet, it’s hard to call this a performance cooler. Instead, the ultra-quiet fan is its key edge over similarly priced competitors.

Specifications

AMD’s AM4

A separate mounting kit is required for the *AM4 socket.

Our Thoughts

Noctua fans are well-known for their low noise production, which is one of this cooler’s primary selling points. It’s on par in terms of performance with the slightly less expensive C7, but it’s quieter.

Consider the L9i over the C7 if you’re easily disturbed by fan noise, as the few additional dollars are well worth it. With a Mini ITX case and a compact heatsink, the fans have a lot of work to do, and this is even more so because the case is so small. However, if you don’t mind the extra loudness, the C7 is a better choice than the L9i.

As a last consideration, the budget-conscious should keep in mind that Cryorig’s mounting kits are free, whereas Noctua’s are a few dollars more expensive.

Thermaltake Engine 27

1500-to-to-to-to 1500

Measurement range: 13 to 25 decibels

The Pros:

• Extremely small in size
• A stunning design made entirely of aluminum
• A very low level of sound pollution

The Cons:

• Cheaper coolers perform worse than this one.
• Costly purchase
• AMD does not have any support.

About The Cooler

There is no doubt that the Thermaltake Engine 27 is a standout. What at first appearance appears to be a heatsink is actually a completely functional CPU cooler, with the exception that the fan is also entirely composed of aluminum. Even if we disregard the cooler’s appearance, it is still extremely efficient, quiet, and small.

Specifications

Our Thoughts

In my opinion, the Thermaltake Engine 27 is the best-looking cooler on the market today. The all-metal design is a rarity, and it’s even smaller than most low-profile coolers, even by today’s standards. Aesthetics, on the other hand, come at a price.

The Engine 27’s elegance is undeniable, but its cooling effectiveness is considerably inferior to that of the more affordable competitors. This cooler may be more attractive, smaller, and quieter than the Cryorig C7, but its high price and poor performance make it a questionable purchase.

Noctua NH-L9x65

600 to 2500 rpm

14.8-23.6 dBA of noise

The Pros:

• Spectacular show!
• Extremely low levels of background noise

The Cons:

• A separate AM4 mounting kit is available.
• On the pricey side of things.
• Cheap coolers aren’t much better than this one.

About The Cooler

It is back to Noctua for the last entry, this time with the NH-L9x65 cooler. With the exception of the heatsink, this model’s heatsink is twice as tall as the cheaper, more compact NH-L9i.

There’s just one thing that more mass can mean: improved cooling efficiency. Because it’s a Noctua and uses the same fan as the L9i, you can expect the L9x65 to be exceptionally quiet as well. It’s actually even quieter than the L9i because to the larger heatsink, which reduces the speed at which the fan needs to spin.

Specifications

Xem thêm : Corsair K55 Review Update 04/2024

AMD: FM1, FM2, FM2+, AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, AM4*, FM3, AM3, AM3+

A separate mounting kit is required for the *AM4 socket.

Our Thoughts

With that said, this is one of the greatest aftermarket cooling units you can acquire if you’re searching for a Mini ITX case-friendly cooling solution.

In spite of its size, the Cryorig C7 remains a few degrees cooler than the Cryorig C7 despite being substantially more expensive. However, you can be confident that the L9x65 will outperform them both in terms of performance and noise level.

It’s the same with the L9x65, which has an incredibly quiet fan as its key selling point. That’s about all there is to say about the L9i. The cooler is pricey, and the AM4 socket mounting hardware is offered separately.

ARCTIC Alpine 12 LP – CPU Cooler

In terms of computer cooling accessories, Arctic is one of the most popular brands, with a wide range of high-end and entry-level CPU coolers.

Due to its inexpensive price, the Arctic Alpine 12 LP low-profile CPU cooler comes in first place on this list. Even at its stated price, the 92 mm PWM fan that comes with this cooler is quite huge. Cooling power of up to 75 watts is possible with this fan.

Despite its diminutive size, the fan speed of up to 2000 RPM allows it to maintain this TDP rating. This low-cost alternative comes with a one-year warranty from Arctic, a well-known manufacturer of computer components. As a result, this low-profile cooler can only be used with Intel processors and not AMD ones.

The following are the top features:

• The fan’s diameter is 92 mm.
• 2000 RPM is the fan’s speed.
• dBA is the decibel level at which you can hear the fan running.
• Intel LGA1151/1150/1155/1156/1200 is a compatible socket.
• Size (length, width, and height): 95 x 95 x 53.5 mm/3.74 x 3.74 x 2.10 inch
• One year’s worth of coverage is included in the warranty.

Pros:

• Inexpensive CPU cooler
• It’s perfect for swapping out a broken stock cooler with.
• It’s a tiny little thing.

Cons:

• It does not work with sockets from AMD

StarTech CPU Cooler Fan

In addition to basic computer peripherals, StarTech also sells some internal components, such as its entry-level graphics card.

Second place goes to StarTech’s 1U TX3 FAN3701U low profile CPU cooler, which is an excellent value for the money. With a 60 mm fan and copper construction, it’s one of the smallest solutions on the market when it comes to cooling.

The high RPM of the fan, even at its current size, allows for a respectable cooling performance despite its small stature. As an added bonus, this low-profile CPU cooler from StarTech comes with a one-year guarantee. For those who have an AMD motherboard, you should go elsewhere because this motherboard is not compatible.

The following are the top features:

• The fan’s diameter measures 60 mm.
• 4800 RPM is the speed at which the fan spins.
• Fans make 28 dBA of sound.
• The wattage is 2.64 watts.
• sockets A and 370 are compatible with each other
• These are the measurements in millimeters: 100 by thirty by five hundredths of an inch
• One year’s worth of coverage is included in the warranty.

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight CPU cooler
• The fan speed is excellent.
• A good deal for the money.

Cons:

• AMD sockets are incompatible.

Be Quiet CPU Cooler

Low-profile Be Quiet fans and CPU coolers are among the best-performing PC fans and CPU coolers available.

As the third best low-profile CPU cooler, the Be Quiet Shadow Rock LP BK002 is a wonderful high-performance alternative to consider. This CPU cooler comes with a massive 120 mm fan and can accommodate a maximum TDP of up to 130 watts, which is amazing.

In addition to the fact that the fan only spins at 1500 RPM, this low-profile CPU cooler is extremely quiet. Socket types supported by this CPU cooler include those used by both AMD and Intel motherboards. With a 3-year warranty, Be Quiet not only offers high-quality items but also ensures their dependability.

The following are the top features:

• Size of fan: 120 mm
• The fan is running at 1500 RPM.
• fan sonic output: 25.5 dB(A).
• 1.1 watts of power consumption
• AMD AM4/FM2/FM1/AM3+/AM3 and Intel LGA775/1151/1150/1155/1156/1366/2011 Socket Compatibility
• Its dimensions (L x W x H): 160 x 140 x 170 mm/6.3 in x 5.51 in x 6.69 in
• A three-year guarantee

Pros:

• High-quality heat dissipation
• During operating, the fan is fairly quiet.
• For long-term use, this is a solid choice.

Cons:

• Larger than average

Cooler Master CPU Air Cooler

In addition to their computer cases and other accessories, you may be familiar with Cooler Master’s line of CPU coolers.

The Cooler Master MasterAir G200P low-profile CPU cooler is the most configurable option listed here, in contrast to the majority of the competition. Why? Because it comes with an RGB 92-mm fan that can be adjusted to any color of your choosing. Even with an RGB fan, the height of this cooler is only 39.4 mm.

Although its RGB fan reaches 2600 RPM, it’s a little louder than most other choices. Fortunately, this CPU cooler is compatible with a wide range of sockets, including those from both AMD and Intel. Cooler Master, like its computer cases, offers a two-year warranty.

The following are the top features:

• The fan’s diameter is 92 mm.
• 2600 RPM is the speed at which the fan spins.
• Fans make 28 dBA of sound.
• Intel LGA1151/1150/1155/1156/1200/1366/2011/2066 and AMD AM4/FM2+/FM2/FM1/AM3/AM2+/AM2
• 94 x 91 x 40 mm/3.7 x 3.6 x 1.6 inch in length and width
• Two-year limited warranty

Pros:

• Color-changing illumination is also included.
• Compatible with a wide range of motherboards
• Incredibly low-profile CPU cooling

Cons:

• Not as quiet as some of the others.

Silverstone  CPU Cooler

This brand of computer cases is similar to Cooler Master in that it also sells a few CPU coolers in addition to its cabinets.

The Silverstone Tek low profile CPU cooler is an excellent high-performance alternative if you have a large mini ITX system. A large part of this is made feasible due to the fan’s excellent cooling performance (92 mm). Even so, it does result in a somewhat larger overall height of 58 mm.

Fortunately, the increased size is justified by the higher TDP rating of 95 watts that you receive. With this incorporated fan that can spin at 2500 RPM, you receive a TDP rating that is so high. The fact that you can use it with either an AMD or an Intel CPU makes it both a high-performance and a highly adaptable alternative. Silverstone’s CPU cooler comes with a respectable two-year guarantee that ensures it will be reliable.

The following are the top features:

• The fan’s diameter is 92 mm.
• 2500 RPM is the fan speed.
• 28.3 decibels of noise is generated by the fan.
• Both Intel’s LGA1151 and AMD’s FM2/FM1/FM1 sockets are supported.
• 165 x 140 x 69 mm/6.5 x 5.5 x 2.7 inch in length and width
• Two-year limited warranty

Pros:

• Exceptional cooling capacity
• The warranty period is rather long.
• High-performance fan that is both quiet and efficient.

Cons:

• a little bit bigger than the norm

Thermaltake Engine CPU Cooler

Low-profile liquid CPU coolers from Thermaltake are as impressive as Thermaltake’s high-end and big models.

The Thermaltake Engine 27U 1U low profile CPU cooler features an all-metal construction that sets it apart from the competition. The cooler’s height is only 27 millimeters, while the fan is only 60 millimeters in diameter.

Xem thêm : Alera Elusion Review. Everything You Need To Know Update 04/2024

This CPU cooler has a reasonably high fan speed of up to 2500 RPM to make sure you get decent cooling performance for the size it’s supplied. You should, however, seek elsewhere if you have an AMD motherboard, as this one is only compatible with Intel motherboards. Thermaltake comes with a 3-year warranty, which is an added bonus.

The following are the top features:

• The fan’s diameter measures 60 mm.
• 2500 RPM is the fan speed.
• 25 decibels is the maximum noise level produced by the fan.
• 1.1 watts of power consumption
• Intel LGA1151/1150/1155/1156 Socket Compatibility
• the following measurements are in millimeters and inches, respectively:
• A three-year guarantee

Pros:

• Miniature CPU cooler with a low profile design
• For its size, it has a decent amount of cooling power.
• Useful over a longer period of time

Cons:

• It’s not the most flexible choice.

Scythe Big Shuriken CPU Air Cooler

When compared to other high-performance CPU coolers on the market, Scythe is a relatively tiny brand of computer components.

As a result of its small size, the Scythe Big Shuriken 3 low profile CPU cooler is a fantastic high-performance choice. This CPU cooler comes with a 120 mm fan, which is a rather substantial fan size. In addition, the 69 mm height of the CPU cooler makes it ideal for high-performance cooling.

For appropriate cooling, it features a strong 1800 RPM fan in addition to its size. Similar to other low-profile CPU coolers, this one may be used with both Intel and AMD chips. Scythe, a relatively new brand of computer components, does not include a warranty on this CPU cooler.

The following are the top features:

• Size of fan: 120 mm
• 1800 RPM fan speed
• Supported Sockets: Intel LGA 775, AMD AM4, FM2+, FM2, FM1, AM3+, AM3, and AM2+/AM2,
• Inches: 4.80 x 4.80 x 2.71 inches in length, width, and height.

Pros:

• Inexpensive CPU cooler
• It’s perfect for swapping out a broken stock cooler with.
• It’s a tiny little thing.

Cons:

• Mini ITX enclosures are too small to accommodate this card.
• No manufacturer’s warranty is included.

Noctua CPU Cooler

Noctua is the finest choice for those looking for class-leading cooling performance with exceptional acoustic performance in computer case fans or CPU coolers.

As the most powerful option on this list, the Notua NH-L9x65 low-profile CPU cooler is ideal for tiny ITX cases. First, check to see if your computer case can handle the 65 mm height of the cooler. If this is the case, the 92 mm motor should run almost silently.

In spite of the fact that it is a rather quiet fan, the heating pipes it utilizes allow it to run at speeds of up to 2500 RPM, providing effective cooling. Both Intel and AMD sockets deliver the same degree of performance, which is always a plus. The 6-year warranty makes it both a high-performance and a trustworthy alternative in addition to its high performance.

The following are the top features:

• The fan’s diameter is 92 mm.
• 2500 RPM is the fan speed.
• The fan’s noise level was measured at 24.6 dBA.
• Intel LGA1151/1150/1155/1156/1200/2011/2066 and AMD AM4/FM2+/FM2/FM1/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2
• 374 x 2 x 3.74 inches in length, width, and height.
• Six-year warranty

Pros:

• Exceptional cooling capacity
• High levels of dependability and longevity
• Both Intel and AMD platforms are supported.

Cons:

• The cooler’s height is noticeably taller than that of the competition.

ID-COOLING CPU Cooler

Those on a budget yet still looking for a high-performance CPU cooler may wish to choose ID-Cooling.

Despite its diminutive size, the ID-Cooling IS 30 low-profile CPU cooler offers respectable cooling performance. It has a standard 92 mm fan, but it only has a 30 mm CPU cooler height, which is quite low.

3600 RPM fan speeds are also included in this CPU cooler, which provides excellent cooling at the expense of fan noise. Even at its stated price, this CPU cooler provides support for both AMD and Intel processors. For further security, ID-Cooling offers a two-year warranty.

The following are the top features:

• The fan’s diameter is 92 mm.
• 3600 RPM is the fan speed.
• dBA is the decibel level at which you can hear the fan running.
• AMD AM4/FM2/FM1/AM3+/AM3 and Intel LGA1151/1150/1155/1156/1200 are the only two sockets that are backwards compatible.
• 93 × 100 x 30 mm (3.66 x 3.93 x 1.18 inch) in length, width, and height
• Two-year limited warranty

Pros:

• Ideal for micro ITX cases that require a small footprint.
• In terms of cooling, this device does fairly well.
• CPU coolers that are affordable and cost-effective

Cons:

• At times, the fan is a little too noisy.

Buying Guide for the Best Low Profile CPU Coolers

Keeping your computer cool is just as vital as getting high-end components like a powerful CPU, graphics card, and RAM. This is especially true if you’re working with a small chassis with restricted airflow.

Low-profile CPU coolers work well in small cases like these. Take a look at the ones listed above. For your convenience, we’ve outlined the most important characteristics and features of each of these options so you can make an informed decision. To learn more about the best low profile CPU coolers, check out the following buying guide:.

Fan Size

The fan size of a low-profile CPU cooler, like a standard-sized CPU cooler, can have a significant impact on its cooling performance. As a general rule, a larger fan provides more airflow, which means better cooling. 92 mm is a good compromise between cooling performance and form factor when it comes to CPU cooler fan diameters, with 60 mm being the most prevalent.

Fan Speed

If you want to know how well your CPU cooler is cooling, you need also have a look at the fan speed. A CPU cooler’s fan speed rating in RPM will typically include numbers like “1500 RPM,” “2000 RPM,” and so on. As a result of its greater airflow, the 2500 RPM fan speed is going to be the most effective in terms of cooling. Increasing the fan speed has the unfortunate side effect of increasing the fan noise, which can be extremely annoying at times.

Fan Noise Level

Increasing the speed of your computer’s CPU cooler fan will help keep the processor appropriately cooled. While a higher fan speed is better for cooling, it also means a higher sound output or more noticeable fan noise. And if you’re looking for a quiet CPU cooler, you’ll need to evaluate its fan noise. Most computer users should be fine with a CPU cooler rated below 30 dBA.

Cooler Height

If you have a low-profile CPU cooler, it’s probably because you’re utilizing a tiny case with a restricted amount of clearance for CPU coolers. In order to verify that your mini ITX case will fit, it is vital to check the height of the cooler unit you are purchasing. High-performance CPU coolers typically have a height of roughly 65 mm, whilst low-performance coolers often have a height of 30 mm or less. As a result, choose the maximum possible size for your computer’s cabinet.

Power Consumption

In addition to cooling your computer processor, the fan on this cooler also consumes some electricity, albeit at a low level. As a result, it’s a good idea to evaluate the power consumption of your low-profile CPU cooling. Fortunately, because most of these only use 2 to 5 watts, this shouldn’t be an issue at all.

Supported Sockets

The CPU cooler you purchase for your computer, whether it is standard or low-profile, must be fitted on top of the CPU and beside the motherboard. However, this is only possible if your motherboard’s CPU socket is compatible with your CPU cooler. Check the socket compatibility list of your CPU cooler and make sure it is compatible with your motherboard because of this. Intel and AMD motherboards use a variety of distinct CPU socket types, including LGA 775 and 1150 for Intel and FM1, FM2, AM2, AM3, and AM4 for AMD; these may all be found on a variety of different motherboard models.

Maximum TDP

It’s a good idea to check the maximum TDP rating on your CPU cooler to get a sense of how well it’s cooling your processor. Simply, this gives you the maximum TDP (thermal design power) or heat output that they can withstand. In the same way that CPUs have TDP ratings of 60 watts, 75 watts, 90 watts, and even more in some circumstances. Choosing a low-profile CPU cooler with a high maximum TDP rating is recommended if you are looking for high performance.

Warranty

A CPU cooler, for example, is built to last for the life of your machine. Even though the fan motor may fail over time, getting a reliable low-profile CPU cooler is still a good option. Checking the warranty supplied with your CPU cooler is an easy way to guarantee this. In addition to the standard 2-year warranty or something similar, a few highly trustworthy alternatives may even feature a 5-year warranty or more for your piece of mind.

FAQS:

What does low profile CPU cooler mean?

A low-profile CPU cooler can be the ideal choice for a compact constructed or a HTPC.. They’re compact, they’re quiet, and they’re good enough for most modern CPUs to run at full speed. If space is an issue, you should only use a low-profile air-cooler. Conventional, larger air-coolers, on the other hand, perform better.

Is Noctua NH L12S good?

At this point in time, we give the NH-L12S by Noctua two big thumbs up. With the 95W TDP limit, we were able to take this cooler to that point and beyond, and our CPU was still well within the safe zone, even with the 95W TDP limit.

Is AIO better than air cooling?

How can an AIO cooler benefit your system? AIO coolers are better at cooling CPUs than air, just like a swimming pool cools you off faster than a fan. Overclocking your processor helps you to get the most out of your more powerful components because you don’t have to worry about overheating.

Conclusion:

Ultimately, the Cryorig C7 is the low-profile cooler we’d recommend. Even though its fan isn’t as quiet as Noctua coolers’, they’re comparable in terms of performance. It’s also worth noting that the C7 is a tad less expensive than the two Noctua coolers listed here.

So, if you’re searching for a replacement for the mediocre factory cooler, the C7 is a good place to start. Only if you can’t take the sound of noisy fans would we suggest a Noctua over it. There is a good probability your Mini ITX gaming PC will have issues with fan noise.

Nguồn: https://gemaga.com
Danh mục: Review