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Low-profile CPU coolers and small form factor motherboards are a match made in heaven. As compared to standard-sized CPU coolers, low-profile CPU coolers are significantly smaller in size, and therefore are highly well-suited for small-sized motherboards, including Micro ATX and Mini ITX boards.
Sure, there’s no hard and fast rule that you have to limit your option to a low-profile CPU cooler for a mini gaming rig build as you can go for a relatively large-sized cooler. However, doing that defeats the purpose of choosing a small-sized motherboard. And depending on the compactness of your tower PC case, a larger size cooler may not fit in the first place.
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But low-profile CPU coolers aren’t designed just for compactness. Many high-performance models are also heavily focused on overcoming the restriction in airflow (high static pressure) as there is very little open space in compact motherboards, including Mini ITX, and Micro ATX boards.
Are low-profile CPU coolers standard options for mini tower PCs?
For many, low-profile CPU coolers may seem relatively new, but they are not. It’s been quite a while that Intel, with their compact-sized boxed CPU coolers, has set the standard for low-profile CPU coolers.
GIF credit: Hardware Unboxed
What is interesting to know is that AMD followed suit and launched several low-profile CPU coolers that come included with Ryzen series processors.
GIF credit: Hardware Unboxed
However, these stock low-profile coolers from Intel and AMD aren’t great at delivering high cooling performance. They especially don’t go well with modern Micro ATX and Mini ITX motherboards that support high-end gaming-grade CPUs with a high TDP.
This is where high-performance low-profile CPU coolers come into the picture. But just like the way it is with standard-sized CPU coolers, there is no be-all-end-all low-profile CPU cooler.
Low-profile CPU cooler sizes
Low-profile CPU coolers are available in various sizes and overall dimensions based on motherboard size and PC case size standards. There are no standardized categories for different low-profile CPU cooler sizes which can create confusion, especially for new buyers.
To make things simpler, we’ve created two categories, Low-profile, and Ultra-low profile sizes. Most CPU cooler manufacturers use height to label their coolers as low-profile models. We have taken the same approach and used height as the common ground of variables.
Best Low-profile sizes
CPU coolers with heights ranging from 60 mm to 75/77 mm can be categorized as coolers with low-profile sizes.
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Image credit: Noctua
Ultra-low profile sizes
Many CPU coolers are so compact to the point that they measure just 25 mm tall. These types of coolers, along with models that measure up to 55 mm in height, can be considered ultra-low profile CPU coolers.
Image credit: Silverstone
Image credit: IDcooling
RAM module clearance
The overall height of low-profile CPU coolers not only determines PC case compatibility but also RAM module compatibility. While many ultra-low profile CPU coolers are designed to sit adjacent to the RAM modules, low-profile CPU coolers with a minimum of 47 mm of height sit on top of the RAM modules. Therefore, it is important to factor in the height of your RAM modules in order to choose the right low-profile CPU cooler.
Or if you haven’t already purchased RAM modules for your mini PC build, it’s important to make sure to go for modules that are compatible with the height clearance of the CPU cooler you plan on buying.
Image credit: Alpenfohn
Image credit: Alpenfohn
Best Low-profile CPU coolers: 60 mm to 75/77 mm height
Low-profile CPU coolers that measure up to 75 or 77 mm tall offer the best balance between compactness and high-performance cooling. Modern low-profile CPU coolers of up to 77 mm of height are suitable for modern powerful CPUs, including Intel i5 and i7 series processors, and AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors.
Here are three of the latest and best low-profile CPU coolers that pair unmistakably well with Mini ITX and Micro ATX motherboards:
1. GamerStorm Gabriel – check it out here
If you prefer the cooling performance of a standard-sized single tower air cooler in a low-profile model, you cannot go wrong with GamerStorm Gabriel. Measuring at just 60 mm tall, this low-profile CPU cooler is compatible with most Mini ITX and Micro ATX motherboards that use Intel’s LGA 115X sockets and all modern AMD AM, FM, and AX sockets.
With a combination of 120 mm cooling fan and four heatsink pipes, this cooler does not fail to ensure the best-in-class cooling. Also, this model uses copper coating on the base plate and nickel coating on the entire heat sink to ensure better thermal conductivity, heat endurance, and better longevity.
Pros:
- Only 60 mm of height with heat sink and fan combined
- Pulse width modulation-capable fan used
- Universal socket compatibility with Intel and AMD sockets
Cons:
- No LED or RGB lighting included
- Not the best static pressure performance
2. Cryorig C1 – check it out here
Cryorig C1 Is undoubtedly one of the best-performing low-profile CPU coolers in the 74 mm height category. This cooler is specifically designed for ensuring high-performance cooling in Mini ITX systems. Unlike mini low profile coolers that use 120 mm (width and length) fans, this cooler uses a 140 mm fan that delivers a static pressure of 1.49 mm H2O and up to 65 CFM of airflow.
But it’s not just the 140 mm fan that does all the cooling work. This model also uses a highly optimized heatsink that uses U-type heat pipes to spread heat in two directions. This, in turn, results in better heat dissipation without the fan reaching extreme speed levels. Also, the direct contact design of the base plate further improves the cooling efficiency of this low-profile CPU cooler.
Pros:
- Compatible with both Intel and AMD sockets
- Dedicated RAM module clearance
- Relatively low noise levels
Cons:
- No LED or RGB lighting used
- Installation on Mini ITX boards may be a bit challenging for some
3. Alpenfohn Black Ridge – check it out here
Alpenfohn Black Ridge gives a tough competition to many low-profile CPU coolers under the 50 mm height size category. This cooler is specifically designed for ultra-compact ITX cases. Although compact at just 47 mm of height, this low-profile cooler uses not just four but six discrete heat pipes that ensure uncompromised cooling efficiency.
Unlike many low-profile CPU coolers, Alpenfohn Black Ridge uses a 92 mm cooling fan under the heat sink and not over the top. This configuration improves cooling performance and also helps minimize height. Despite the dimensional limitations on the base plate, this cooler includes support for both Intel LGA 115X/1200 and AMD AM4 sockets.
Pros:
- Dedicated clearance for 33 mm RAM modules
- Cooling fan supports pulse width modulation
- Expandable design
Cons:
- Stock fan doesn’t have the best static pressure performance
- Installation can be a bit tricky in some Mini ITX boards
Best Ultra-low profile CPU coolers: 23 mm to 60 mm height
Size specifics are one of the most important aspects of small form factor and ultra-compact PC and PC cases. Small form factor horizontal PC cases, in particular, do not have plenty of headroom for cooler units. This is where ultra-low profile CPU coolers come in.
Compared to low-profile coolers, ultra-low profile models aren’t well suited for top-tier CPUs that have a high TDP rating. However, they can deliver sufficient performance for mid-tier CPUs in Mini ITX builds.
These three ultra-low profile CPU coolers are some of the most compact and best-performing models in the market:
1. Silverstone AR04 – check it out here
Silverstone AR04 is undoubtedly one of the most compact models in the ultra-low profile CPU cooler category as it measures only 23 mm tall. In order to achieve this feat, Silverstone designed the heatsink module to have a wraparound design that places the cooling fan in the middle. And speaking of the cooler fan, it can deliver up to 28.1 CFM of airflow despite its compact 80 mm design.
The heatsink of this ultra-low profile CPU cooler uses two dedicated copper heat pipes that work well in ensuring relatively impressive cooling performance with a direct contact base design. This cooler offers support just for Intel LGA 115X series and 1200 CPU sockets for thin Mini ITX PC builds.
Pros:
- One of the most compact form factor designs
- Direct contact heat pipe design
- Cooling fan supports pulse width modulation
Cons:
- Not the best static pressure performance
- No support for AMD CPU sockets
2. Noctua NH L9a – check it out here
Noctua NH L9a is another high-performance ultra-low profile CPU cooler that stands at just 37 mm tall but offers uncompromised cooling. If you want to get your hands on a small form factor cooler unit that is specifically designed for the slightly-bigger radius of AMD AM4 sockets, you cannot go wrong with this model.
Noctua NH L9a has a slightly bigger overall dimension than its Intel variant called the NH L9i. This model uses Noctua’s NF A9x14 fan that has aerodynamically optimized blades which ensure better airflow. This cooler also has dedicated clearance for RAM modules and Mini ITX GPU models.
Pros:
- Specifically designed for AMD AM4 CPU socket compatibility
- RAM and GPU clearance included
- Fairly easy installation
Cons:
- No support for Intel sockets
- No LED or RGB lighting
3. IDCooling IS 60 – check it out here
IDCooling IS 60 defies the odds for ultra-low profile CPU coolers it’s several features enable it to deliver seemingly impressive cooling performance. Despite having a height of just 55 mm, this cooler uses not just two or four but six discrete copper heat pipes. The combination of a thermally-optimized copper base plate and a high airflow 120 mm fan further improves the overall cooling performance of this model.
IDCooling IS 60 designed to be compatible with Intel LGA115X series sockets and AMD AM3/AM4/FM2 CPU sockets. The considerably impressive 1.36 mm H2O static pressure and 53.6 CFM airflow of the fan make this cooler suitable for CPUs of up to 130 TDP ratings.
Pros:
- Compatible with both Intel and AMD CPU sockets
- Six discrete copper heat pipes used
- Relatively low operational noise
Cons:
- Price can be high for some
- Not the easiest installation design
Explore more options on Best Low-profile CPU Cooler
Choosing a CPU cooler is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It goes without saying that apart from the overall cooling performance, there are several variables such as overall dimensions, RAM module and GPU module clearance, specific PC form factor compatibility, TDP compatibility, and expandable/non-expandable design that come into play.
If you want to further explore low-profile CPU coolers and see what’s in store for your specific requirements, we have got you covered. Check out this extensive list of low-profile CPU coolers that we have filtered for up to 77 mm of height.
Check out the list here.
Conclusion
Choosing the right CPU cooler is a crucial aspect of maintaining safe CPU temperature levels, however, there is more that goes into ensuring good overall cooling for the entire PC case. This includes choosing a high-performance and perfectly-compatible GPU cooler.
When choosing a cooler-integrated GPU module, it’s best to go for one that uses high static pressure fans. Unlike high airflow fans, high static pressure fans are able to make up for space restrictions in small form factor PCs by moving air with more force than volume.
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Another important aspect to prioritize is using the right type of PC case fans. Many Mini ITX tower PC cases include dedicated fan bay where you can mount intake and exhaust fans. If you plan on using multiple exhaust fans, it’s best to use at least one high static pressure fan. Doing this will help you make sure that space constraints will not disrupt the airflow for air exhaust.
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