As a gamer, you’ll want a quiet and efficient CPU cooler to keep your build quiet. With compact cases, there’s really little room to spare, so you’ll want to make sure that whatever cooler you choose can fit in your case without sticking out too much. In the past, I’ve reviewed a number of low profile CPU coolers from Cooler Master, Noctua, and Be quiet!, and it’s been interesting to see what the best options are for compact PC builds in the future.

It’s no secret that compact gaming PC builds are growing in popularity. In fact, 2019 might go down in history as the year when compact gaming PC builds began their steady rise in popularity. In the last few years, we’ve started to see a flurry of different compact gaming PC builds that all focus on using smaller, quieter components. For starters, the latest generation of Intel processors and AMD’s Ryzen family of processors has brought the introduction of quad-core processors to mainstream builds. This not only means that we can build compact gaming PCs with beefier CPU and GPU performance, but we can also build them with quieter, more efficient hardware.

CPU coolers became popular with the arrival of the Core i5 and Core i7 processors in the early 2010s, but because of their size, they weren’t really suitable for small form factor PCs. However, that’s changed with the arrival of the Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 processors, which are more powerful than their predecessors, but are less than half the size. As a result, fans were quick to adopt smaller CPU coolers, but they weren’t really suitable for compact builds, which is why the market was dominated by the larger, overpowered models.. Read more about noctua nh-l9i and let us know what you think.

When it comes to computer casing and coolers, we’ve seen a number of instances when people purchase the most costly product without understanding its specifications and performance. That may work in some cases, but not always, since some hardware is incompatible with others, and you must ensure that they are compatible. There are hundreds of CPU coolers on the market, but only a handful are designed specifically for small projects. We’ve chosen the finest low-profile CPU coolers that are both functional and attractive.

Before we get into the list, there are a few factors you should think about before purchasing the best CPU cooler for you. Low-profile or small coolers don’t allow overclocking, so be sure you’re not planning on doing so in the future. Also, since the highest TDP these coolers can handle is 130W, they are not recommended for high TDP CPUs. Also, don’t spend too much money on costly coolers since they will just add aesthetics and RGB lights to your room. So, without further ado, let’s have a look at the list.

The Top 8 Low-Profile CPU Coolers

NH-L9 is a species of Noctua.

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We’ve seen many Noctua coolers on the market, but the most of them are big and enormous, so we chose a small cooler from this manufacturer. The Noctua L9i, which is the greatest tiny cooler on the list, and I’m talking about a practically compact design, is at the top of our list. This cooler stands around 37mm tall and weighs just 420g, which is very remarkable. ITX motherboards were designed to be as compact as possible, with dimensions of less than a hundred millimeters in length and breadth. To give you an idea, this cooler stands 37 meters tall with a 14mm fan on top, making it the smallest cooler on the list.

Installing this cooler in your computer is not difficult since it takes a long time to explain how to repair it and even less time to install it. Before putting the board in the case, you must first place this cooler on your motherboard for compact projects. Along with the heatsink, this cooler includes two aluminum pipes that offer enough cooling. This heat sink’s multi finned aluminum array enables you to install any CPU with a TDP of 65W or less, but make sure you don’t exceed that. You won’t be able to use this cooler with older CPUs like the I7 3770k, which has a TDP of 75W. 

Although the NH-L9i Noctua NH-L9i Noctua NH-L9i No is an excellent addition to the small coolers list, it is not suggested for budget projects. This cooler’s pricing is a little expensive when compared to other rivals on the market, and I think a price reduction would be much better. This cooler is compatible with AM4 socket CPUs, however it is restricted to a small number of Intel sockets. This cooler may be useless for those who have a CPU with a TDP more than 65W since it is unable to manage that processor. The temperature of this cooler rises when loaded heavily, yet unlike other coolers, it does not become noisy. Overall, we think it’s a decent CPU cooler given the TDP it’s rated at.

Specifications

Model with a Cooler Noctua NH-L9i
Socket AM4 LGA 1151
Material Copper, aluminum, and plastic are some of the materials used.
Height 37mm
Width 95mm
Depth 95mm
Fans 1x on top
Max TDP 65W
RGB (RGB) Lights No
Warranty 6 Years

Pros

  • Size is very small.
  • Easy to set up right out of the box.
  • Performs silently and without making any noise.
  • This cooler comes with thermal paste.
  • In small constructions, it performs very well.

Cons

  • A little on the pricey side.
  • Only a few Intel sockets are compatible.
  • If your CPU’s TDP is more than 65W, it’s not useable.
  • Under load, the temperature may reach dangerously high levels.

G100M Master Air

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Cooler Master is a well-known brand in the world of CPU coolers and cases, having been in business for many years. This business has provided us with something new and appealing for Compact construction, and I am certain that you will never overlook this choice. The G100M Master Air has a UFO-like design that sets it apart from other coolers on the market, and it’s also a small cooler. I’m not sure whether Cooler Master got the concept and design for this cooler from a Sci-Fi Alien movie, but that’s uncommon. Along with its appearance, the firm ensured that it performed well, allowing consumers to consider it without hesitation.

The Master Air G100M is compatible with most Intel and AMD sockets right out of the box, however it lacks appropriate mounting equipment for thread rippers. The Cooler Master Master G100M comes with a 90mm diameter fan with RGB lights on the bottom. You’ll need a 4-Pin fan header on the motherboard to attach the fan RGB lights, which support six distinct effects and numerous RGB effects. You may have heard about Cooler Master’s innovative Heat Column Technology, which has 45mm copper columns. The heat is dissipated by these columns on the aluminum fin array, allowing for greater cooling than standard coolers.

There are tiny coolers for ITX designs, which are appropriate for small form factor PCs and are low in weight, as you may know. The major issue I had with this cooler was that it was a little bulky and substantial, but it was still acceptable for tiny builds since the bottom portion of it didn’t take up much room. It’s OK if you have an entry-level CPU; otherwise, it won’t be able to handle mid-range or high-end processors. When this cooler is under a lot of stress, the fans get quite loud, which is unpleasant. Non-techies may find the installation of this cooler to be challenging. Also, if you plan on overclocking, this cooler isn’t a good choice since it can’t take a lot of heat.

Specifications

Model with a Cooler Master Air G100M
Socket AM4 LGA 1151
Material Aluminum heat columns
Height 2.9 inches tall
Width 5.7 inches tall tall
Depth 5.7 inches
Fans 1x on top
Max TDP NA
RGB (RGB) Lights Yes
Warranty 2 Years

Pros

  • Size is very small.
  • Easy to set up right out of the box.
  • Performs silently and without making any noise.
  • This cooler comes with thermal paste.
  • In small constructions, it performs very well.

Cons

  • A little on the pricey side.
  • Only a few Intel sockets are compatible.
  • If your CPU’s TDP is more than 65W, it’s not useable.
  • Under load, the temperature may reach dangerously high levels.

Please keep your voices down! LP titled “Shadow Rock”

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Please be quiet! Their goods have never failed their customers since they provide the greatest value for the money, and I particularly like the build quality of their items. The Shadow Rock LP from being Quiet is next on our list of Best Low-Profile Coolers. What is the name of this company’s second top-notch cooler? I didn’t anticipate much from this cooler, but it exceeded my expectations with its outstanding performance with 130W TDP CPUs. This cooler is 75mm tall, making it one of the tallest and most feature-packed small ITX CPU coolers on the market. So, let’s take a look at what’s good and bad about this cooler, and whether or not you should purchase it for your small build.

Out of the package, you’ll get the cooler, a fan, and some mounting hardware, as well as instructions for putting it on your computer. This cooler has a wide range of compatibility, and it can be installed on almost every Intel or AMD socket with the exception of a few, such as TR4 and others. Also, we’ve seen some coolers that don’t even support CPUs with a TDP of 100W, but this one has an edge in that it can handle a 130W TDP processor. Because of the size of this cooler, it may be necessary to use low-profile memory modules with certain motherboards; otherwise, it will interfere with them.

This cooler, based on its form and size, does not seem to be as compact as other coolers on the market. I wouldn’t suggest this cooler to anybody who likes to overclock their CPUs since it won’t be able to handle it. As I previously said, the default orientation of this cooler may cause the memory module to be blocked, thus you must alter it. However, there is no mention of how to alter the orientation in the instructions. The fan clamps on the cooler may be difficult to install for certain people. This cooler’s installation seems to be a difficult task, and I believe it may be made much simpler than it is currently.

Specifications

Model with a Cooler Please keep your voice down! LP titled “Shadow Rock”
Socket AMx, LGA 115x
Material Fins made of aluminum
Height 75.4 mm
Width 122 mm
Depth 134 mm
Fans 1x on top
Max TDP 130W
RGB (RGB) Lights No
Warranty NA

Pros

  • The build quality is outstanding.
  • Operate with the least amount of noise possible.
  • The mounting position may be changed at any time.
  • Very simple to set up.
  • 130W power support in a low-profile design.
  • Noise levels are kept to a bare minimum.

Cons

  • This cooler is not as small as some of its rivals.
  • Overclockers are not advised to use them.
  • A RAM slot may be blocked by the default orientation.
  • Fan clips may be difficult to install.
  • Installation might be a lot more pleasant than it is right now.

Cryorig C7 is a Cryorig product. is a Cryorig product.

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I’m sure most of you haven’t heard of this business before, but CRYORIG has grown their name in the market by launching many CPU cooler lines. From design to performance, I consider the Cryorig C7 to be one of the finest low-profile CPU coolers, which is why it made our list. One thing I like about their products is that they strive to add something new with each one, and with this cooler, you get both looks and performance without having to spend premium pricing. It may be difficult to find the greatest aesthetics and cooling goods when purchasing computer cases and coolers, but that is not the case here.

This CPU cooler is approximately 47mm in height and 97mm in length and width, so it isn’t the tiniest on the list. Its tiny size offers it an edge over other coolers, and it supports 100W TDP CPUs, which compact build users may like. Though I wouldn’t suggest you can overclock with this cooler because of the TDP support, it’s the perfect option if you want to replace the standard Intel cooler. Also, you won’t have to spend a much for this replacement since it’s extremely inexpensive and designed for budget and entry-level projects.

The only flaw I discovered with this cooler is its socket compatibility, since it is incompatible with AMD CPUs and only supports a restricted number of Intel sockets. This cooler’s TDP is restricted to 100W and does not exceed that; otherwise, you may have some severe issues with it. This cooler’s packaging is basic, and it doesn’t offer any protection for the metal body, which I think is awful since there’s a possibility the goods could be damaged during shipment. When your CPU is under heavy stress, the top fan of these coolers becomes very noisy.

Specifications

Model with a Cooler Cryorig C7
Socket LGA 1151
Material coated with copper and nickel
Height 47 mm
Width 97 mm
Depth 97 mm
Fans 1x on top
Max TDP 100 W
RGB (RGB) Lights Yes
Warranty NA

Pros

  • When fitted, it looks fantastic.
  • The CPU cooler is very simple to set up.
  • In a true sense, compact.
  • The layout seems to be appealing.
  • In typical loads, it performs well.
  • There are many color schemes to choose from.

Cons

  • Socket support is quite limited.
  • Only 95W TDP CPUs are allowed.
  • This cooler’s packaging does not offer any protection.
  • When the load is 80 percent or above, the fans become quite noisy.

Big Shuriken Scythe 3

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Scythe has a strong name in the computer coolers and other goods industries, and they’ve produced some of the finest cooler series in recent years. The Big Shuriken Scythe 3 is the finest low-profile CPU cooler for tiny form factor PCs, according to the manufacturer, and it doesn’t interfere with the PC’s components or memory modules. This cooler’s predecessor was a fantastic edition, and this one is a revised version with improved performance and looks. This one, like the previous one in the series, is compatible with Intel’s new LGA 115x and AM4 sockets.

Although the Scythe Big Shuriken 3 is very big, I discovered that the manufacturer designed it in such a manner that the fan extends above the DIMMs and cools the CPU and memory modules. It comes in a black and grey color scheme that looks great, and the absence of RGB lighting may be attractive to certain users. Also, even under heavy loads, this cooler makes very little noise, and its temperature doesn’t rise much if you’re running an entry-level CPU. Scythe also did an excellent job on the build quality of this cooler, as I’ve observed.

This is one of the finest coolers on the market if you want a basic design with great performance, however it has a few flaws that I’ve observed. Although the cooler’s lack of RGB lighting may be attractive, some users may find it inconvenient since most people prefer RGB goods. We put this cooler to the test when overclocking, however it didn’t perform well in our testing. This cooler may clash with memory modules and expansion slots on certain motherboards, but it is generally compatible with the majority of boards.

Specifications

Model with a Cooler Scythe Big Shuriken 3
Socket AM4 (LGA1151), LGA1151 (LGA1151)
Material Aluminum
Height 69 mm
Width 122 mm
Depth 122 mm
Fans 1x on top
Max TDP NA
RGB (RGB) Lights No
Warranty NA

Pros

  • Although it has a low profile, it nevertheless performs well.
  • The noise level is kept to a bare minimum.
  • It’s really simple to set up and has a lot of documentation.
  • The build quality is outstanding.
  • For certain people, the lack of RGB will be attractive.

Cons

  • For certain people, the lack of RGB lighting may be an issue.
  • It doesn’t provide much performance in the OC CPU test.
  • It’s possible that the expansion slot on certain motherboards may cause a problem.

NH-L12S Noctua

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The Intel standard cooling isn’t great, and I’m not a fan of how it’s implemented, particularly when overclocking the CPU. As a result, several aftermarket coolers from Noctua and other manufacturers provide great replacements to the standard cooler at a relatively low cost. If you value aesthetics, this business is not for you since the majority of their coolers have a brown color scheme, although there are some alternative options, such as black versions. The advantage of this cooler over the standard one is that it provides enough performance for CPUs with low TDP ratings.

This cooler has a simple appearance, but its performance will astound you, since despite its tiny size, it can effortlessly handle CPUs with a TDP of 130W. This cooler operates quietly, and you will not be disturbed by the sounds of its fans. The construction quality of Noctua coolers is outstanding, as the business strives to provide the finest product quality and performance. Also, this cooler’s installation is very simple, and it won’t take more than a minute. This cooler has great socket compatibility, and it can be simply mounted on LGA 1151 and AM4 sockets.

This cooler is a little big, and it isn’t the smallest CPU cooler on the list since there are a few other low-cost alternatives. This may clash with the expansion slots and DIMMs on certain ITX motherboards, preventing you from using it. I’ve already evaluated the original Noctua NH-L12 and think it’s a better option than this one, so I suggest you buy it instead. Some users liked the brown color scheme of this cooler, but the majority of users did not, but it is a matter of personal preference.

Specifications

Model with a Cooler NH-L12S Noctua
Socket AM4 LGA 1151
Material Aluminum Copper
Height 70 mm
Width 128 mm
Depth 146 mm
Fans 1 time under the heatsink
Max TDP 130W
RGB (RGB) Lights No
Warranty 6 Years

Pros

  • The design is simple, yet it performs well.
  • Works in a very quiet manner, producing no noise.
  • The build quality is outstanding.
  • Mounting is a breeze.
  • This cooler’s fan may be upgraded if desired.
  • It will also be compatible with future sockets.

Cons

  • It’s possible that certain memory modules may clash.
  • The original NH L12 was a much superior product.
  • Some users may be put off by the brown fans.

NH-L9x65 NH-L9x65 Noctua NH-L9x65 Noctua NH-L9x65 Noctua NH-L9x65

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I’ve previously evaluated two Noctua coolers in this list, and I just received the third one from them and found it to be superior to other low-profile am4 cooler choices, so I’ve chosen to add it in this list. Our cooler has a height of 65mm and a compact design, making it the finest cooler in this list that supports 130W TDP. This TDP had previously been supported by coolers with a height of 75mm, however this one has a height of 65mm. This cooler’s heatsink is available in black or silver, but the top fan is brown, which some users dislike, but it is a matter of personal preference.

The width and length of this cooler are about 95mm, and it is built in such a manner that it does not interfere with expansion slots or memory modules. Copper and aluminum fins are utilized in the heatsink, and it includes two pipes connecting the bottom end to the top side for improved heat dissipation. One thing to note is that this cooler is only compatible with the AM4 socket; however, there is a separate version for Intel CPUs. This cooler’s build quality is adequate, and it comes in attractive packaging.

Noctua done an excellent job with this cooler, making it the ideal option for AMD users who want to build a small PC. With this cooler, Noctua performed a very niche-specific work, and it will be much better if the same cooler covers both sockets. Our cooler performs well, but it does not match the performance of the other rivals on this list. The brown color scheme of this cooler may not appeal to all users; some people like it, while others do not. Overall, I’d say it’s one of the finest low-profile CPU coolers if you want performance from a tiny cooler.

Specifications

Model with a Cooler Noctua NH-L9x65
Socket AM4
Material Aluminum, Copper
Height 65 mm
Width 95 mm
Depth 95 mm
Fans 1 time on top
Max TDP 130W TDP
RGB (RGB) Lights No
Warranty 6 Years

Pros

  • Works in a very unobtrusive manner.
  • The CPU cooler is very simple to set up.
  • Compatible with a wide range of motherboards.
  • This is a fantastic edition for ITX setups.
  • Excellent build quality and packaging.
  • There are no memory or expansion slots conflicts.

Cons

  • For budget constructions, it’s a little pricey.
  • Noctua has a very niche-specific product.
  • When compared to other rivals, it underperforms.
  • The color scheme is not to everyone’s taste.

I70C Cooler Master

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There’s another Cooler Master option on our list, and we’ll wrap it off with the I70C Cooler Master, which has great performance and aesthetics. The manufacturer done a good job with this cooler since it just has one heatsink that handles the majority of the heat transfer. Most CPU coolers use heatsink pipes to transmit heat, however this one uses a heatsink with flattened fin arrays for optimum heat dissipation. This CPU cooler has a height of 60 mm and is in the small cooler category. This dimension also includes the heatsink with fan, while the single heatsink is considerably smaller.

The Cooler Master I70C has a small footprint and provides enough performance for a low price. This cooler performs well in terms of cooling, but only if you have a low- or entry-level CPU. This cooler operates at a low temperature, and with a 2600k color temperature of 98 degrees, it can reach 80 degrees at full load, and there are no loud fans. The height of this cooler is 60mm, and it is built so that it does not interfere with other motherboard components or memory modules.

The Cooler Master I70C is a fantastic cooler in this series, and the manufacturer did an excellent job with it, however there was one flaw that I discovered. This cooler’s performance isn’t great when it comes to overclocking, and its temperature rises quickly when you use a high-end CPU with it. This cooler’s socket compatibility is also lacking, since it is only compatible with a few Intel sockets. We put this cooler to the test and got the Intel i7 2600k. It was unable to operate it at the high clock speeds.

Specifications

Model with a Cooler Cooler Master I70C
Socket LGA 1151
Material Heatsink made of aluminum
Height 60 mm
Width 120 mm
Depth 120 mm
Fans 1x on top
Max TDP NA
RGB (RGB) Lights Yes
Warranty NA

Pros

  • Design that is both practical and functional.
  • Excellent cooling while the CPU is under stress, but only on low-power processors.
  • Provides great performance while being very quiet.
  • For improved cooling, use contact heat pipes to link the whole body.
  • It has a height of 60mm, which is suitable with the majority of cases.

Cons

  • When it comes to overclocking, it’s not that fantastic.
  • This cooler can’t keep up with the i7 2600k’s high clock rate.

Conclusion

When it comes to purchasing a computer cooler, the majority of people just go to shopping websites and purchase random items for their projects. That is not an ideal method to purchase coolers since all hardware is compatible with one another, and you must ensure that they are compatible in order to get the most performance out of them. We’ve compiled a list of the finest low-profile CPU coolers that provide great performance and aesthetics while remaining compact. Quiet is the greatest cooler you can get! For the price, Shadow Rock LP delivers great results.

Users seeking for something different can choose the Cooler Master – Master Air G100M, which has a UFO-like design and provides the greatest performance for the money. There are also some more options mentioned there for this CPU that you may examine. The thing to remember about these coolers is that they can’t handle much overclocking, even if your CPU can. Also, don’t spend a lot of money on these coolers since they won’t provide you any more performance for the extra money; the only benefit they provide is looks. 

Also see:

The Best 140mm Case Fans for 2021 – A Complete Guide to Mechanical Keyboards with the Lowest Profile

The mainstream gaming world is obsessed with graphics card coolers. Over the last few years, these coolers have become extremely large, extremely powerful, and extremely expensive. They are also one of the most important elements of your PC, as they are what provides your graphics card the necessary cooling to perform at its best.. Read more about best low profile cpu cooler am4 and let us know what you think.

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The best low profile CPU cooler is the Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO.”}},{“@type”:”Question”,”name”:”What is the best CPU cooler 2021?”,”acceptedAnswer”:{“@type”:”Answer”,”text”:”
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best low profile CPU cooler?

The best low profile CPU cooler is the Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO.

What is the best CPU cooler 2021?

The best CPU cooler for 2021 is the Noctua NH-D15.

Are low profile coolers worth it?

Low profile coolers are worth it if you want to save space, but they are not worth it if you want to keep your computer running at the best possible performance.

Author

Holly is the smartest person you will ever know (Or so she tells us lol). She's a gamer by heart, and an author by soul. Writing for the website g15tools is a dream come true for her - she loves being able to share her thoughts and insights with others who love gaming as much as she does. When she's not writing or gaming, Holly can be found spending time with her friends and family.