Is your computer running hotter than a summer sidewalk? If you’re building a new PC or upgrading an older one, you’ve probably run into a specific challenge: finding the right cooler for your CPU. This isn’t just about keeping things cool; it’s about making sure your computer runs smoothly and doesn’t overheat, which can cause all sorts of problems. The world of 47mm CPU coolers can seem a bit confusing, with so many different sizes, shapes, and features to consider.
Choosing the perfect 47mm CPU cooler can feel like a puzzle. You want something that fits your case, cools your processor effectively, and doesn’t break the bank. It’s easy to get lost in all the technical details and wonder which one will actually make a difference. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you cut through the noise!
In this post, we’ll dive deep into the world of 47mm CPU coolers. You’ll learn what makes a good one, discover the key features to look for, and understand how to pick the best cooler for your specific needs. Get ready to make your CPU happy and your computer run like a champ!
Our Top 5 47Mm Cpu Cooler Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 47Mm Cpu Cooler Detailed Reviews
1. Thermalright AXP90 X47 Black Low Profile CPU Cooler
Rating: 8.5/10
The Thermalright AXP90 X47 Black is a super-slim CPU cooler designed for small computers. It stands only 47mm tall, making it perfect for tight spaces. This cooler uses a 92mm fan that stays quiet, so your computer won’t be noisy. It works with many popular computer parts from Intel and AMD. Plus, it has a cool black finish that looks good.
What We Like:
- Super low profile at only 47mm height, fits in tiny computer cases.
- The metal parts are high quality and built to last.
- It comes with everything needed to install it, including a back plate.
- Uses four 6mm heatpipes to move heat away from your CPU quickly.
- The fan is very quiet, producing no more than 22.4 decibels of noise.
- The black nickel plating not only looks nice but also helps prevent rust and corrosion.
- It supports many common Intel and AMD processors.
What Could Be Improved:
- May not be the best choice for very high-end CPUs that get extremely hot.
- The slim fan might not move as much air as a thicker fan.
If you’re building a small, quiet PC, the Thermalright AXP90 X47 Black is a solid option. It offers good cooling performance in a very compact package.
2. Thermalright AXP90-X47 Full Low Profile ITX CPU Air Cooler
Rating: 8.9/10
The Thermalright AXP90-X47 Full Low Profile cooler is a game-changer for small form factor PCs. Its incredibly slim 47mm height makes it a perfect fit for tight spaces like HTPCs and ITX builds. You won’t have to worry about it blocking your RAM. This cooler is built with pure copper for excellent heat resistance and comes with a slim PWM fan that keeps things cool and quiet.
What We Like:
- Super low profile at only 47mm tall, fitting into tiny PC cases.
- Uses AGHP technology with 4 heat pipes to fight gravity and move heat effectively.
- The pure copper design boosts its ability to handle heat and resist rust.
- Comes with a slim TL-9015R PWM fan for automatic speed control and quiet operation.
- Works with many Intel and AMD processors, including the latest AM5 and LGA1700 sockets.
- Includes thermal paste for better heat transfer right out of the box.
What Could Be Improved:
- For AMD installations, you’ll need the motherboard’s original backplate, which isn’t included.
This cooler is a fantastic option for anyone building a compact PC. It offers great cooling performance in a tiny package.
3. Thermalright AXP90 X47 Black Low Profile CPU Air Cooler
Rating: 9.3/10
The Thermalright AXP90 X47 Black is a super slim CPU cooler designed for small computer builds. It stands just 47mm tall, making it ideal for tight spaces. This cooler uses a 92mm fan and has four heat pipes to move heat away from your CPU. It works with many Intel and AMD processors, including the latest ones.
What We Like:
- Ultra-low profile: Its 47mm height fits easily into small ITX cases.
- Effective cooling: Four heat pipes and a 92mm PWM fan provide good heat dissipation.
- AGHP Technology: This helps the cooler work well no matter how your computer is positioned.
- Wide Compatibility: Supports popular Intel (1700/115X/1200) and AMD (AM4) sockets.
- Trusted Brand: Thermalright has over 20 years of experience in computer cooling.
What Could Be Improved:
- Fan Noise at Max Speed: While generally quiet, the fan can reach up to 2700 RPM, which might be noticeable in very quiet environments.
- AM5 Support: The product description specifically mentions AM4, but AM5 is a newer AMD platform and it’s worth double-checking direct compatibility if you have an AM5 CPU.
If you’re building a compact PC and need reliable CPU cooling, the Thermalright AXP90 X47 Black is a solid option. It balances size and performance well for many users.
4. ID-COOLING IS-47-XT 47mm Height Low Profile CPU Cooler 4 Heatpipes CPU Air Cooler for HTPCs
Rating: 9.3/10
Meet the ID-COOLING IS-47-XT, a super-slim CPU cooler designed for your smallest computers. It stands only 47mm tall, making it perfect for tiny PCs like HTPCs and ITX builds. Don’t let its size fool you; it packs a punch with four heatpipes and a copper base to keep your CPU cool. The quiet 92mm fan adjusts its speed automatically to provide the best cooling without making too much noise. Plus, its sleek all-black design looks great in any build.
What We Like:
- Super Slim Design: Its 47mm height fits easily into very small computer cases.
- Effective Cooling: Four heatpipes and a copper base help transfer heat away from your CPU.
- Quiet Operation: The 92mm PWM fan runs quietly and adjusts speed as needed.
- RAM Clearance: It won’t block your computer’s memory modules, even on small motherboards.
- Stylish Look: The all-black finish gives your build a clean and modern appearance.
- Supports Latest Intel CPUs: Works with Intel LGA1700, 1200, and 115X sockets.
What Could Be Improved:
- AMD Compatibility: You need to buy extra parts to use it with AMD AM5 or AM4 processors.
This cooler is an excellent choice for anyone building a compact PC. It offers good cooling performance and a clean look, with a minor drawback for AMD users.
5. ID-COOLING IS-40-XT Black – 47mm Height Low Profile CPU Cooler
Rating: 8.8/10
The ID-COOLING IS-40-XT Black is a super slim CPU cooler designed for small computers like HTPCs and ITX builds. It’s only 47mm tall, so it fits into tight spaces. This cooler uses four heat pipes to move heat away from your CPU quickly. It also has a quiet 92mm fan that spins fast when your CPU gets hot, but stays quiet during normal use. The black design looks really cool too.
What We Like:
- It’s very short (47mm), making it great for small computers.
- Four heat pipes help keep your CPU cool.
- The fan is quiet and speeds up when needed.
- It won’t block your RAM sticks, even on small motherboards.
- It looks sleek with its all-black finish.
- It works with many Intel and AMD computer parts.
- The improved installation parts make it easy to put on.
What Could Be Improved:
- While good for its size, it might not be the best for very powerful CPUs that get extremely hot.
The ID-COOLING IS-40-XT Black is a solid choice for anyone building a small PC. It offers good cooling performance without taking up much space.
Choosing the Right 47mm CPU Cooler: Your Complete Buying Guide
So, you need a new cooler for your computer’s brain – the CPU! Not all CPU coolers are the same, and finding the right one for your 47mm socket is important. This guide will help you pick the best cooler to keep your computer running smoothly and cool.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a 47mm CPU cooler, keep these important features in mind:
- Cooling Performance: This is the most important thing! A good cooler will keep your CPU from getting too hot. Look for coolers that can handle the heat your CPU makes, especially if you plan to do a lot of gaming or heavy work.
- Fan Size and Speed: Bigger fans usually move more air, which helps cool things down. Fan speed is measured in RPM (revolutions per minute). Faster fans cool better but can be louder.
- Noise Level: Nobody likes a loud computer! Many coolers have quiet fans. Look for coolers that advertise low noise levels, often measured in decibels (dB).
- Size and Clearance: Make sure the cooler will fit in your computer case. Some coolers are quite tall, and you need to check if they will hit the side panel or other parts inside your computer. Also, check if it will block your RAM slots.
- Mounting System: How the cooler attaches to your motherboard matters. A good mounting system is easy to install and holds the cooler securely.
Important Materials
The materials used in a CPU cooler affect how well it cools and how long it lasts.
- Heatsink: This is the part with fins that draws heat away from the CPU.
- Aluminum: This is a common and affordable material. It’s good at moving heat.
- Copper: Copper is even better at moving heat than aluminum. Coolers with copper bases or heat pipes are usually more effective.
- Heat Pipes: These are small copper tubes filled with a liquid that moves heat from the CPU base to the heatsink fins. More heat pipes generally mean better cooling.
- Fan Blades: Most fans are made of plastic. Some higher-quality fans might use different types of plastic for durability and quieter operation.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a CPU cooler great or not so great?
- Improved Quality:
- More Heat Pipes: As mentioned, more heat pipes help spread heat faster.
- Larger Heatsink Surface Area: A bigger heatsink with more fins can dissipate more heat into the air.
- High-Quality Thermal Paste: This is a special paste applied between the CPU and the cooler. Good thermal paste helps transfer heat efficiently. Many coolers come with it.
- PWM Fans: These fans can change their speed automatically based on the CPU temperature. This means they run slower and quieter when the CPU is cool.
- Reduced Quality:
- Poorly Designed Heatsink Fins: Fins that are too close together or too thin might not move air well.
- Cheap Fan Bearings: These can wear out quickly and become noisy.
- Inadequate Thermal Paste: If the paste isn’t applied correctly or is low quality, cooling suffers.
- Flimsy Mounting Hardware: This can make installation difficult and lead to the cooler not making good contact with the CPU.
User Experience and Use Cases
How will a 47mm CPU cooler affect your daily computer use?
- Everyday Computing: For basic tasks like browsing the web, checking email, and watching videos, most basic 47mm coolers will do a fine job. Your computer will stay cool and quiet.
- Gaming and Heavy Workloads: If you play demanding games, edit videos, or run complex programs, you’ll need a more powerful cooler. A good cooler will prevent your CPU from slowing down due to heat (called thermal throttling) and keep your frame rates smooth.
- Overclocking: Enthusiasts who want to push their CPU to perform faster than its standard speed will absolutely need a high-performance cooler. This is where the best materials and designs really shine.
- Quiet Builds: If you want a silent computer, look for coolers with large, slow-spinning fans and good noise ratings. Some coolers even have “zero RPM” modes where the fan stops spinning when the CPU is cool.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does “47mm” refer to on a CPU cooler?
A: The “47mm” usually refers to the diameter of the fan that comes with the cooler, or sometimes the overall diameter of the cooling unit. It helps you know if it will fit in your case.
Q: Do I need thermal paste?
A: Yes, thermal paste is very important. It fills tiny gaps between the CPU and the cooler so heat can move easily. Most good coolers come with thermal paste.
Q: How do I know if a cooler will fit my motherboard?
A: You need to check your motherboard’s specifications for its CPU socket type. Make sure the cooler you choose is compatible with that socket type. The cooler’s product page will list compatible sockets.
Q: Will a bigger cooler always cool better?
A: Usually, yes. Bigger heatsinks and fans can move more heat. However, design and materials also play a big part. A well-designed smaller cooler can sometimes outperform a poorly designed larger one.
Q: How do I install a CPU cooler?
A: Installation steps vary, but generally, you’ll need to remove the old cooler, clean the CPU surface, apply thermal paste, and then attach the new cooler using its mounting hardware. Always follow the instructions that come with the cooler.
Q: Can I use a cooler that is too big for my case?
A: No, you cannot. If the cooler is too tall or too wide, it simply won’t fit inside your computer case. Always check your case’s maximum cooler height clearance.
Q: What is “thermal throttling”?
A: Thermal throttling is when a CPU slows itself down to prevent overheating. A good cooler prevents this from happening, so your computer runs at its best speed.
Q: How do I clean a CPU cooler?
A: You can usually clean the dust off the heatsink and fan with compressed air. For a deeper clean, you might need to remove the cooler and clean it more thoroughly.
Q: Are all CPU coolers noisy?
A: No, not at all. Many coolers are designed to be very quiet. Look for coolers with low decibel (dB) ratings or fans that can spin at lower speeds.
Q: What’s the difference between an air cooler and a liquid cooler?
A: Air coolers use a heatsink and fan to dissipate heat. Liquid coolers use a liquid to transfer heat away from the CPU to a radiator, which is then cooled by fans. For 47mm sockets, air coolers are much more common.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Melody Smith is a passionate writer, outdoor enthusiast, and camping expert based in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. With a deep love for nature and adventure, she shares her personal experiences, tips, and insights on MyCampingPro.com. A seasoned camper and traveler, Melody combines her creative background in design and writing with her love for the great outdoors, offering practical advice and inspiring stories to help others make the most of their outdoor experiences. When she’s not exploring the wilderness, you can find her painting, collecting vintage treasures, or diving into a good book.