Low profile CPU coolers are an essential component for building a gaming PC with a compact form factor. As the name suggests, these coolers are designed to be small in size and offer effective cooling performance for CPUs with limited clearance in smaller computer cases. They are especially popular for use in mini-ITX and micro-ATX builds, where space is at a premium, and traditional tower coolers may not fit or interfere with other components. Despite their smaller size, low profile coolers can still provide adequate cooling for powerful CPUs, making them an excellent choice for gamers who want a powerful gaming rig without sacrificing space or aesthetics. In this guide, we will explore the benefits of low profile CPU coolers, discuss their various types and features, and provide recommendations for the best low profile coolers on the market.
What’s The Best Low Profile CPU Cooler?
Here is our curated list of the some of the best low profile coolers in the market right now. This is not arranged in any particular order, and a couple of these coolers are on the list due to personal experience.
ARCTIC Low Profile CPU Cooler
Specifications
- Fan size: 92 mm
- Fan speed: 2000 RPM
- Fan noise level: 35.8 dBA
- Socket Compatibility: Intel LGA1151/1150/1155/1156/1200
- Dimensions (L X W X H): 95 x 95 x 53.5 mm/3.74 x 3.74 x 2.10 inch
- Warranty: 1 year
Why it’s good
- Affordable and high-performing CPU cooler
- A solid go-to pick for when your old CPU cooler needs to be replaced ASAP
Why it’s terrible
- AMD socket compatibility
Arctic is a brand that needs no introduction as they’re known for their entry-level and high-end CPU coolers that provide great performance without breaking the bank.
On this list is the Arctic Alpine 12 LP, one of the smaller CPU coolers perfect for small form factor PC builds. A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to use the Arctic Alpine 12 LP on my wife’s PC build. It’s one of the cheaper coolers in the market that gives better cooling performance than some of the high end CPU coolers,.
This small CPU cooler doesn’t make a lot of noise even when under heavy load. My wife did a lot of rendering back then and the noise levels on the Arctic Alpine 12 LP was manageable. At most, it sounded like a small electric fan wheezing in a bedroom.
We’re inclined to name this the best low profile CPU cooler just because of our firsthand experience with the Arctic Alpine 12 LP.
ID-COOLING IS-30 Low Profile CPU Cooler
Specifications
- Fan size: 92 mm
- Fan speed: 3600 RPM
- Fan noise level: 35.8 dBA
- Socket Compatibility: Intel LGA1151/1150/1155/1156/1200 and AMD AM4/FM2+/FM2/FM1/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2
- Dimensions (L X W X H): 93 x 100 x 30 mm/3.66 x 3.93 x 1.18 inch
- Warranty: 2 year
Why it’s good
- Perfect for small mini ITX cases
- Great cooling performance
- Budget-friendly
Why it’s terrible
- Noise levels are unbearable at times
Like the Arctic brand, ID-Cooling is another one of those recognizable brands in the CPU cooling market. The ID-Cooling IS-30 is one of their most popular models right now when it comes to low profile CPU coolers.
The ID-Cooling IS-30 is smaller than most of the low profile CPU coolers on here, so it’s a perfect choice if you want to go for smaller mini ITX form factor cases. Heat dissipation and cooling power is still above average given its size and price tag too.
The only downside is that the ID-Cooling IS-30 makes a lot of noise under heavy loads compared to the other coolers. Some users are fine with this downside mostly because the affordability and power easily makes it worth getting.
StarTech FAN3701U
Specifications
- Fan size: 60 mm
- Fan speed: 4800 RPM
- Fan noise level: 28 dBA
- Power consumption: 2.64 watts
- Socket Compatibility: Socket A and Socket 370
- Dimensions (L X W X H): 100 x 30 x 146 mm/3.94 x 1.18 x 5.75 inch
- Warranty: 1 year
Why it’s good
- Decent small form factor CPU cooler
- Great fan speed rating
- Overall great value
Why it’s terrible
- Does not work with AMD sockets
The StarTech FAN3701U is one of the budget-friendly CPU coolers on this list, and just like the Arctic and ID-Cooling, you get your money’s worth when it comes to its cooling power and heat dissipation.
At 60mm, it’s one of the smallest low profile CPU coolers, which makes it a decent investment for small form factor builds. Fan speeds go as high as 4800RPM, which is considered above average despite being a compact cooler.
The downside here is its incompatibility with AMD sockets, so if you have an AMD motherboard, you’re better off with something else.
Cooler Master MasterAir G200P
Specifications
- Fan size: 92 mm
- Fan speed: 2600 RPM
- Fan noise level: 28 dBA
- Socket Compatibility: Intel LGA1151/1150/1155/1156/1200/1366/2011/2066 and AMD AM4/FM2+/FM2/FM1/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2
- Dimensions (L X W X H): 94 x 91 x 40 mm/3.7 x 3.6 x 1.6 inch
- Warranty: 2 year
Why it’s good
- Can’t say no to RGB lighting
- Great compatibility with most modern motherboards
- Also one of the smaller CPU coolers in the market
Why it’s terrible
- It makes a lot of noise despite its size
Cooler Master is one of the most popular brands of PC paraphernalia and peripherals, and their lines of CPU coolers are no exception. Introducing the Cooler Master Masterair G200P, possibly their best low profile CPU cooler to date.
The size of the Cooler Master Masterair G200P isn’t your average low profile cooler too. It’s about 30mm bigger than most of the air coolers on this list, but it’s still small enough to fit into mini ITX gaming PC motherboards without difficulty.
The Cooler Master Masterair G200P goes up to 2600RPM, so it’s kind of loud when it goes into overdrive. But it makes up for it with its awesome performance and an even better 2-year manufacturer warranty.
If you’re planning to upgrade your stock coolers, the Cooler Master Masterair G200P is a great pick.
Noctua NH-L9x65
Specifications
- Fan size: 92 mm
- Fan speed: 2500 RPM
- Fan noise level: 24.6 dBA
- Socket Compatibility: Intel LGA1151/1150/1155/1156/1200/2011/2066 and AMD AM4/FM2+/FM2/FM1/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2
- Dimensions (L X W X H): 95 x 50 x 95 mm/3.74 x 2 x 3.74 inch
- Warranty: 6 year
Why it’s good
- Excellent cooling power
- Reliable and durable
- Compatible with both AMD and Intel Sockets
Why it’s terrible
- Cooler height might be an issue since it’s taller than other low profile CPU coolers
Noctua coolers are reputably to be the best in the market right now due to their sheer cooling power and affordability. And when we say affordability, you get your money’s worth for any of their coolers (maybe even more).
On this list we have the Noctua NH-L9x65 and it’s a strong contender for the best low profile CPU cooler. Despite its height, the Noctua NH-L9x65 fits right into any mini ITX case, but you’d still need to make sure that there’s enough clearance between the cooler and RAM slots.
The Noctua NH-L9x65 operates at about 2500RPM under heavy workloads without making a lot of noise. Another point to Noctua!
In terms of reliability, Noctua coolers come with a 6-year warranty too. Noctua will be more than happy to replace malfunctioning coolers within that period without hesitation. Third-party reviews from users with regard to their warranty are also positive.
Be Quiet! Shadow Rock LP (BK002)
Specifications
- Fan size: 120 mm
- Fan speed: 1500 RPM
- Fan noise level: 25.5 dBA
- Power Consumption: 1.1 watts
- Socket Compatibility: Intel LGA775/1151/1150/1155/1156/1366/2011 and AMD AM4/FM2+/FM2/FM1/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2
- Dimensions (L X W X H): 160 x 140 x 170 mm/6.3 x 5.51 x 6.69 inch
- Warranty: 3 year
Why it’s good
- Excellent cooling performance
- Silent under heavy loads
- Reliable
Why it’s terrible
- Cooler height might be an issue
Much like Noctua coolers, Be Quiet coolers are considered to be the best by a lot of builders for their adequate performance and price tag. And the Be Quiet! Shadow Rock LP (BK002) is proof of that.
The Be Quiet! Shadow Rock LP (BK002)’s downside is that it might be a bit bigger for a mini ITX board, so you’ll need to double check with your RAM slots’ clearance. But other than that, the Be Quiet! Shadow Rock LP (BK002) just has a lot to offer.
The Be Quiet! Shadow Rock LP (BK002) comes with a 120mm fan, which is perfect for high end CPUs. Fan noise levels aren’t an issue because the Be Quiet! Shadow Rock LP (BK002) operates at 1500RPM at maximum capacity.
Scythe Shuriken 2
Specifications
- Fan size: 92 X 92 X 15 mm PWM/4 PIN
- Fan speed: 1900 RPM
- Socket compatibility: Intel LGA 775/1151/1150/1155/1156/1200/1366 and AMD AM4/FM2(+)/FM1/AM3(+)/AM2(+)
- Dimension (W X D X H): 94 X 93 X 58 mm
Why it’s good
- Adequate cooling performance
- No height issues with RAM or PCI-E cards on mini ITX boards
- Affordable and reliable
Why it’s terrible
- No manufacturer warranty
- It’s like having a mini airplane in your room with how noisy it is.
The Scythe Shuriken 2 is one of the most affordable and compact coolers you’ll ever see. On a personal note, I have the Scythe Shuriken 2 installed in my son’s gaming PC. The installation process was easier than anticipated and there were no issues with interference with memory modules and graphics cards on the mini ITX board.
The Scythe Shuriken 2 comes with a 92mm fan, which explains why there was no issue with RAM clearance or GPU clearance. The PC had an RTX 2080 equipped, and even then, we had no issues with the sizing or fitting.
Our only concern here is that it doesn’t come with manufacturer warranty. We did have a store warranty that’d replace it within a year after purchase, but only if it was no longer working.
The noise levels were also bearable, even though some people don’t like the sheer buzzing noise when it was under heavy workload.
Short Buying Guide For Low Profile CPU Coolers
When it comes to buying a low profile CPU cooler for your gaming PC, there are several factors to consider. Here are some of the key things to keep in mind:
- Compatibility: Before buying a low profile CPU cooler, check its compatibility with your CPU socket type. Most coolers will support multiple sockets, but it’s essential to ensure that the cooler you choose will fit your specific CPU.
- Height: The height of the cooler is a critical consideration when it comes to low profile coolers. Make sure to measure the distance between the top of your CPU and the side panel of your computer case to ensure that the cooler you choose will fit.
- Cooling performance: While low profile coolers are designed to be compact, they should still offer effective cooling performance to keep your CPU temperature in check. Look for coolers with larger heatsinks, high-quality fans, and heat pipes to ensure that your CPU is adequately cooled.
- Noise level: The noise level of the cooler is another important consideration, especially if you are building a quiet PC. Look for coolers with low dB ratings, and check reviews to see how loud they are in practice.
- Build quality: A good low profile CPU cooler should be built with high-quality materials and components to ensure longevity and durability. Look for coolers with sturdy mounting mechanisms and well-designed heatsinks.
- Price: Low profile CPU coolers can vary in price, with some more affordable options offering excellent value for money. Consider your budget and choose a cooler that offers the best balance of features and price for your needs.
Some of the best low profile CPU coolers on the market include the Noctua NH-L12S, the Cryorig C7, and the Scythe Big Shuriken 3. However, there are many other options available, and it’s important to do your research and choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.
The Wrap Up
In conclusion, low profile CPU coolers offer an efficient and compact solution for building powerful gaming PCs in smaller cases. They come in various designs and sizes, with different features and cooling capabilities, allowing gamers to choose the one that fits their specific needs and requirements. When building a gaming PC with limited space, a low profile cooler is an essential component to consider, as it not only helps keep the CPU temperature in check but also ensures that other components are not obstructed or damaged by bulky coolers. With the growing popularity of small form factor builds, low profile CPU coolers are becoming more prevalent and sophisticated, providing gamers with a wider range of options to choose from. Overall, a good low profile CPU cooler is an investment that can improve the performance, longevity, and aesthetics of any gaming PC.
James Stephenson
James is a gaming and tech enthusiast. He has been playing computer games since the Commodore 64 days in the 80s. He has worked as a Broadcast Engineer with BBC News and knows a thing or two about building, fixing, and playing with PCs.
