Whether you’ve been using a small mini ITX case or huge and lofty RAM sticks for your motherboard, your CPU cooler will most likely have maintenance difficulties, particularly when you’re using an air cooling system.
This article will walk you through the list of the best low profile CPU coolers that we have assessed after hours of research and review.
How Did We Curate Our List of Best Low Profile CPU Coolers?
With so many best low profile CPU cooler available on the market, we understand it is not easy to pick the best one for yourself.
However, we decided to make the process easier for you. We researched and evaluated several brands based on certain criteria listed below.
- Fan Size
Even when you’re buying the best low-profile CPU cooler for small PCs, you would like it to be strong enough to keep your CPU cool. Examine the fan size of the CPU cooling system. A 120 mm fan will almost certainly provide higher performance than a 60 mm one.
- Fan Speed
The fan speed, measured in RPM or rotations per minute, is another element that might impact the device efficiency of the CPU cooler.
In most situations, a 2500 RPM fan is preferable to a 1500 RPM fan since a faster rotating fan provides more airflow and hence decent cooling. However, a higher fan speed might result in more fan noise, which could be aggravating.
- Cooler Height
You’ll want an ultra low-profile CPU cooler with a low height if you’re buying one. As a result, it’s critical to double-check the cooler’s length specification to verify that it will fit within your small ITX case.
Among the most popular cooler length options are 30 mm to 60 mm or anything close to that.
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Top 8 Best Low Profile CPU Coolers: A Comprehensive Review
After hours of research, we have curated the list of the top 8 ultra low profile CPU coolers for your convenience.
1. ARCTIC Alpine 12 LP
Arctic is a well-known brand of computer cooling devices that includes both high-end and low-cost CPU coolers.
Because it is the cheapest option on this list, the Arctic Alpine 12 LP low-profile cooler is ranked first.
This cooler includes a 92 mm PWM fan, which is quite large for the price. This fan has a cooling capacity of up to 75 watts.
Despite its compact size, the fan speed of up to 2000 RPM allows it to achieve this TDP rating. Because the Arctic is a well-known brand of computer components, even this low-cost alternative comes with a one-year warranty.
Regrettably, this low-profile cooler is only compatible with Intel sockets, not AMD.
ARCTIC Alpine 12 - CPU Cooler for Intel Sockets 115x and 1200,...
- COMPATIBILITY: The ARCTIC Alpine 12 is a compact cooling solution for Intel CPU Sockets and compatible with 1156, 1155, 1151, 1150 and 1200
- IMPROVED COOLING PERFORMANCE: A new production process of the extruded radial heatsink improves the cooling performance
- COMPATIBILITY: The ARCTIC Alpine 12 is a compact cooling solution for Intel CPU Sockets and compatible with 1156, 1155, 1151, 1150 and 1200
- IMPROVED COOLING PERFORMANCE: A new production process of the extruded radial heatsink improves the cooling performance
- NEW TYPE OF EXTRUSION: The high thermal conductivity of aluminum is fully retained by a new type of extrusion
- NEW PRODUCTION PROCESS: This new production process creates a powerful yet very compact radial heat sink
- WIDE RPM RANGE: The Alpine 12 features a new motor technology with a very wide, PWM-controlled RPM range; this keeps the noise level at a minimum
Highlights
• 92 mm fan size
• 2000 RPM fan speed
• 35.8 dBA low noise adapter
• Intel LGA1151/1150/1155/1156/1200 Socket Compatibility
• Dimensions (L X W X H): 95 x 95 x 53.5 mm/3.74 x 3.74 x 2.10 inch
• One year warranty
Pros
• Affordably priced CPU cooler
• Ideal for replacing a damaged stock cooler
• Very small and compact and great performance
Cons
• It does not share compatibility from AMD sockets
2. Noctua nh l9i Cooler for CPU
Noctua nh l9i is the finest option to choose from if you want a premium quality cooling capacity with outstanding acoustic performance, whether it’s CPU coolers or fans of the computer cases.
The most potent choice listed here is Noctua nh l9i low-profile CPU cooler, which would be ideal if it fits within your small ITX chassis.
Because Noctua nh is rather large (65 mm cooler length), make sure it is suitable with your computer case beforehand. When it does, you may expect the 92 mm fan to operate very silently.
Although a very quiet fan, Noctua nh nevertheless spins at up to 2,500 RPM, resulting in good cooling due to its heating pipes.
Both on Intel and AMD sockets, Noctua nh gives you the same amount of efficiency, which is always a bonus point to your cooler. It is not only a high-performance choice, but it is also a highly dependable one since it comes with a 6-year warranty.
Noctua NH-L9i chromax.Black, Low-Profile CPU Cooler for Intel LGA115x (Black)
- Proven premium heatsink (more than 100 awards and recommendations from international hardware websites), now available in an all-black design that goes great with many colour schemes and RGB LEDs
- Only 37mm height allows it to fit ultra-compact HTPC and Small Form Factor (SFF) cases, 95x95mm footprint guarantees 100% RAM and PCIe compatibility on all ITX, Micro-ATX and ATX motherboards
- Proven premium heatsink (more than 100 awards and recommendations from international hardware websites), now available in an all-black design that goes great with many colour schemes and RGB LEDs
- Only 37mm height allows it to fit ultra-compact HTPC and Small Form Factor (SFF) cases, 95x95mm footprint guarantees 100% RAM and PCIe compatibility on all ITX, Micro-ATX and ATX motherboards
- Renowned, award-winning NF-A9x14 slim 92mm fan with Low-Noise Adaptor and PWM for automatic speed control: full cooling performance under load, whisper quiet at idle!
- Includes high-end NT-H1 thermal paste and SecuFirm2 mounting system for easy installation on Intel LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156, LGA1200
- Renowned Noctua quality backed up by 6-year manufacturer’s warranty, deluxe choice for Intel Core i7, i5 or i3 with moderate heat load (e.g. 11900, 11700, 11600, 10700, see compatibility list)
Highlights
• Compatible with Intel Socket LGA1151/1150/1155/1156/1200/2011/2066 and also socket AMD AM4/FM2+/FM2/FM1/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2
• Dimensions (L X W X H): 3.74 x 2 x 3.74 inch
• Noctua nh has a fan size of 92 mm
• Has a fan speed of 2500 RPM
• Noise level of Noctua nh is 24.6 dBA
• Offers a 6-year warranty
Pros
• It is very reliable and durable and can be used for long term
• Stellar cooling reviews and premium performance
• Compatible with both AMD and Intel platforms
Cons
• It is a bit taller than the other coolers available in the market
3. Scythe Big Shuriken Cooler CPU
Compared to certain other CPU cooler options that might be a suitable high-performance choice, Scythe is a very modest computer parts manufacturer.
Because of its small size, the Scythe Big Shuriken 3 low-profile CPU cooler is a superb high-performance alternative.
This CPU cooling system comes with a 120 mm fan, which is a very substantial size. That paired with a CPU cooler length of 69 mm, allows for excellent conditioning.
It employs a very strong 1800 RPM fan, which is helpful for appropriate cooling, in addition to being big. This one, like most other low-profile CPU coolers, works with both Intel and AMD processors.
Regrettably, because Scythe is a relatively new computer parts manufacturer, this CPU cooler doesn’t really include a guarantee:
Scythe Big Shuriken 3 CPU Air Cooler, 120mm Low Profile(69mm Tall), Intel...
- Socket compatibility includes Intel: T/LGA 775, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011 v3, & 2066
- Socket compatibility includes AMD: AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, AM4, FM1, FM2, & FM2+
- Fan diameter of 120 mm
- Air flow of 50.79 cfm
- Socket compatibility includes Intel: T/LGA 775, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1366, 2011 v3, & 2066
- Socket compatibility includes AMD: AM2, AM2+, AM3, AM3+, AM4, FM1, FM2, & FM2+
- Fan diameter of 120 mm
- Air flow of 50.79 cfm
- Noise level up to 30.4 dBA
Highlights
• Has a fan speed of1800 RPM
• Has a fan size of 120 mm
• Dimensions (L X W X H): 4.80 x 4.80 x 2.71 inch
• Compatible with Intel socket LGA775/1151/1150/1155/1156/1200/1366/2011/2066 and also AMD socket AM4/FM2+/FM2/FM1/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2
Pros
• It is a good option for changing faulty CPU coolers
• Very reasonable as compared to other CPU coolers
• It is very compact and small in size
Cons
• It cannot fit into small mini-cases of ITX
• It does not offer any warranty
4. Be Quiet CPU Cooler BK002
Be Quiet, which makes the low-profile device discussed above, makes some of the top-performing CPU coolers or PC fans that are also extremely quiet.
Because it is a superb high-performance choice, the Be Quiet Shadow Rock LP BK002 low profile CPU cooler is ranked fourth in our review.
This CPU cooler comes with a big 120 mm fan that can accommodate a maximum TDP of 130 watts.
Another advantage of this CPU cooler is that its fan only runs at 1500 RPM, making it almost silent. You may use this CPU cooler with both AMD and Intel motherboards because it supports almost all prevalent socket types.
Be Quiet provides high-performance goods and assures that they are very dependable by providing a 3-year warranty.
be quiet! Shadow Rock LP, BK002, 130W TDP, CPU Cooler, Low Profile
- AMD compatibility: AM4
- Intel compatibility: 1700 / 1200 / 2066 / 1150 / 1151 / 1155 / 2011(-3) Square ILM
- High 130W TDP cooling performance TDP
- Pure wings 2 120mm PWM fan with airflow-optimized fan blades and durable rifle-bearing
- AMD compatibility: AM4
- Intel compatibility: 1700 / 1200 / 2066 / 1150 / 1151 / 1155 / 2011(-3) Square ILM
- High 130W TDP cooling performance TDP
- Pure wings 2 120mm PWM fan with airflow-optimized fan blades and durable rifle-bearing
- User-friendly mounting from atop the mainboard
- Four HIGH-PERFORMANCE 6mm heat pipes with aluminum caps
Highlights
• Has a fan size of 120 mm
• Has a fan speed of 1500 RPM
• The noise level of the fan is 25.5 dBA
• Consumes 1.1 watts of power
• Compatible with Intel LGA775/1151/1150/1155/1156/1366/2011 socket and AMD AM4/FM2+/FM2/FM1/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2
• Dimensions (L X W X H): 6.3 x 5.51 x 6.69 inch
• Offers a 3-year warranty
Pros
• Quiet silent when the fan is operating
• Very durable and can be used for longer terms
• Stellar reviews in terms of cooling performance
Cons
• It is a bit bigger in size compared to other low profile coolers
5. Cooler Master CPU Cooler
While Cooler Master MasterAir is most known for its computer cases and other accessories, it also makes a few feature-packed CPU coolers.
In contrast to most other alternatives, the Cooler Master MasterAir G200P low-profile CPU coolers are the most adjustable option listed here.
That is mainly because it comes with an RGB 92 mm fan that you can adjust to any color you choose. This Cooler Master is only 39.4 mm tall, even with an RGB fan installed.
However, compared to most other alternatives, its RGB fan runs at 2,600 RPM, making it slightly noisy.
You’ll be relieved to learn that this CPU chiller is compatible with a wide range of CPU adapters, namely AMD and Intel. Cooler Master MasterAir, like its computer cases, offers a two-year guarantee.
Cooler Master MasterAir G200P RGB Low-Profile CPU Air Cooler, 39.4 mm Ultra-Low-Profile...
- Small Form Factor - Ultra-low-profile heatsink measures 39. 4 mm overall
- Two C-Shaped Heat Pipe Design - Strategically shaped heat pipe design for an ultra-compact cooler that maximizes heat dissipation.
- Small Form Factor - Ultra-low-profile heatsink measures 39. 4 mm overall
- Two C-Shaped Heat Pipe Design - Strategically shaped heat pipe design for an ultra-compact cooler that maximizes heat dissipation.
- 92mm PWM Fan with RGB Lighting - Wide speed range PWM fan that comes with ARGB LED lighting
- Precise Combination of Air Flow and Heatsink - Stacked fin placement ensures minimal airflow resistance, allowing cooler air flow into the heatsink
- RGB LED Controller - The wired RGB LED Controller allows for customizable colors and effects with just the touch of a button.
- CPU socket support: Intel: LGA2066, LGA2011 v3, LGA2011, LGA1200, LGA1151, LGA1150, LGA1156, LGA1155, LGA1366, AMD: AM4, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2, FM2+, FM2
Highlights
• Has a fan size of 92 mm
• Has a fan speed of 2600 RPM
• Noise level of fan is 28 dBA
• Compatible with Intel socket LGA1151/1150/1155/1156/1200/1366/2011/2066 and AMD socket AM4/FM2+/FM2/FM1/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2
• Dimensions (L X W X H): 3.7 x 3.6 x 1.6 inch
• Offers 2-year warranty
Pros
• The model has RGB lighting
• It is good quality, low profile cooler
• It is compatible with the majority of motherboards
Cons
• Compared to other CPU coolers, it is louder and noisier
6. StarTech CPU Cooler
Although StarTech is most known for its basic computer peripherals, it also sells a few internal components, such as its entry-level router.
The StarTech 1U TX3 FAN3701U low profile coolers are ranked second in this list because it is an excellent value for money solution for several.
Beginning with their fan size, it is one of the smaller alternatives available, with a 60 mm fan and copper wiring.
Because of its outstanding fan speed of up to 4,800 RPM, you get fairly improved performance even at its given size. This low-profile stock cooler comes with a 1-year warranty from StarTech.
If you have an AMD motherboard, you should try to look for something different because this one isn’t compatible with it.
StarTech.com 1U 60x10mm Socket 7/370 CPU Cooler Fan - Low Profile CPU...
- Processor cooler
- (Socket A
- Socket 370)
- copper
- 60 mm
- Processor cooler
- (Socket A
- Socket 370)
- copper
- 60 mm
Highlights
• Has 60 mm fan size
• Has a fan speed of 4800 RPM
• 28 dBA, almost silent operation
• Consumes around 2.64 watts of power
• It is compatible with Socket 370 and Socket A
• Dimensions (L X W X H): 100 x 30 x 146 mm
• Offers one year warranty
Pros
• Reasonable cost and good quality
• Stellar fan speed reviews and rating
• It is a very compact and tiny CPU stock cooler
Cons
• It is not compatible with AMD sockets
7. Thermaltake Engine Cooler CPU
Aside from the slightly elevated and big liquid CPU coolers, Thermaltake is among the most unusual low-profile coolers available.
The Thermaltake Engine 27U 1U simple design cooler features the all-metal construction with a distinctive design, which sets it apart from most other alternatives.
Its fan is relatively tiny, being just 60 mm in diameter and with a height of only 27 mm.
This CPU cooler has a pretty high fan speed of up to 2,500 RPM to guarantee that you receive good cooling performance for the given size.
If you already have an AMD motherboard, regrettably, you should seek something different because this one is exclusively compatible with Intel motherboards.
One of the best things about Thermaltake is that you can customize it to your liking.
Thermaltake Engine 27 Low Profile CPU Cooler Supports Intel Socket LGA 1150/1151...
- Low-Profile 27mm Height - Designed with 27mm height, the Engine 27 is the ideal CPU cooling solution for slim and small form factor applications, such as 1U server, HTPC, AIO/PIO PC, POS terminal and Booksize/Mini PC.
- Low-Profile 27mm Height - Designed with 27mm height, the Engine 27 is the ideal CPU cooling solution for slim and small form factor applications, such as 1U server, HTPC, AIO/PIO PC, POS terminal and Booksize/Mini PC.
- Unique Metallic (Alumium Alloy) Structure with Superb Heat Dissipation - Unlike traditional CPU coolers, the Engine 27 features a metallic structure and copper base that provides more fortified and efficient thermal paths for CPU. The metallic fan is designed to directly pull heat from the CPU. Especially, the metallic fan base which is engineered with small radial gaps that allow heat to be transferred rapidly to the rotating metallic fan. Hence, when the metallic fan blades generate cooling airflow, heat will also be transferred to the flowing air by both the rotating fan and the stationary fan base at the same time.
- Forty Fan Blade Design for Better Cooling Performance - To make a perfect balance between cooling performance and noise level, forty fan blades are engineered to generate a large volume of air passing through the heatsink at any angle. Additionally, the metallic blade rotation will create a centrifugal force on ambient air. In the meanwhile, the centrifugal forces will expel hot air so that heat can easily be taken away from the fan blades. Most importantly, this cooling technique can reduce the blade’s noise and vibration because hot air expelled will create a vacuum and then fresh cooling air will be drawn in the heatsink.
- Radial Fin Arrangement - The Engine 27 is specially designed with metallic radial fins to accelerate the thermal transfer process. Especially, the radial arrangement with 119 fin design which can minimise the gap between the fan and the fins, thus, hot air can be exhausted more rapidly and efficiently.
- Low Noise PWM Fan - The PWM function enables the motherboard to run the fan precisely at its necessary speed. The noise level can reduce to 13dBA. This guarantees an ultra-quiet noise level without compromising on the cooling performance. *Due to Engine 27 is using an 8-pole motor, the RPM read by Bios is twice of the real RPM.
Highlights
• Offers a 3-year warranty
• Is compatible with Socket Intel LGA1151/1150/1155/1156
• Consumes 1.1 watts of power
• Has a fan speed of 2500 RPM
• Has a fan size of 60 mm
• Low noise operation of 25 dBA
• Dimensions (L X W X H): 3.6 x 1 x 3.6 inch
Pros
• Stellar reviews for its great cooling performance
• Durable and suitable for extended life span
• Very compact and easy to use a CPU cooler
Cons
• Not a very versatile CPU cooler in the market
8. ID-COOLING Cooler for CPU
For someone on a budget who nevertheless would like a high-performance, low profile cooler, ID-Cooling may be a feasible alternative.
The ID-Cooling IS 30 low-profile cooler is a wonderful tiny and compact alternative that yet provides enough cooling.
While it has a standard 92 mm fan, it has a very low profile cooler height of only 30 mm. With this CPU cooler, you also get very high fan speeds of 3,600 RPM, which provides excellent cooling at the expense of fan noise.
With this CPU cooler, you have compatibility for both Intel and AMD systems, even at its low price. For added convenience, ID-Cooling offers a 2-year warranty.
ID-COOLING IS-30 30mm Height Mini-ITX Low Profile Cooler with 92x92x12mm Slim Big...
- 【Better Heat Dissipation】The low profile cpu cooler comes with 4 heatpipes and 92mm PWM fan to make sure excellent heat transfer from cpu.
- 【Low-profile Design】Ultra-compact low-profile cooler with only 30mm total height – ideal for HTPCs, ITX and Small Form Factor builds
- 【Better Heat Dissipation】The low profile cpu cooler comes with 4 heatpipes and 92mm PWM fan to make sure excellent heat transfer from cpu.
- 【Low-profile Design】Ultra-compact low-profile cooler with only 30mm total height – ideal for HTPCs, ITX and Small Form Factor builds
- 【PWM Fan】The 92mm PWM fan deliver Low-Noise for automatic speed control and ultra-quiet operation for extreme CPU cooling performance. Max. Air Flow: 40CFM ; Noise Level: 17~35.8dB(A)
- 【RAM Compatibility】100% compatibility RAM- and PCIe-compatibility due to 93x100mm footprint, does not overhang the RAM or PCIe slots
- 【Compatibility】The cpu air cooler supports most Intel & AMD sockets like Intel LGA1151/1150/1155/1156/1200 and AMD AM4.
Highlights
• Compatible with Intel socket LGA1151/1150/1155/1156/1200 and socket AMD AM4/FM2+/FM2/FM1/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2
• Dimensions (L X W X H): 3.66 x 3.93 x 1.18 inch
• Has a fan size of 92 mm
• Has a fan speed of 3600 RPM
• Noise levels of fan are 35.8 dBA
• Offers a 2-year warranty
Pros
• It is very reasonable and will fit in your budget for a CPU cooler
• It has amazing cooling performance
• It is very convenient for mini cases of ITX
Cons
• The fan is very noisy and can be very loud sometimes
Best Low-Profile CPU Coolers: A Buying Guide
Other than purchasing premium components like high-end CPU, RAM, GPU, et cetera for your device, it is also crucial to keep them clean, particularly if you are utilizing a tiny case with restricted airflow.
In such tiny cases, you might consider using one of the finest low-profile CPU coolers featured above. Each of them has its own important characteristics and features mentioned above to assist you in choosing the best one for you.
If you’re interested in learning even more, check out the following buying guide we have put together for you.
Fan Size
The fan size of your low-profile CPU cooler, like that of a conventional CPU cooler, could have a significant impact on its cooling performance.
Generally, a bigger fan produces more airflow, which results in greater cooling performance.
60 mm, 92 mm, and 120 mm are among the most popular fan sizes found in CPU coolers, with 92 mm providing the best mix of form factor and cooling performance.
Fan Speed
You must examine the speed of the fan of your CPU cooler in addition to the fan size to have an idea of its cooling capabilities.
Typically, CPU fans have a fan speed rating in RPM, such as 1,500 RPM, 2,000 RPM, 2,500 RPM, and a few others. Because of its larger airflow output, the higher 2500 RPM fan speed will provide the greatest cooling performance out of all of these different fan speed ratings.
However, the increased fan speed also means increased fan noise, which can be annoying.
Fan Noise Level
You may just operate the CPU cooler fan at a great speed to appropriately cool your device’s processor. While a higher fan speed provides better cooling, it also produces a lot of sound or noise.
If you want a quiet CPU cooler for your computer, you need first to examine the fan noise level. CPU coolers under 30 dBA should be enough for most users.
Cooler Height
If you’re receiving a low-profile CPU cooler, it’s probably because you’re utilizing a small case with restricted CPU cooler clearance. As a result, it’s crucial to assess the cooler height of the device you’re buying and make sure it’ll fit inside your tiny ITX case.
Although low-performance CPU coolers could have a size of 30 mm or less, high-performance versions typically have a height of 65 mm to accommodate more heat pipes and provide better cooling performance.
As a result, you can choose the greatest size that would fit within the computer cabinet.
Power Consumption
Although it isn’t a lot, the cooler for the computer CPU consumes some electricity to keep its fan running. As a result, keeping an eye on your low-profile CPU cooler’s power usage is a good idea.
Fortunately, because they typically consume between 2 and 5 watts of electricity, that shouldn’t be a problem.
Supported Sockets
Regardless of whether you choose a benchmark or low-profile CPU cooler, you must place it on top of the CPU and beside the motherboard. However, this is only feasible if your CPU cooler is compliant with your motherboard’s CPU socket.
As a result, it’s a good idea to double-check your CPU cooler’s socket compatibility list to be sure it’ll work with your motherboard.
LGA 775, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, and others for Intel, and FM1, FM2, AM2, AM3, and AM4 for AMD motherboards are among the most popular CPU socket types in various motherboard models.
Maximum TDP
Although the fan size and speed of a CPU cooler might give you a good sense of how well it cools, many CPU stock coolers have a maximum TDP rating. That merely informs you of the maximum CPU TDP or heating effect that they can withstand.
Similarly, in some circumstances, you can find TDP values such as 60 watts, 75 watts, 90 watts, and even higher. If you’re looking for a knockdown CPU cooler, one with a greater total TDP rating is recommended.
Summing Up
Even while virtually all computer processors come with a high end CPUs cooler, it may not be sufficient to keep it cool. If you’d like to purchase a compact mini ITX case with such compact coolers that slip inside, this becomes much more of a problem.
We hope this article helped you pick out the best low profile CPU stock coolers for your device. Go through all the features, pros, and cons before deciding on which one to purchase. Happy shopping!
My name is Tracy and I’m a passionate blogger about everything involving the latest tech, programming, gaming, gadgets, hardware or software.