Top 5 Mini-ITX CPU Coolers: Your Buying Guide

Building a tiny PC can be super exciting, but have you ever felt a little lost when it comes to picking the right cooler for your CPU? It’s like trying to find a small, quiet fan for a very small, very powerful engine! Many people struggle because Mini-ITX cases have very little space, and the wrong cooler can make your computer sound like a jet engine or even get too hot.

Choosing the perfect Mini-ITX CPU cooler is a big deal. You want something that keeps your computer’s brain cool and quiet, all while fitting perfectly into your compact case. It can be tricky to know which ones are small enough, powerful enough, and won’t break the bank. Don’t worry, though! By the end of this post, you’ll understand what makes a good Mini-ITX cooler and how to pick the best one for your build.

We’ll dive into the important things to look for, like how tall the cooler can be and how much heat it can handle. Get ready to learn how to make your small PC run as cool and quiet as a whisper!

Our Top 5 Mini Itx Cpu Cooler Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Mini Itx Cpu Cooler Detailed Reviews

1. Noctua NH-L9x65

Noctua NH-L9x65, Premium Low-Profile CPU Cooler (65mm, Brown)

Rating: 8.6/10

The Noctua NH-L9x65 is a fantastic CPU cooler that’s super small. It stands only 65mm tall, making it perfect for computers that need to be compact, like those for home theaters or small gaming setups. This cooler won’t get in the way of your computer’s memory cards or other important parts.

What We Like:

  • It’s very compact and fits easily in small computer cases.
  • It doesn’t block RAM or PCIe slots on most motherboards.
  • The fan is quiet and has automatic speed control for good cooling.
  • It comes with good thermal paste and an easy-to-use mounting system.
  • It works with many Intel and AMD processors.

What Could Be Improved:

  • It’s best for CPUs that don’t run too hot.

If you’re building a small computer and need a cooler that performs well without taking up too much space, the Noctua NH-L9x65 is a solid choice. It offers great cooling for its size and is easy to install.

2. ID-COOLING IS-55 Black CPU Cooler Low Profile 55mm Height CPU Air Cooler 5 Heatpipes 120x120x15mm Slim Fan

ID-COOLING IS-55 Black CPU Cooler Low Profile 55mm Height CPU Air Cooler 5 Heatpipes 120x120x15mm Slim Fan, CPU Fan for Intel LGA1851/1700/115X/1200; AMD AM4/AM5

Rating: 9.1/10

Building a small PC can be tricky, especially when it comes to keeping your processor cool. The ID-COOLING IS-55 Black CPU Cooler is designed to solve this problem. Its super-slim profile means it fits into tight spaces, like those found in HTPCs and ITX builds. This cooler packs a punch with five heat pipes and a slim 120mm fan to move heat away from your CPU.

What We Like:

  • Its super-low 55mm height is fantastic for small computer cases.
  • Five heat pipes help move heat away from your CPU efficiently.
  • The slim 120mm fan is quiet and adjusts its speed automatically.
  • It works with most RAM sticks, even on small motherboards.
  • It’s compatible with many Intel and AMD processors.

What Could Be Improved:

  • While good for its size, it might not be the best choice for very high-end, overclocked CPUs that produce a lot of heat.
  • The 15mm slim fan might not move as much air as a thicker fan, which could affect cooling under heavy loads.

For anyone building a compact PC, the ID-COOLING IS-55 Black is a solid option that balances size and cooling performance. It makes fitting a good cooler into a small build much easier.

3. Thermalright AXP90 X47 Black Low Profile CPU Cooler

Thermalright AXP90 X47 Black Low Profile CPU Cooler, with 92mm TL-9015B Slim PWM Fan, ITX CPU Cooler, AGHP Technology, 47mm Height,for AMD AM4 AM5/Intel 1150/1151/1155/1851/1200/1700(AXP90 X47 Black)

Rating: 9.3/10

The Thermalright AXP90 X47 Black is a super cool, small CPU cooler. It’s only 47mm tall, making it perfect for tiny computers like ITX builds. This cooler is built tough with all metal parts and even has a special coating that stops rust and keeps heat from building up. It works with most popular computer processors from Intel and AMD.

What We Like:

  • It’s really compact, fitting into small computer cases easily.
  • The black nickel plating looks nice and protects it from rust.
  • It uses 4 heatpipes to move heat away from your CPU efficiently.
  • It’s quiet, with a noise level of 22.4 decibels or less.
  • It comes with everything you need to install it, including a backplate.
  • It’s compatible with many Intel and AMD processors.

What Could Be Improved:

  • It might not be the absolute best cooler for CPUs that get extremely hot.
  • While it’s quiet, some users might want an even quieter fan option.

This cooler offers great performance in a tiny package. It’s a solid choice for anyone building a small but powerful computer.

4. Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black

Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black, Premium Low-Profile CPU Cooler (65mm, Black)

Rating: 8.8/10

The Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black is a top-tier, super-slim CPU cooler that’s a game-changer for small computer builds. It stands just 65mm tall, making it perfect for tiny PC cases like HTPCs and ITX systems. Now, it comes in a sleek, all-black design that looks amazing in any build. This cooler is designed to fit easily without blocking your RAM or other important parts, and it makes installing and maintaining your computer a breeze.

What We Like:

  • Super compact at only 65mm tall, fitting into the smallest PC cases.
  • Its 95x95mm size avoids blocking RAM or PCIe slots.
  • Easy to install and access components around the CPU socket.
  • Comes with a quiet, high-quality fan that adjusts its speed automatically.
  • Includes excellent thermal paste and a reliable mounting system for many Intel and AMD processors.
  • Works great for CPUs that don’t produce a lot of heat.
  • The all-black design looks fantastic.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Best suited for CPUs with lower heat output; might not be enough for very powerful processors.

If you’re building a small PC and need a quiet, efficient cooler that looks good, the Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black is an excellent choice.

5. Noctua NH-L9i-17xx chromax.Black

Noctua NH-L9i-17xx chromax.Black, Premium Low-Profile CPU Cooler for Intel LGA1700 and LGA1851 (Black)

Rating: 9.5/10

Building a small computer can be tricky, especially when you need a cooler that fits without blocking other parts. The Noctua NH-L9i-17xx chromax.Black is a great solution. It’s a low-profile CPU cooler that’s designed to fit in tight spaces. This cooler is all black, so it looks good in almost any computer build, especially if you have colorful lights. It’s made by Noctua, a company known for making high-quality computer parts.

What We Like:

  • It’s super thin, only 37mm tall, so it fits easily into small computers.
  • The all-black design looks really sharp and matches many computer builds.
  • It won’t block your computer’s memory or other important cards.
  • The fan is quiet, even when your computer is working hard.
  • It comes with everything you need to install it, including special thermal paste.
  • Noctua offers a 6-year warranty, which shows they trust their product.
  • It’s a top choice for Intel CPUs that don’t get super hot.

What Could Be Improved:

  • It’s best for CPUs with moderate heat, not the hottest ones.
  • It might not be the absolute cheapest cooler available.

If you’re building a small PC and need a cooler that cools well and looks good, the Noctua NH-L9i-17xx chromax.Black is an excellent choice. It offers great performance and compatibility for many Intel systems.

Choosing the Right Mini-ITX CPU Cooler: A Buyer’s Guide

When building a small PC, a Mini-ITX CPU cooler is super important. It keeps your computer’s brain, the CPU, from getting too hot. A good cooler makes your PC run smoothly and last longer.

Key Features to Look For

  • Size and Height: This is the most important thing. Mini-ITX cases are tiny. You need a cooler that fits inside. Always check the cooler’s height and compare it to your case’s maximum cooler height. If it’s too tall, it won’t fit.
  • Cooling Performance (TDP Rating): CPUs have a TDP (Thermal Design Power) number. This tells you how much heat they make. Your cooler needs a TDP rating that’s equal to or higher than your CPU’s TDP. This ensures it can handle the heat.
  • Fan Size and Speed: Bigger fans often move more air and can spin slower, which means they are quieter. Smaller fans might need to spin faster to cool effectively, making more noise.
  • Mounting Mechanism: How the cooler attaches to your motherboard matters. Most coolers come with easy-to-use mounting kits. Make sure it works with your CPU socket type (like Intel LGA 1700 or AMD AM5).
  • Noise Level: Nobody likes a loud computer. Look for coolers that mention their noise level in decibels (dB). Lower numbers are better. Some coolers also have features to reduce noise, like special fan blades.

Important Materials

  • Heatsink Material: Most heatsinks are made of aluminum. Aluminum is light and a good heat conductor. Some high-end coolers use copper for even better cooling. Copper transfers heat faster than aluminum.
  • Heatpipes: These are copper tubes inside the heatsink. They have a special liquid that moves heat from the CPU to the heatsink fins. More heatpipes usually mean better cooling.
  • Fan Blades: Fans are usually made of plastic. The shape and design of the fan blades can affect how much air they move and how quiet they are.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

  • Build Quality: A well-built cooler feels sturdy. The fins on the heatsink should be straight and evenly spaced. The fan should spin smoothly without wobbling.
  • Ease of Installation: A good cooler is not difficult to install. Clear instructions and simple mounting hardware make the job easier.
  • Thermal Paste: Thermal paste is a special paste put between the CPU and the cooler. It fills tiny gaps so heat can move better. Most coolers come with thermal paste, but you can also buy better quality paste separately.

User Experience and Use Cases

Mini-ITX builds are perfect for small spaces. They are great for:

  • Home Theater PCs (HTPCs): You can put them in your living room for watching movies. A quiet cooler is a must here.
  • Small Office Desks: They save space on your desk.
  • Gaming Rigs: You can build a powerful gaming PC in a small form factor. You’ll need a cooler that can handle high heat.

A good Mini-ITX CPU cooler makes your small PC run cool and quiet. It helps your PC work its best.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the most important thing to check when buying a Mini-ITX CPU cooler?

A: The most important thing is the cooler’s height. It must fit inside your Mini-ITX case.

Q: How do I know if a cooler can cool my CPU well?

A: Check the cooler’s TDP rating. It should be equal to or higher than your CPU’s TDP rating.

Q: What does TDP mean?

A: TDP stands for Thermal Design Power. It tells you how much heat your CPU makes.

Q: Are bigger fans always better?

A: Bigger fans can move more air quietly. But smaller, well-designed fans can also work well.

Q: What are heatpipes for?

A: Heatpipes move heat from the CPU to the heatsink fins to help cool it down.

Q: Do I need to buy thermal paste separately?

A: Most coolers come with thermal paste. But you can buy better paste for even better cooling if you want.

Q: What is a good noise level for a CPU cooler?

A: Lower decibel (dB) numbers mean less noise. Look for coolers that are quiet, especially for HTPCs.

Q: Can I use a very powerful cooler if my CPU doesn’t make much heat?

A: Yes, you can. A more powerful cooler will keep your CPU very cool and run very quietly.

Q: What if the cooler doesn’t fit my CPU socket?

A: Make sure the cooler supports your CPU socket type before buying. Most coolers list the compatible socket types.

Q: Where can I find the height of my Mini-ITX case for cooler clearance?

A: The case’s specifications or product page will list the maximum CPU cooler height it can support.

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.

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