Is your tiny ITX computer running hotter than a pizza oven? Building a small PC is awesome, but keeping it cool can be a real headache! You want all that power in a compact case, but finding the right cooler that actually fits and works well can feel like a puzzle. So many coolers are huge, and the small ones might not be strong enough to keep your processor happy.
The wrong cooler can lead to a slow computer, annoying fan noise, or even damage to your precious components. It’s frustrating when you’ve spent time and money on a sleek build, only to have it overheat! But don’t worry, we’re here to help you conquer this challenge.
By reading on, you’ll learn exactly what to look for in an ITX cooler. We’ll break down the important features and show you how to pick the perfect one for your setup. Get ready to keep your small PC running smoothly and quietly!
Our Top 5 Itx Cooler Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Itx Cooler Detailed Reviews
1. Thermalright AXP90-X53 Full Cooper Low Profile CPU Cooler ITX
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the Thermalright AXP90-X53 Full Cooper Low Profile CPU Cooler, a powerful yet compact cooling solution designed for small form factor builds like ITX and HTPC PCs. It boasts an all-copper construction and advanced AGHP technology to keep your CPU cool and your system running smoothly. This cooler is built to fit into tight spaces without sacrificing performance.
What We Like:
- All-Copper Design: The pure copper construction and Seiko micro-carved copper bottom help dissipate heat effectively.
- AGHP Technology: This tech prevents gravity from hindering heat pipe performance, so your cooler works well no matter how your PC is oriented.
- Ultra-Low Profile: With a height of only 53mm, it fits into most small PC cases and won’t interfere with your RAM.
- Quiet Operation: The included 92mm slim PWM fan automatically adjusts its speed for quiet performance.
- Wide Compatibility: It supports a broad range of Intel and AMD CPU sockets, making it versatile for many builds.
What Could Be Improved:
- Installation Can Be Tricky: Some users may find the mounting process a bit complex, especially if the motherboard backplate needs adjustment.
- Fan Noise at Max Speed: While generally quiet, the fan can become noticeable at its highest RPMs.
Overall, the Thermalright AXP90-X53 is an excellent choice for anyone building a compact PC who needs effective and quiet CPU cooling. Its thoughtful design and robust performance make it a standout option in the low-profile cooler market.
2. Thermalright AXP90 X36 Black Low Profile CPU Cooler
Rating: 9.1/10
The Thermalright AXP90 X36 Black is a super slim CPU cooler. It’s only 36mm tall, making it ideal for small computers like ITX builds. This cooler is built with strong metal parts and includes everything you need for a secure installation. It uses four heat pipes to move heat away from your CPU, keeping things cool and quiet.
What We Like:
- Super slim design fits in small computer cases.
- Strong all-metal build ensures it lasts.
- Easy to install with the included back plate.
- Keeps noise down with a quiet fan (under 22.4 dBA).
- Works with many popular Intel and AMD processors.
- Thermalright is known for making good coolers.
What Could Be Improved:
- Might not be powerful enough for the hottest, high-end CPUs.
- The slim fan might not move as much air as larger fans.
This cooler is a fantastic option for anyone building a compact PC. It offers reliable cooling without making a lot of noise.
3. Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black
Rating: 9.2/10
The Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black is a top-notch CPU cooler designed for small computers. It’s super thin, only 65mm tall, making it perfect for tiny builds like HTPCs and ITX systems. Now, it comes in a sleek all-black look that fits right into any build. This cooler is built to work well without getting in the way of other parts.
What We Like:
- Its super slim 65mm height is fantastic for small computer cases.
- The 95x95mm size means it won’t block your RAM or other cards.
- Assembly is easy, and you can reach parts near the CPU socket easily.
- The special Noctua fan is quiet and keeps things cool.
- It includes good thermal paste and a simple mounting system.
- It works with many Intel and AMD computer processors.
- The all-black design looks really nice.
What Could Be Improved:
- This cooler is best for CPUs that don’t get too hot.
- For very powerful CPUs, you might need a bigger cooler.
This cooler is an excellent choice for anyone building a small, quiet PC. It offers great performance and easy installation in a compact package.
4. ID-COOLING IS-55 ARGB CPU Cooler Low Profile 57mm Height CPU Air Cooler ARGB 5 Heatpipes 120x120x15mm Slim Fan
Rating: 9.3/10
Looking for a CPU cooler that fits into tight spaces but still keeps your computer cool? The ID-COOLING IS-55 ARGB CPU Cooler is a great option for your next build. Its super slim design means it won’t get in the way of other parts in your computer. Plus, it looks pretty cool with its colorful lights!
What We Like:
- It has 5 heat pipes and a fan that work together to move heat away from your CPU, keeping it from getting too hot.
- The cooler is only 57mm tall, making it perfect for small computers like HTPCs and ITX builds.
- You can make the lights change colors and sync them with your computer’s lights for a cool look.
- Its small size means it won’t block your computer’s memory sticks, even if you have a small motherboard.
- It works with many Intel and AMD computer processors, so it’s very versatile.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for smaller builds, it might not be powerful enough for the hottest, high-end CPUs.
- The slim fan might not move as much air as a thicker fan, which could affect cooling in some situations.
The ID-COOLING IS-55 ARGB CPU Cooler is a solid choice for anyone building a small PC who wants good cooling and a bit of flair. It offers a great balance of size, performance, and aesthetics.
5. Thermalright SI-100 White ARGB CPU Air Cooler ITX
Rating: 8.9/10
The Thermalright SI-100 White ARGB CPU Air Cooler is a powerful and quiet cooling solution designed for small form factor PCs. Its sleek white design with ARGB lighting adds a stylish touch to any build. This cooler boasts impressive cooling performance thanks to its six 6mm heat pipes and a 120mm PWM fan. The low-profile design makes it a great fit for ITX cases, ensuring compatibility without sacrificing cooling power.
What We Like:
- Excellent cooling performance for its size.
- The 100mm height is perfect for ITX builds, avoiding clearance issues.
- The ARGB lighting adds a nice aesthetic touch.
- The AGHP technique helps with heat pipe efficiency.
- It’s very quiet, even under load, thanks to the PWM fan.
- Wide compatibility with both Intel and AMD sockets.
What Could Be Improved:
- The fan speed, while efficient, can reach a noticeable noise level at maximum RPM.
- While generally sturdy, some users might prefer slightly more robust mounting hardware for peace of mind.
Overall, the Thermalright SI-100 White ARGB CPU Air Cooler offers fantastic cooling and a stylish look, making it an excellent choice for compact gaming rigs.
Choosing the Best ITX Cooler: Your Guide to a Cool PC
Building a small but mighty computer with an ITX (Information Technology X) motherboard is exciting! These tiny boards fit into compact cases, making them perfect for small spaces or even portable gaming rigs. But a powerful PC needs good cooling. That’s where an ITX cooler comes in. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for an ITX cooler, keep these important features in mind:
1. Size and Height Clearance
- Height is Crucial: ITX cases are small. Your cooler must fit without hitting the side panel. Always check the case’s maximum CPU cooler height and compare it to the cooler’s specs.
- Width and Length: Some coolers are wide and might block RAM slots or the first PCIe slot. Measure carefully.
2. Cooling Performance (TDP Rating)**
* **TDP Explained:** TDP (Thermal Design Power) tells you how much heat a CPU can produce. Your cooler should be rated for at least your CPU’s TDP, or even higher for overclocking.
* **Heatpipes and Fins:** More heatpipes and larger fin stacks generally mean better cooling.
3. Fan Size and Noise Level**
* **Fan Diameter:** ITX coolers often use smaller fans (92mm or 120mm).
* **Noise:** Look for coolers with low decibel (dB) ratings. Some coolers have PWM fans that adjust speed based on temperature, making them quieter at idle.
4. Mounting System and Ease of Installation**
* **Compatibility:** Make sure the cooler supports your CPU socket (e.g., Intel LGA 1700, AMD AM5).
* **Simplicity:** Some coolers are easier to install than others. Check reviews for installation difficulty.
Important Materials
* **Fan Diameter:** ITX coolers often use smaller fans (92mm or 120mm).
* **Noise:** Look for coolers with low decibel (dB) ratings. Some coolers have PWM fans that adjust speed based on temperature, making them quieter at idle.
4. Mounting System and Ease of Installation**
* **Compatibility:** Make sure the cooler supports your CPU socket (e.g., Intel LGA 1700, AMD AM5).
* **Simplicity:** Some coolers are easier to install than others. Check reviews for installation difficulty.
Important Materials
The parts of your cooler affect its performance and durability.
1. Base Plate**
* **Copper:** Copper is excellent at transferring heat away from the CPU. High-end coolers often have a pure copper base.
* **Aluminum:** Aluminum is lighter and cheaper but doesn’t conduct heat as well as copper. Some coolers use an aluminum base with copper heatpipes.
2. Heatpipes**
* **Copper:** These are the tubes that carry heat from the base to the fins. More heatpipes usually mean better heat transfer.
3. Fins**
* **Aluminum:** The fins are usually made of aluminum. They spread out the heat so the fan can cool it down. A larger surface area with more fins helps dissipate more heat.
4. Fan Blades**
* **Plastic:** Most fan blades are made of durable plastic. The shape and design of the blades can affect airflow and noise.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
* **Copper:** These are the tubes that carry heat from the base to the fins. More heatpipes usually mean better heat transfer.
3. Fins**
* **Aluminum:** The fins are usually made of aluminum. They spread out the heat so the fan can cool it down. A larger surface area with more fins helps dissipate more heat.
4. Fan Blades**
* **Plastic:** Most fan blades are made of durable plastic. The shape and design of the blades can affect airflow and noise.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
* **Plastic:** Most fan blades are made of durable plastic. The shape and design of the blades can affect airflow and noise.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make an ITX cooler great or not so great.
1. What Makes a Cooler Great?**
* **Direct Contact Heatpipes:** When heatpipes touch the CPU directly, heat transfer is faster.
* **Good Airflow Design:** The way the fins are arranged and the fan’s push-pull configuration can improve cooling.
* **Quality Fan Bearings:** Good bearings make fans spin smoothly and quietly for a long time.
2. What Can Make a Cooler Less Good?**
* **Poor Thermal Paste Application:** The paste helps fill gaps between the CPU and cooler. If it’s not applied well, cooling suffers.
* **Low-Quality Materials:** Cheaper materials might not transfer heat as efficiently.
* **Restricted Airflow:** If the cooler is too close to other components or the case, air can’t move freely.
User Experience and Use Cases
* **Poor Thermal Paste Application:** The paste helps fill gaps between the CPU and cooler. If it’s not applied well, cooling suffers.
* **Low-Quality Materials:** Cheaper materials might not transfer heat as efficiently.
* **Restricted Airflow:** If the cooler is too close to other components or the case, air can’t move freely.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your PC matters when picking a cooler.
1. For Gamers and Enthusiasts**
* **Overclocking:** If you push your CPU hard, you need a powerful cooler with excellent heat dissipation. Look for coolers with larger fin stacks and multiple heatpipes.
* **Quiet Gaming:** Gamers want immersion. A quiet cooler means no distracting fan noise.
2. For Productivity and Everyday Use**
* **Silent Operation:** For office work or media consumption, a very quiet cooler is ideal. Low-profile coolers with good fans are perfect.
* **Compact Builds:** If you’re building a PC for a small desk or a home theater PC, a low-profile cooler is a must.
3. For Specific ITX Builds**
* **Small Form Factor (SFF) Cases:** These cases have very tight space limits. You’ll need to prioritize low-profile coolers.
* **Travel PCs:** If you move your PC often, a sturdy cooler that’s easy to mount is important.
* **Silent Operation:** For office work or media consumption, a very quiet cooler is ideal. Low-profile coolers with good fans are perfect.
* **Compact Builds:** If you’re building a PC for a small desk or a home theater PC, a low-profile cooler is a must.
3. For Specific ITX Builds**
* **Small Form Factor (SFF) Cases:** These cases have very tight space limits. You’ll need to prioritize low-profile coolers.
* **Travel PCs:** If you move your PC often, a sturdy cooler that’s easy to mount is important.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important thing to check before buying an ITX cooler?
A: The most important thing is to check the cooler’s height and make sure it fits inside your ITX case. Always measure your case’s maximum cooler height.
Q: Can I use a regular CPU cooler on an ITX motherboard?
A: Sometimes. You can use a regular cooler if your ITX case has enough space. However, many ITX cases are too small for standard coolers, so you often need a specialized ITX cooler.
Q: How do I know if an ITX cooler will be quiet enough?
A: Look for the cooler’s decibel (dB) rating. Lower numbers mean quieter operation. Also, check if it has a PWM fan, which can adjust its speed.
Q: What does TDP mean for CPU coolers?
A: TDP stands for Thermal Design Power. It tells you how much heat your CPU can produce. Your cooler should have a TDP rating equal to or higher than your CPU’s TDP.
Q: Do I need to buy thermal paste separately?
A: Most CPU coolers come with thermal paste pre-applied or in a small tube. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to buy some.
Q: Are low-profile ITX coolers as good as tall ones?
A: Not always. Tall coolers usually have more surface area and bigger fans, allowing them to cool better. Low-profile coolers are designed for small cases, so they are a compromise between size and cooling power.
Q: What is the difference between an air cooler and an AIO cooler for ITX builds?
A: Air coolers use a heatsink and fan. AIO (All-In-One) coolers use liquid to cool the CPU. Both can work for ITX, but AIOs can be larger and require a radiator mount in the case.
Q: How many heatpipes are ideal for an ITX cooler?
A: For good performance, four to six heatpipes are generally ideal for ITX builds. Some high-end models might have more.
Q: Will a cooler block my RAM slots?
A: Some larger ITX coolers can overhang RAM slots. Check the cooler’s dimensions and your motherboard layout to ensure compatibility.
Q: Where can I find reliable ITX cooler reviews?
A: Look for reviews on tech websites, YouTube channels that focus on PC hardware, and online retailer customer reviews. These sources often test coolers in real-world scenarios.
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.