Ever feel like your tiny ITX PC is running hotter than a dragon’s breath? You’re not alone! Building a small, powerful computer is awesome, but keeping it cool can be a real puzzle. Finding the perfect CPU cooler for these compact builds is tricky. There are so many shapes and sizes, and you worry about fitting it in without bumping into other parts. Plus, you want it to be quiet, right? Nobody likes a loud fan!
Choosing the wrong cooler can lead to a slow computer or even damage. But don’t worry, this guide is here to help! We’ll break down exactly what you need to know to pick the best ITX CPU cooler for your needs. You’ll learn about different types, what to look for, and how to make sure it fits perfectly in your small case.
So, if you’re ready to tame that heat and keep your mini-beast running smoothly, keep reading! We’re about to dive into the world of ITX CPU cooling and find your perfect match.
Our Top 5 Itx Cpu Cooler Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Thermalright AXP90 X36 Black Low Profile CPU Cooler | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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Noctua NH-L9x65 | 8.5/10 | Check Price |
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Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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Noctua NH-L12S | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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Thermalright AXP90-X53 Black Low Profile ITX CPU Air Cooler | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Itx Cpu Cooler Detailed Reviews
1. Thermalright AXP90 X36 Black Low Profile CPU Cooler
Rating: 9.2/10
Building a small PC can be tricky, especially when it comes to keeping your processor cool. The Thermalright AXP90 X36 Black is a super compact CPU cooler designed for tiny computers, also called ITX builds. It’s only 36mm tall, so it fits in very slim cases. This cooler uses four 6mm heatpipes to move heat away from your CPU, and it comes with a slim 92mm fan that doesn’t make much noise. It’s made with good materials and includes everything you need to attach it to popular AMD and Intel processors.
What We Like:
- It’s very slim, fitting into tight spaces.
- The all-metal build feels strong and reliable.
- It works with many different Intel and AMD computer chips.
- The fan is quiet, keeping noise levels down.
- Thermalright is known for making good quality CPU coolers.
What Could Be Improved:
- It might not be powerful enough for the hottest, high-performance CPUs.
- Installation can be a bit fiddly in very cramped cases.
For anyone building a small, quiet PC, the Thermalright AXP90 X36 Black is a solid choice that offers effective cooling without taking up much space. It’s a great way to keep your computer running smoothly.
2. Noctua NH-L9x65
Rating: 8.7/10
The Noctua NH-L9x65 is a top-notch CPU cooler designed for small computers. It’s only 65mm tall, making it perfect for tight spaces like HTPCs and small gaming rigs. This cooler won’t block your RAM or other important parts on your motherboard. It comes with a quiet fan and everything you need to install it easily.
What We Like:
- Super compact design fits in tiny computer cases.
- Doesn’t get in the way of RAM or other motherboard parts.
- The fan is very quiet, even when working hard.
- Includes easy-to-use mounting hardware and good thermal paste.
- Works with many Intel and AMD computer processors.
What Could Be Improved:
- Best for CPUs that don’t get too hot.
- Can be a bit more expensive than other small coolers.
If you need a small, quiet cooler for your compact build, the Noctua NH-L9x65 is a solid choice. It offers great performance for its size and makes building a small PC much easier.
3. Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black
Rating: 8.9/10
The Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black is a top-notch CPU cooler designed for smaller computer builds. It’s super slim, only 65mm tall, which makes it perfect for computers like Home Theater PCs (HTPCs) and small form factor (SFF) systems. This cooler now comes in a sleek all-black finish, fitting in perfectly with any stylish build.
What We Like:
- Its super slim 65mm height is amazing for tight spaces.
- The 95x95mm size doesn’t block your RAM or other computer parts.
- Assembly is easy and makes maintenance simple.
- The fan is quiet and has automatic speed control.
- It includes high-quality thermal paste.
- It works with many Intel and AMD processors, including popular Ryzen chips.
- The all-black design looks really cool.
What Could Be Improved:
- It is best for CPUs that don’t produce a lot of heat.
- For very high-performance CPUs, you might need a larger cooler.
This cooler is an excellent choice for building a quiet and compact PC. It offers great performance for everyday tasks and gaming without taking up too much space.
4. Noctua NH-L12S
Rating: 9.1/10
The Noctua NH-L12S is a top-notch CPU cooler that’s perfect for small computers. Its low profile design means it won’t take up much space, making it ideal for tiny ITX builds or media centers (HTPCs). This cooler is an upgraded version of an already great cooler, so it performs even better. It comes with a special fan that’s designed to be quiet, even when it’s working hard. You can adjust the fan speed automatically for super quiet operation.
What We Like:
- Super compact, only 70mm tall, fits in small cases.
- It’s an improved version of a popular, award-winning cooler.
- Comes with a very quiet 120mm fan that you can control.
- Easy to install on most Intel and AMD computer parts.
- Includes good thermal paste to help your CPU stay cool.
- Great for CPUs that don’t get extremely hot, like many Ryzen 7000 series CPUs.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s best for CPUs with moderate heat, not the hottest ones.
- You need to check their website to make sure it works with your specific CPU.
If you need a quiet and compact cooler for a smaller build, the Noctua NH-L12S is an excellent choice. It offers great performance and quiet operation for many common CPUs.
5. Thermalright AXP90-X53 Black Low Profile ITX CPU Air Cooler
Rating: 9.1/10
Meet the Thermalright AXP90-X53 Black, a super-slim CPU cooler designed for small computers. It stands only 53mm tall, making it perfect for tight spaces like HTPCs and ITX builds. This cooler boasts a sleek black finish and uses a slim 92mm PWM fan that adjusts its speed automatically for quiet operation. It’s built with advanced technology to keep your CPU cool, no matter how your computer is positioned.
What We Like:
- Super low profile at only 53mm, fitting in very small PC cases.
- AGHP technology with 4 heat pipes helps it cool effectively even when the PC is on its side or upside down.
- Comes with a quiet 92mm PWM fan that speeds up when needed.
- Works with a wide range of Intel and AMD CPUs, including the latest ones.
- Doesn’t block your computer’s RAM, so you can use taller memory sticks.
- Includes thermal paste for better heat transfer right out of the box.
What Could Be Improved:
- The fan can spin up to 2700 RPM, which might be a bit noisy at its maximum speed for some users.
- While it supports many sockets, always double-check compatibility with your specific motherboard.
This cooler is a fantastic option for anyone building a compact PC. It offers great cooling performance in a tiny package.
Choosing the Right ITX CPU Cooler: A Smart Shopper’s Guide
Building a small form-factor PC, especially an ITX build, is exciting. These compact computers fit almost anywhere. But keeping your CPU cool in such a tight space can be tricky. That’s where an ITX CPU cooler comes in. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When buying an ITX CPU cooler, several features matter most.
- Size and Height: This is the most important. ITX cases have very limited space. Always check the cooler’s height. Make sure it fits inside your case. Most ITX cases list a maximum CPU cooler height.
- Cooling Performance: You want a cooler that keeps your CPU from getting too hot. Look for coolers that can handle your CPU’s heat output (TDP – Thermal Design Power). Higher TDP coolers can handle hotter CPUs.
- Fan Size and Noise Level: Smaller fans spin faster and can be louder. Look for coolers with larger fans if possible, as they can move more air at lower speeds. Check the noise level, usually measured in decibels (dB).
- Socket Compatibility: Make sure the cooler fits your motherboard’s CPU socket. Common sockets include Intel’s LGA 1700 and AMD’s AM5. The cooler’s description will list compatible sockets.
- Mounting Mechanism: How easy is it to install? Some coolers have simple clip systems, while others require screwing into a backplate.
Important Materials
The materials used in a CPU cooler affect its performance and durability.
- Copper: Copper is an excellent heat conductor. Many high-performance coolers use a copper base or heat pipes. This helps move heat away from the CPU quickly.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is lighter and cheaper than copper. It’s often used for heatsink fins. Aluminum is good at dissipating heat.
- Thermal Paste: This paste goes between the CPU and the cooler. It fills tiny gaps. Good thermal paste helps transfer heat efficiently. Most coolers come with pre-applied or a small tube.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a CPU cooler better or worse.
- Heatpipes: These tubes carry heat from the copper base to the fins. More heatpipes generally mean better cooling.
- Fin Density and Surface Area: More fins, packed closer together, mean more surface area to release heat. This improves cooling.
- Fan Quality: A good fan moves air efficiently and quietly. Cheaper fans may wear out faster or become noisy.
- Build Quality: A well-built cooler feels sturdy. Poorly made coolers might have bent fins or loose parts, reducing effectiveness.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your PC influences the best cooler choice.
- Gaming and High-Performance Tasks: If you play demanding games or do video editing, you need a powerful cooler. These tasks generate a lot of heat. A robust cooler prevents performance drops.
- Everyday Use and Office Work: For browsing the web, emails, and light office tasks, a smaller, quieter cooler is often enough. These activities don’t stress the CPU much.
- Silent Builds: If you want a very quiet PC, look for coolers with large fans that spin slowly or have a “zero RPM” mode. This means the fan stops when the CPU is cool.
- Aesthetics: Some coolers look better than others. Many ITX coolers have sleek designs or RGB lighting to match your build.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the most important thing to check before buying an ITX CPU cooler?
A1: The most important thing is the cooler’s height. You must ensure it fits within the CPU cooler clearance limit of your ITX case.
Q2: Do all CPU coolers fit any motherboard?
A2: No. CPU coolers are made for specific CPU sockets. You need to check if the cooler supports your motherboard’s CPU socket (like Intel LGA 1700 or AMD AM5).
Q3: What does TDP mean for a CPU cooler?
A3: TDP stands for Thermal Design Power. It’s a measure of how much heat a CPU can produce. You should choose a cooler with a TDP rating equal to or higher than your CPU’s TDP.
Q4: Are larger fans always better for ITX coolers?
A4: Larger fans can be quieter because they don’t need to spin as fast to move the same amount of air. However, in very tight ITX cases, smaller fans might be the only option.
Q5: How important is thermal paste?
A5: Thermal paste is very important. It helps transfer heat from the CPU to the cooler. Most coolers come with it, but using a high-quality paste can improve cooling slightly.
Q6: Can I use a stock CPU cooler in an ITX build?
A6: Some CPUs come with a “stock” cooler. These are usually basic and might be okay for light use. However, for better performance and lower noise, an aftermarket ITX cooler is recommended.
Q7: What is a “low-profile” CPU cooler?
A7: A low-profile CPU cooler is designed to be very short. This is ideal for ITX cases and other compact computer builds where space is limited.
Q8: How do I know if a cooler will fit my specific ITX case?
A8: Check the specifications for your ITX case. It will usually list the maximum CPU cooler height allowed. Then, compare this to the cooler’s height specification.
Q9: What are heatpipes, and why do they matter?
A9: Heatpipes are small tubes inside the cooler that move heat from the CPU to the heatsink fins. More heatpipes help the cooler dissipate heat more effectively.
Q10: Do I need to worry about fan noise in an ITX build?
A10: Yes, fan noise can be a concern in ITX builds because components are packed closely. Look for coolers with good reviews on noise levels or those with features like variable fan speeds.
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.