Overheating is one of the main reasons why your computer’s performance degrades. Although this problem is common with gaming computers, even normal office PCs sometimes tend to overheat.
PC’s that overheat can sometimes get damaged to the point of no return. Replacing computers one after another is not a fun task and certainly not great for your wallet.
The most useful solution to this problem is getting a CPU cooler. Investing in this tool will increase the lifetime of your computer by a substantial amount.
That is why you need the best low profile CPU cooler with your PC. That will help you to make your computer system more durable, save the PC from heat damage, and also save you from having to buy replacements.
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10 Best Low Profile CPU Coolers
Choosing a good low profile CPU cooler from all the ones that are available in the market can be quite a daunting task. That is why we have compiled a list of the best low profile coolers for you to choose from.
1. Noctua NH-L12S, Premium Low Profile CPU Cooler
Looking for a low profile CPU cooler that does not make your ears bleed? We’ve got just the thing for you. This Noctua low profile CPU cooler is made with a low-noise adapter so that you can focus on your work entirely. The fan is a highly optimized 120mm fan and is capable of automatic speed control.
With a sophisticated aerodynamic system, this fan tries its best to keep everything cool. Depending on how hot your CPU is, the fan can auto-adjust to bring down the temperature. With that, this system also comes with an NT-H1 thermal compound, which is one of the most well-known CPU cooling systems.
Moreover, with a thermal compound and design, you won’t have to worry about your CPU overheating anymore. A height of just 70mm makes this the perfect compact-sized CPU cooler. Although the system is smaller in size, there is no lacking of power.
This cooler can be used on both a low profile and high-clearance mode. And this can be done by just switching the position of the fan from up to down. Easy-to-install CPU coolers like this one are great as they can be set up at home without the assistance of a professional.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Compact size; 70mm height
- 120mm fan with sophisticated aerodynamics
- Can be used in both low profile and high-clearance modes
- Affordable
- NT-H1 thermal compound
- Auto speed adjusting capability
Cons
- Metallic film cover peels easily
2. Cooler Master MasterAir G100M RGB
Nowadays, the aesthetics of your computer parts hold a lot of value besides their performance. Many people like to use parts that have colorful light-up options.
The Cooler Master has a wired RGB controller, which allows you to choose and customize the fan to be any color you like. These lights make your computer, and your room, look a lot prettier. You can select these colors and effects for your fan with just a simple button on the top.
When you’re working with a CPU that has a low space size finding a powerful CPU cooler might become difficult. Low profile CPU coolers don’t necessarily have to be compact. With a size of just 74.5 mm, this thing will fit right in. And with that, the 92mm fan is strong and fast enough to cool down your CPU almost instantaneously.
Moreover, the cooler master custom heat column technology further expands the capability of the fan to keep the temperature low. Aluminum stack fins like such are lightweight but work miraculously.
Although you will need some assistance while setting this thing up, the pretty colors and good cooling performance make this low profile cooler worth the hassle. A noise level of 30 decibels makes sure any noise produced fades away in the background so that you can focus entirely on your game or work.
Pros
- Compact in size
- 92mm long fan
- Aluminum constructed fans that are lightweight
- Maintains good airflow to keep your CPU cool
- Noise level of 30 decibels
- Special light-up feature
Cons
- Not easy to install
3. Cryorig C7-47mm Tall, SFF Mini ITX CPU Heatsink
You buy a low profile cooler to make sure that your computer parts don’t get damaged due to overheating. But what happens if the low profile cooler that you have bought is the one tool that gets damaged the quickest.
This is why we suggest you get a strong and sturdy low profile CPU cooler like this one. Made with a copper base, this CPU cooler won’t need any maintenance or replacements any time soon. You also get high-quality braided wires, not flimsy three-stranded ones, so that the system says put.
High-speed fans maintain a great airflow to slowly lower the temperature of your CPU. This model is also PMW controlled and has a 600-2500RPM. 4 premium quality heat pipes add to this feature and make this one of the best compact, low profile CPU coolers.
The 92mm fan rotates at a steady speed and is not too noisy. At a size of just 47mm, this will fit into any CPU socket space. Although this model is not recommended for larger PC’s, the thing does get the job of cooling done. Easy-to-mount CPU coolers like this one can be set up at home in less than an hour.
Pros
- High-quality braided wires
- 92mm fan
- Sturdy and well-made heatsink
- Noise is not noticeable
- Thermal paste included
- Easy to mount
- 47mm compact size and durable copper base
- PMW controlled
- 600-2500 RPM
Cons
- Screws that go into the motherboard are slightly misaligned
4. Scythe Big Shuriken 3 CPU Air Cooler
This one is a compact 69 mm tall low profile cooler that is perfect for PC. The model also comes in an offset and asymmetric design for good compatibility with micro ATX motherboards and high-end RAM. For models such as Intel core i9, i7, i5, and i3, this is the perfect match.
The Kaze flex slim 120mm fan is both quiet and powerful. For an elongated life span, the fan comes with a sealed precision FDB. You can also adjust the fan speed from your computer easily if any error occurs.
Built with a copper base, you can expect this fan to last ages. A 5 heat pipe and well-put heatsink design make this fan one of the greatest tools for cooling your CPU. Heat pipes on this are sloped backward so that the radiator is not directly above the base plate.
Also, this slightly offset position enables the low profile cooler to be out of the way of other components in the system. If you need a better performance, you can switch to the 25mmthick fan. This is capable of cooling down the system even quicker.
And the HPMS 3 mounting system is easy to install and also safe for all kinds of computers.
Pros
- 69mm tall
- Compatible with most modern platforms
- Offset and asymmetric design
- Kaze flex slim 120mm fans are quiet and powerful
- You can switch to the 25mm thick fan for more powerful cooling
- HPMS 3 easy mounting system
Cons
- Might collect thermal grease
5. Noctua NH-L9i, Premium Low-Profile CPU Cooler
Fans that are built with an automatic speed control like this one can be quite helpful. They can automatically detect how much power is required to bring down the temperature, so you don’t have to do any of the work.
A powerful NF-A9x14 slim, highly optimized 92mm fan helps keep the airflow going so that your computer parts don’t overheat. That with the award-winning NT-H1 thermal compound makes sure no part in your CPU is damaged. This fan also makes little to no noise, and so it is not a distraction.
With a multi-socket option, this Secufirm2 mounting system is easy to install and takes no time to be set up. The 95x95mm footprint makes this device the most compatible choice for most modern platforms. No overhanging of the PreCle slots or RAM.
At the height of just 39mm, this is quite the compact, low profile CPU cooler. A 14mm thick fan makes this the ideal choice for small form factor cases and HTPCs. Don’t be fooled by the affordable price tag, once you get this thing on your hands, you will understand just how high quality and luxurious the build and packaging is.
Pros
- No noticeable noise
- NF-A9x13 slim fan keeps good airflow
- NT-H1 thermal compound
- Automatic speed adjustment
- Best for HTPCs and small form factor cases
- 95x95mm footprint
- Secufirm2 easy mounting system
Cons
- The motherboard needs to be removed for installation
6. Noctua NH-L9a AM4
This low profile CPU cooler from Noctua includes an award-winning NT-H1 thermal compound to regulate airflow and keep your CPU cool. The compound is well known for being the best at lowering the temperature.
Thankfully, this compact CPU cooler is available in a size of 33mm, making it ideal for small form factor builds and HTPCs. To break this down even further, the NF-A9x14 low profile fan meets with the 23mm heatsink.
And this, along with the fact that the fan is only 14mm thick, makes this the most suitable low profile CPU cooler for smaller computers. Made with Noctua’s proprietary AAO frame and designed with thorough aerodynamics, this premium quality NH-A9x14 fan does a great job of keeping your device from overheating.
The compact footprint also gives you PCle and 100% RAM compatibility. You have no worries about the fan and heatsink hanging over the RAM, so there is easy entry towards all the other components. Simple and open structures like these make the cooler compatible with taller memory modules.
Equipped with a low noise adapter, you don’t have to worry about that buzzing noise that bothers you. The model also comes with an auto speed setting option, so the fan knows how hard to work depending on the heat level.
Pros
- Designed with award-winning NT-H1 thermal compound
- Noctua’s proprietary AAO frame
- Premium quality NH-A9x14 fan
- PCle and 100% RAM compatibility
- Compatible with taller memory modules
- Auto speed setting option
Cons
- Does not work great with high processor speeds
7. be quiet! Shadow Rock LP, BK002
With a lot of low profile CPU coolers, you have to lower your processor speed for the cooler to work straight. But not with this one. This high-power CPU cooler is equipped with 6mm heat pipes and aluminum caps.
And with that, the 2 120mm fans also make sure that air flows evenly throughout to keep the CPU cool. Durable Rifle bearing makes the fans sturdier and less noisy. The CPU cooler is so quiet that even when the thing is set up a few inches from your ear and working at full speed, the noise won’t bother you.
An average computer needs a minimum of 100-TDP to run smoothly. With 130-TDP, this cooler makes sure your computer parts are safe no matter how hard the workload is.
Having to go to a professional just to set up a CPU cooler can sound quite ridiculous. But some CPU coolers might come with complicated setup procedures and instructions that force you to seek help.
Unlike some other COU coolers, you won’t have to disassemble the motherboard from your CPU to set this cooler up. The mounting job is easy and can be done from the top of the main board easily.
Available at a great price, this super quiet and powerful low profile CPU cooler is a must-have!
Pros
- 130 TDP cooling performance
- 2 120mm PWM fan
- Durable rifle bearing
- Super quiet
- Four 6mm heat pipes
- Easy to set up at home
- Sturdy construction that will last years
Cons
- Cannot be used with a retention arm
8. Noctua NH-L9x65, 65mm Premium Low-Profile CPU Cooler
If you are not sure about which brand to choose a low profile CPU cooler from, Noctua is a brand that you can trust blindly. They have a lot of options to choose from and deliver nothing but quality and durable products. This version from the brand is one that is compatible with most brands on the market now.
Like most of the other CPU coolers from them, this one is also made with an award-winning NT-H1 thermal compound. The CPU cooler’s ability to work with sophisticated aerodynamics and bring the temperature down in seconds is what makes it so popular.
Slim 92-mm fans that are NF-A9x14 are highly optimized and work in harmony with the other components of your CPU. The fan is also capable of working in full load at full speed without making much noise. This makes the model great for office use or even gaming, as there is no extra noise distracting you.
You’ll notice that the CPU cooler does not overhang on the PCle slots or the RAM. The CPU cooler is this way with most of the motherboards that the product is compatible with. Thanks to the 95×95 footprint, you can reach near-socket connectors on even the tightest packed mainboards.
Pros
- Secufirm 2 mounting system
- Easy to install
- Automatic speed control
- Quiet
- Good for heavy load and high-speed computers
- Affordable
- Slim 92-mm NF-A9x14fans
Cons
- Bearings might fail after a few years of usage
9. ARCTIC Alpine 12 – CPU Cooler for Intel Sockets with 92 mm PWM Fan
Getting a sturdy CPU cooler is important as this is the tool that is saving all your other components from getting damaged.
This ARCTIC Alpine can maintain a 10 degrees lower motor temperature than the usual CPU cooler. The low coil temperature helps with a longer product life. So, with this one, you won’t have to think about getting a replacement CPU cooler for a long time.
Unlike other CPU coolers, this one runs more efficiently. With an updated motor, this CPU cooler helps save energy and also helps lower the coil temperature. People love this product so much because it does all that and even reduces vibrations without compromising performance.
Due to the reduced vibration, friction between the bearings is also minimized. This means that the bearings stay in place for a longer time, making the product sturdier. Lesser friction in bearings also means lower noise.
As the CPU cooler comes with the thermal paste pre-applied installation is made easy, clean, and quick. You don’t need to worry about any dust or debris collecting up, and there is no serious maintenance involved.
Pros
- No dust or debris pile-up
- Thermal paste is pre-applied
- Quick and clean installation
- Maintains a 10-degree lower motor temperature
- Efficient and saves energy
- Reduced vibration and noise
- Bearing stay put for a longer time
Cons
- Mounting brackets are made of plastic
10. Thermaltake Engine 27 1U Low-Profile 70W Intel 60mm Low Noise PWM Fan Forty Fan Blade CPU Cooler
How loud the low profile CPU cooler is says a lot about the component’s performance.
The Thermaltake Engine, low profile CPU cooler, is one of the quietest CPU coolers. A unique PMW control keeps this device running silently. Quiet constructions like these say that the component’s bearings are set in place and not moving. This also means that the overall vibration is reduced.
Besides the product being quiet and still, the performance of the CPU cooler is also impressive. At just 27mm height, this low profile CPU cooler is the perfect match for any small factor applications.
Compatible with applications such as mini PC, POS, AIO/PIO PC, and HTPC, this product can be used with most modern running applications. A unique metal aluminum alloy metallic structure makes this sturdy and long-lasting. The structure also helps with heat dispensing.
Forty fan blade design maintains constant and clear airflow to lower the temperature. This design is also non-interference.
Pros
- Noise is lowered without compromising performance
- Metal aluminum alloy construction
- The cooling design has no interference
- Lowers the temperature quickly
- Compatible with mini PC, POS, AIO/PIO PC and HTPC
Cons
- Might scratch CPU during installation
What to Consider Before Buying
Before you head out to buy the best low profile CPU cooler, there are some features that you need to consider. Giving special attention to these factors will ensure that you have a better post-purchase experience.
Size
Whether or not the CPU cooler fits your PC is something that you need to check beforehand. But another sizing problem that you need to take care of is the CPU socket and CPU cooler compatibility.
CPU sockets come with a limited amount of space. Don’t be drawn towards the larger low profile CPU coolers as they are more efficient. You will need a low profile cooler that is a perfect fit for the space you have.
Thermal Design
The average TDP or thermal design power you need to cool down your CPU is a 100W one. Anything above that will do an even better job. The more the TBP, the better the cooling system.
Connector Type
Your options in this department are 3-pin and 4-pin connectors. With the 4-pin connector system, you get the option to change the volume and speed of the fan. While a 4-pin connector sounds like the better option, you will need to check if your CPU supports this type of connector.
Conclusion
If you just can’t decide on which one to get, we would suggest that you get the Noctua NH-L9x65, 65mm Premium Low-Profile CPU Cooler. This cooler is from a well-known brand and is less likely to disappoint you.
Low noise level, high performance, reduced temperature, and zero interference with all the other components of your CPU – this one’s got it all!
With the best low profile CPU cooler in your hand, you won’t have to think about replacement parts for quite a long time. Getting this tool will change your computer for the better.
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