Best low profile CPU cooler 2023

They may be designed for smaller boards, but low-profile CPU coolers are just as if not more important to your PC setup than ever if you want to keep temperatures down.

Table of Contents Table of Contents

There are many reasons why some gamers prefer to build a small form factor PC, but this also comes with its own limitations. When you’re basing your build on a Mini ITX board, height and dimensions are undoubtedly going to be the biggest restriction you run into. This is the best Low Profile CPU Cooler.

Now read: Best CPU cooler

There’s also the compatibility conundrum to consider, as certain CPU coolers are only designed to work with specific systems. No wonder it can be so tricky to find the right CPU cooler for you and your board’s needs! Don’t worry though – that’s why we’re here.

We’ve researched and reviewed 5 of the best low-profile CPU coolers currently available to cater to a range of preferences. Whether you want a cooler that keeps costs down or lights up your PC with RGB colors, or something basic to suit your budget, we’ve got you covered.

Some of the tech in this review may be older than 2023, but we assure you it’s still the best. As soon as hardware comes along that makes the hardware listed here obsolete, we will update the article. We always bring you the best tools for the job.

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Best low profile CPU cooler: Our top picks

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Best low-profile CPU cooler: in-depth review

01

Editor’s Pick

Noctua NH-L9i Premium Low Profile CPU Cooler

Noctua NH-L9i Premium Low Profile CPU Cooler

Power Connector Type

4-Pin

Noise Level

23.6 dB

Maximum Rotational Speed

500 RPM

Material

Copper (base and heat-pipes), aluminium (cooling fins), soldered joints & nickel plating

Voltage

12 Volts

Wattage

2.52 watts

How We Review

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Pros

• It would have no trouble cooling an i3 or an i5 as it’s designed for CPUs that have a TDP of 65 watts or lower.
• You won’t have to put up with loud fan noises distracting you from your game.
• This cooler would be a vast improvement to your stock cooling system.
• The fan is interchangeable so you can swap it for a fan that’s full height.
• If anything goes wrong, you’re backed by a 6-year manufacturer’s warranty

Cons

• You will have to remove the whole motherboard in order to access the screws at the bottom so you’re able to mount the CPU cooler.

The Noctua NH-L9i is a great option for anyone with an HTPCs, ITX, or Small Form Factor build due to its ultra-compact, low-profile design, and height of just 37mm. It’s 100% compatible with RAM and PCIe slots as it has a 95 x 95mm footprint, so it doesn’t overhang beyond or block these slots.

One of the things we absolutely love is how quiet this fan is, meaning it won’t distract you while you’re gaming. It’s equipped with a highly optimized NF-A9 x 14 slim 92mm fan that features PWM support and a Low-Noise adapter that automatically controls the speed for quieter operation.

Just because it’s quiet, however, doesn’t mean it has to compromise on quality or, more importantly, how effectively it cools your CPU. So, if you want to overclock your CPU to the extreme but don’t want to deal with the noise volume that usually comes with it, this is the cooler for you.

Installing the CPU cooler should be relatively easy as everything you need is included with your purchase, such as a tube of high-end NT-H1 thermal paste and a SecuFirm2 mounting system. The only difficulty may be removing the motherboard which you’ll need to do to access the screws.

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02

Enthusiast Pick

Cooler Master MasterAir G100M Low Profile CPU Cooler

Cooler Master MasterAir G100M Low Profile CPU Cooler

Power Connector Type

4-Pin

Wattage

10

Noise Level

30 dB

Power Consumption

4.08W

How We Review

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Pros

• It offers an improved performance thanks to the Cooler Master custom Heat Column technology.
• The RGB ring is fun and adds an attractive aesthetic to your gaming setup.
• Its circular design means it cools more effectively than some of the other options.

Cons

• It can be quite loud when it’s running at high speeds.
• Installation can be tricky.

The Cooler Master MasterAir Heat Column is a close runner up to our top pick, second only because it produces a little more noise while it whirrs away to keep your CPU cool. However, under a light load, it produces 30 dB of noise, which is just above a whisper, and a decent airflow of 22.63 CFM.

With a 41.2mm diameter, the G100M’s heat column is 7 times larger when compared to the size of traditional heat pipes, so you’ll want to double-check that it will definitely fit your board. The custom copper heat column technology is responsible for the increase in the direct contact surface area for effective heat transfer and quality cooling performance.

Its low profile and aluminum stack fins also encourage heat dissipation which helps to keep things cool. While it’s slightly larger than others with a height of 74.5mm, it’s still a great choice for small form factors and HTPC boards.

In terms of aesthetics, the RGB ring allows you to illuminate your cooler which you can fully customize using the wired TGB controller. Personalize your color choices, fan effects, and top color so you can be as cool as your CPU.

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03

Mid Range Pick

Be Quiet! Shadow Rock CPU Cooler

Be Quiet! Shadow Rock CPU Cooler

Power Connector

4-pin

Wattage

1.1 watts

Noise Level

25.5 dB

Cooling capacity

130W TDP

Air Flow

48.96 CFM

How We Review

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Pros

• The Shadow Rock CPU cooler brings Be Quiet!’s silent technology to the small form so you don’t have to miss out on quiet performance just because you have a smaller setup.
• It offers a huge improvement on your CPU’s stock fan system.
• The reduced noise volume doesn’t lead to a reduction in performance quality as it’s still just as effective at cooling.

Cons

• Customer reviews conclude that the ease of installation depends on what type of system you’re mounting the cooler to, with AMD board-owners finding it more of a struggle.

If silence is what you need to game to the best of your ability, then you can’t go far wrong with a CPU cooler from ‘Be Quiet!’, which is the name of the next brand we looked at. We couldn’t believe how quiet the Shadow Rock cooler was, producing a mere whisper of 25.5 dB(A) even at 100 RPM.

Bringing its silent technology to small form factor CPU coolers, Be Quiet! combines quiet performance and powerful performance with an impressively high TDP of 130 watts in the Shadow Rock CPU cooler.

It features a premium Pure Wings 2 120mm PWM fan that effectively reduces the overall temperature of your CPU, with blades that are optimized for airflow and durable rifle bearing. Plus, there’s a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty to cover your cooler.

The easy-to-install cooler can mount to the top of the mainboard, although AMD systems can pose slightly more of a challenge, and it comes equipped with four high-performing 6mm heat pipes as well as aluminum caps on each.

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04

Worthy mention

CRYORIG C7 CPU Heatsink

CRYORIG C7 CPU Heatsink

Cooling Method

Air

Noise Level

14 dB

Heat Pipes

4 × 6 mm heat pipes

Speed

600 ~ 2500 RPM

How We Review

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Pros

• The zero-interference design is also useful as it means the cooler won’t overhang the other components.
• One of the quietest options we’ve included.
• It’s a product you can trust from a reputable manufacturer.

Cons

• It’s an admittedly expensive option, but also one that’s effective.
• The additional copper adds a fair bit of weight to it making it a heavy option.

Anyone who’s shopping for a new CPU cooler with a higher budget to spend might be interested in the Cryorig C7 from a brand that’s a leading name in the gaming industry, known for its generous warranties and high-quality products.

Switching out the aluminum fins of its former model in favor of the increased thermal conductivity that you can achieve using copper resulted in a hefty increase in weight, with it now weighing 675g which includes the weight of the fan, and it also has a height of 47mm.

It’s compatible with larger RAM modules and all of the current AMD/Intel sockets with an installation process that’s more straightforward than some of the options we’ve considered.

The air-cooling system produces a barely noticeable sound level of just 14 dB when idle to complement its efficiency, although this can reach a volume of up to 30 dB if your CPU is overclocked or when under a particularly heavy load.

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05

Budget Pick

SilverStone Technology 33mm Height Low Profile CPU Cooler

SilverStone Technology 33mm Height Low Profile CPU Cooler

Cooling Method

Fan

Noise Level

28.98 dB

Speed (R.P.M.)

1200 ~ 3400RPM

How We Review

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Pros

• This is a highly affordable option for anyone on a budget.
• It’s easy to install thanks to the push-pin design.
• It features a slim 80mm PWM fan which makes it suitable for smaller boards without compromising on its cooling capabilities.

Cons

• It’s slightly louder than some of the other options we’ve looked at, although it produces the same volume as certain more expensive models.

Lastly, we looked at the SilverStone Technology CPU cooler which is the perfect choice for anyone with a Mini STX system due to its low-profile height at just 33mm tall. It also supports Intel LGA1150/1151/11155/1156 so it’s widely compatible.

The cooler comes equipped with a custom 80mm PWM fan which is super-slim and provides excellent cooling ability without the noise that typically comes hand in hand with this level of quality. It can maintain a low volume well so there isn’t a huge jump between idle and intense performance.

There’s also a base made from true solid copper for better thermal capabilities, with extruding aluminum fins for a maximum TDP of up to 65 watts. The airflow is rated at 15.98 CFM and, more importantly, it has a low noise volume output of around 28.98 dB.

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Best Low Profile CPU Cooler: things to consider

Before you can get any further with your decision, it’s important to establish whether you’re looking for a liquid cooling or an air-circulating thermal solution for your CPU.

On the whole, fan cooling systems tend to be less efficient, yet they’re the noisier of the two options. They’re also less expensive, however, which means you can find a CPU fan cooler that does a decent job of keeping temperatures low at a much cheaper cost.

For the overclocking-obsessed gamer, we’d recommend looking at a liquid cooling system as it’ll allow you to push your CPU to the upper limits of its capabilities without causing the temperature to reach dangerously high levels, keeping your CPU safe.

PWM Vs. DC Vs. Molex

The three types of fan functionality you’ll most commonly find in a CPU are PWM (pulse width modulation), DC, and Molex.

PWM fans allow you to alter the RPM of the fans so you can increase the cooling power or reduce the volume to suit your needs. DC fans are similar but you can only reduce the RPM speed by around 40%, so it depends on how much you think you’ll be tinkering with the fans.

Molex fans are there for people who don’t plan on tailoring their fan’s RPM to their needs at all, or for those hoping to spend less on a CPU cooler. It’s the most affordable option of all three, but what you lose off the price you gain in volume, as this one’s the loudest operator.

Socket

It might sound obvious, but it’s worth reminding yourself to double-check the socket compatibility when you’re choosing a CPU cooler. Without the correct socket type, your thermal solution will be ineffective causing you to be out of pocket and overheated.

While a number of CPU coolers come with various attachments so you can connect to the majority of modern motherboards, there are still certain coolers that are designed for a specific type of socket, so it’s something you don’t want to overlook.

Dimensions

When you’re building a mini-board, it’s even more important to think about available board space and the dimensions of each component as things can start to feel crowded quickly.

Luckily, low-profile coolers require minimal clearance and they shouldn’t sit too close to the wall of the case or block your RAM slots. However, there’s nothing worse than spending all this time and effort on researching the perfect cooler only to realize it doesn’t fit, so check the dimensions of the CPU cooler before you make your final decision.

Volume

As we’ve already mentioned, fan-type cooling systems are often noisier than liquid cooling systems.

Although you can adjust certain models to lower the RPM which in turn reduces the volume of noise it produces, when your CPU is firing at all systems go, and your cooler is in top-temperature-lowering mode, there’s no quieting the thunderous din of the whirring fans.

To combat such a cooling cacophony, you can opt for a larger fan size which we’ll discuss more below. Alternatively, some players wear headphones for better gaming auditory sound, and this doubles as a great way to muffle any noise your fans make to avoid distraction.

RGB

When you want to stand out for more than just your gaming performance, you can customize your PC setup to be just as vibrant as you are. RGBs are a type of LEDs that combine three primary colors (red, green, and blue) to produce millions of shades.

Although not loved by all, gaming peripherals with RGB lighting are a popular way of adding a personal touch to your gaming setup as you can program color-changing light sequences and combinations for an even more fully immersive gaming experience.

MM Fan Size

We’re sorry to say it, but in this case, yep – size really does matter.

The larger the fan, the more air is pushed through the gap which helps to circulate it around the system. They move at a slightly slower rate due to their size which extends the lifespan of the cooler, as rapid speeds tend to cause certain parts of the fan to heat up too much.

Having a lower RPM also means that larger fans are often quieter. Depending on case size, what kind of temperatures you’re hoping to maintain, and the environment you’re going to be gaming in, it might be worth looking at a CPU cooler with a larger, more efficient, quieter fan.

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low profile CPU cooler AM4

The vast majority of CPU coolers support a variety of sockets including AM5, AM5, LGA 1700, and LGA 1200. This is because CPU coolers are designed to be universal, so they often include a mounting bracket that makes the cooler compatible with most sockets.

It’s because of this that there’s no specific CPU cooler for a socket, what there is, however, is TDP.

The TDP ranges from the bottom CPU on the socket type to the top CPU on the socket type. For example, the bottom CPU on AM5 is the Ryzen 5 7600, with a TDP of 65W. Whereas, in the top spot we have the 7950X, with a TDP of 170W. Your cooler depends massively on the CPU you have, not just the CPU socket you have to comply with.

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Do I need a low-profile CPU cooler?

If you happen to have a PC case that is very constrictive, or the case itself is low-profile then you should consider a low-profile CPU cooler. Low-profile CPU coolers do the same job as the bigger, more vertical coolers, they just do it with a lower profile.

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What are the advantages of having a low-profile CPU cooler?

Low-profile CPU coolers have a smaller height and compact design compared to traditional CPU coolers. This makes them suitable for small form factor (SFF) computer builds, or any build with limited space clearance for the CPU cooler.

Low-profile coolers also have a reduced weight, which helps to minimize the risk of damaging the CPU socket during installation or handling. Furthermore, low-profile coolers are less intrusive in terms of clearance for memory modules and other components in the build, allowing for greater compatibility with different components and configurations.

They also tend to be quieter and more efficient than their larger counterparts, making them a good choice for those looking to build a silent or cooling-efficient system.

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Best low-profile CPU cooler: How we choose

Our day-to-day work here at WePC involves testing numerous gaming components, which we do by pushing each product to its very limits to see what it can cope with. This means we’re often overclocking CPUs, and as such, we require effective cooling solutions.

As a result, we’re pretty clued up on what makes a great CPU cooler, but we chose these products to review for you because of their low-profile design and their suitability for smaller boards. Plus, our in-house testing showed that these choices were the cream of the crop.

Final word

When all is said and done, our top choice low-profile CPU cooler has got to be the Noctua NH-L9i. Its ultra-compact design and super-quiet operation make it a winner in our books, and the fact that it’s not unreasonably priced doesn’t hurt, either.

If you can’t quite stretch to the Noctua CPU cooler, then the SilverStone Technology 33mm Height Low Profile CPU Cooler which is our budget pick won’t disappoint as it combines effective cooling with affordable costs. At the other end of the scale, the CRYORIG C7 CPU Heatsink is truly worth splurging on if you can afford it.