Replacing your computer system, again and again, isn’t all that easy now, is it? It’s too much of a hassle, plus your bank balance will surely not appreciate this entire burden. And for that very reason, you should invest in a low-profit CPU Cooler to prevent your processor from overheating.
After all, thermal throttling is usually the reason behind the drop in performance and the short lifespan of a computer system.
So, which low profile CPU Cooler should you get?
Well, this article focuses on detailed reviews of some of the best low profile CPU Coolers for you to check out. You can then choose whichever option suits your requirements.
So, keep reading.
Best Low Profile CPU Cooler Comparison Table
Contents
| Name | Rating | Weight | Intel and/or AMD |
|---|---|---|---|
Also Great ARCTIC Alpine 11 GT Rev 2  View Price |   (4 / 5) | Weight 9.6 ounces | Intel and/or AMD Intel |
Best Choice Noctua NH-L9i  View Price |  (4.6 / 5) | Weight 14.7 ounces | Intel and/or AMD Intel and AMD |
Also Great Noctua NH-L9x65  View Price |  (4.5 / 5) | Weight 14.4 ounces | Intel and/or AMD Intel and AMD |
Also Great Cooler Master MasterAir G100M  View Price |  (4.4 / 5) | Weight 12.8 ounces | Intel and/or AMD Intel and AMD |
Also Great Be quiet! BK002 Shadow Rock  View Price | (4 / 5) | Weight 1.8 pounds | Intel and/or AMD Intel and AMD |
Also Great Cryorig C1 ITX Top Flow Cooler  View Price |  (3.5 / 5) | Weight 1.38 pounds | Intel and/or AMD Intel and AMD |
 (4.2 / 5) | Weight 12.8 ounces | Intel and/or AMD Intel and AMD |
|
Also Great ARCTIC ACALP00027A  View Price | (4 / 5) | Weight 9.4 ounces | Intel and/or AMD Intel |
Top 8 Best Low Profile CPU Cooler For The Money 2021 Reviews
1 ARCTIC Alpine 11 GT Rev 2
The ARCTIC Alpine 11 is a compact cooler that can be used for systems with a TDP of 70 Watts. Since it can draw air from the side and has a low profile, the Alpine 11 GT is a great option for small form factor PCs.
The Alpine 11 features an ultra-quiet 80mm PWM fan. The fan runs at a speed of 500-2,000 RPM. Moreover, it is equipped with an optimized heat sink which contributes to the Alpine 11 GT better cooling performance.
It features both a low noise impeller and a patented fan holder. This makes the Alpine 11 GT a virtually silent cooler even at its full speed.
Meanwhile, the PWM control allows you to adjust the speed of the fans according to the temperature of the CPU. And so the noise levels are minimized, making this cooler a silent option.
The Alpine 11 is compatible with Intel processors including the 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156 and 775.
Moreover the ALPINE 11 comes with a unique mounting system that includes push pins. This makes it easier to install and offers excellent stability.
The cooler comes with a pre-applied ARCTIC MX-2 thermal compound, as a result the process becomes a lot quicker and cleaner.
(4 / 5)- The ALPINE 11 is extremely easy to install.
- It offers a low noise performance.
- Also it even allows you to adjust the temperature of the CPU.
- It only supports Intel processors.
2 Noctua NH-L9i
The Noctua NH-L9i happens to be a small air-based cooler with a height of 37mm. However its size makes it the ideal choice for HTPCs, ITX, and other Small Form Factor builds.
This cooler comes equipped with the NF-A9x14 slim 92mm fan. It is specially designed to cool lower TDP processors and it even comes with PWM support for automatic speed control.
Moreover, it includes the Low-Noise Adaptor, which allows the cooler to operate at extremely low sound levels. You can use it at low levels down to 14.8 dBA.
The NH-L9i is also compatible with almost every RAM module out there. It is built to fit into every type of motherboard.
You can use it with both Intel and AMD processors. It can be used with the following Intel sockets; LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155 and LGA1156.
This CPU Cooler also features a SecuFirm2 mounting kit and is also equipped with Noctua’s famous NT-H1 thermal compound.
However, the Noctua NH-L9i might not be the best low profile CPU Cooler for overclocking though.
And it is possible that the NH-L9i’s color scheme might not be your cup of tea. This CPU cooler comes with light tan colored casing and has a reddish-brown fan.
(4.6 / 5)- The low-noise adaptor makes it a very quiet fan.
- Has a fan speed of 600-2,500 RPM.
- It is suitable for tight spaces as it is only 39mm high and has a 95x95mm footprint.
- It weighs only 420 grams.
- The color scheme can ruin your system’s aesthetics.
- It’s not the best option for overclocking.
3 Noctua NH-L9x65
The Noctua NH-L9x65 is a compact low-profile cooler with a height of 65mm, thus making it an ideal choice for HTPCs, ITX, and Small Form Factor builds.
It features four heat pipes instead of the usual two heat pipes.
The NH-L9x65 is a lot more powerful. It is compatible with both RAMs and PCI on Intel-based ITX mainboards. Hence, this cooler does not overhang the near-socket connectors on the motherboard.
It also features an optimized NF-F12 120mm Focused Flow fan, the PWM allows for speed control. The NH-L9x65 also features the low-noise adaptor, which allows it to runs remarkably quiet.
It also includes Noctua’s renowned NT-H1 thermal compound as well.
The NH-L9x65 supports both Intel and AMD processors. These include the Intel LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156, LGA2011, LGA2066 and the AMD AM2(+), AM3(+) FM1, FM2(+).
This CPU cooler comes with a SecuFirm2 multi-socket mounting system that makes it easy to install.
However, this particular cooler is not suitable for overclocking. And so it should not be used on CPUs that have a TDP more than 84W.
(4.5 / 5)- It is suitable for restricted systems.
- The low-noise adaptor allows it to operate silently.
- It is easy to install.
- It should not be used for overclocking.
4 Cooler Master MasterAir G100M
The MasterAir G100M is about 74.5mm high, which makes it a lot bigger in size compared to some other options. However, it is a good option for small form factors and HTPC.
This CPU cooler features a 92mm PWM fan that has a speed between 600-2,400 RPM.
It also features an RGB Ring which illuminates the cooler.
Both the RGB Ring and the fan are certified compatible with the motherboard vendor’s RGB software.
The Cooler Master MasterAir G100M comes with a heat column. This allows a good amount of heat to transfer, as it increases the direct contact surface area. Since this cooler has a compact size, it can deliver better cooling performance.
Moreover, the MasterAir G100M is a colorful option if you’re looking for something that happens to be aesthetically appealing.
It comes with a wired RGB controller, which allows you to customize colors and different effects for the fan. This cooler does not require an RGB board as it comes with a remote control instead.
This fan-based CPU Cooler is also compatible for both Intel and AMD processors. Some processors it is suitable for include the Intel LGA2066, LGA2011-v3, LGA2011, LGA1151, LGA1150, LGA1156, LGA1155, and LGA1366.
And for the AMD processors, it supports AM4, AM3+, AM3, AM2+, AM2, FM2+, FM2, FM1.
(4.4 / 5)- It also comes with a wired RGB controller.
- Comes with aluminum stack fins for better heat dissipation.
- It has a copper heat column for better heat distribution.
- It comes at an affordable price.
- However it might be slightly big for some particular builds.
- The installation process can be slightly difficult for some.
- Also the controller is not made of that good of a quality.
5 Be quiet! BK002 Shadow Rock
The BK002 is comparatively taller than other options; it is about 75mm. However, the BK002 is still small enough to fit inside the most of mini-ITX builds without any issues.
This CPU cooler can accommodate processors that have TDPs as high as 130W. It also has a 120mm fan on it, which allows it to work well for mild overclocking.
It comes with a 120mm Pure Wings 2 PWM fan that helps in keeping the system cool. The fan is equipped with airflow-optimized fan blades and also has a durable rifle-bearing. It also has a lifespan of 80,000 hours to boot.
Even at full speed, the be quiet! Shadow Rock LP has a rate of 25.5 dBA.
The be quiet! Shadow Rock LP is also equipped with a sturdy heat sink as well. This features about 54 aluminum fins on the top and 32 fins on the bottom.
Moreover, this cooler comes with 46 mm copper heat pipes for effective heat distribution. It also features a user-friendly mounting from atop the mainboard.
The be quiet! BK002 is compatible with both Intel and AMD processors. You can use it for the following AMD and Intel sockets; AM2(+), AM3(+), AM4(+), FM1, FM2(+), and for Intel the 775 / 115X / 1366 and LGA2011.
(4 / 5)- It is super quiet even at the fastest of speed.
- The BK002 be sued for processors with 130w TDP.
- It also supports both Intel and AMD processors.
- Mounting brackets could be of better quality.
- It can be a little difficult for some people to install.
- The cooler is a bit bulkier than other options, so for a small form-factor system, there won’t be extra room to spare
- The BK002 isn’t compatible with taller memory kits.
6 Cryorig C1 ITX Top Flow Cooler
The Cryorig C1 comes with a comparatively larger fan of 140 mm size. It can be used to accommodate CPUs with TDPs up to 140W.
It is a great option for mild or even greater overclocking. However, it’s a bit pricier than some other options.
Also, the 140mm fan makes the C1 a bulky option.
The Cryorig C1 features the Cryorig XT140 140mm fan that helps in cooling the fins of the cooler. Moreover, the fan is 13mm thick and can attain speeds of 1300 RPM, while delivering 24 dB(A) of noise.
The C1 is rated to have produced 65 CFM, and is also able to deliver 1.49 mm H2O of static pressure when used at its full speed.
This CPU cooler also features 6 Pure Copper heat pipes that are distributed at the heat sinks. Also, this cooler comes with 4 double TDP U-Type heat pipes. These are u-shaped pipes which go into the denser secondary heat sink to allow better cooling.
It also comes with the MultiSeg mounting kit. This makes it easier to install this cooler.
Moreover, the Cryorig C1 supports both Intel and AMD-based systems. However, it is not a suitable option for AM4 users as it does not support these AM4-based systems.
It supports the following processors for INTEL the LGA2066/1151/1150/1155/1156 and for AMD the FM1/FM2/AM4.
(3.5 / 5)- It is an aesthetically appealing option.
- It offers good cooling performance.
- The installation process is easy.
- It has a high quality, solid build.
- You might find it difficult to plug in the front panel connectors.
- The sleeved cable usually gets in the way of the screw.
7 Thermaltake Engine 27 1U Low-Profile CPU Cooler
The Thermaltake’s Engine 27 is a uniquely-designed, low-profile cooler out there.
It is a small CPU cooler. It has a height of 27 mm, which makes it a suitable option for ultra-slim PC builds as well as for HTPC, POS terminals and mini PCs.
This CPU cooler features an all-metal design, with a copper base and nickel plating. This allows the heat to dissipate better.
The fan is small and is of the size 60mm. It is an ideal choice for small form factor applications. Moreover, the cooler features a built-in PWM fan with metallic blades and fins design.
The Thermaltake Engine 27 comes with a 40 blade PWM fan. This allows the fan to hit speeds between 1500-2500 RPM; meanwhile, it also has a decibel rating of 13-25 dBA.
So the Engine 27 works at a low noise level without having to compromise on the cooling performance.
The Engine 27 1U is compatible with 70W Intel chips as well as the usual Intel sockets including the LGA 1150, 1151, 1155, and 1156.
Also the Thermaltake Engine 27 has a lifespan of 50,000 hours.
(4.2 / 5)- It has an aesthetically-appealing design.
- The metallic radial allows the hot air can be exhausted more rapidly and efficiently.
- The nickel-plated copper base provides more fortified and efficient thermal paths.
- Has a compact 60mm PWM fan.
- It only supports Intel processors.
- Installation process can be tricky.
8 ARCTIC ACALP00027A
The Alpine 12 is not the smallest cooler and has a height of 77mm.
The ARCTIC Alpine 12, however, is powered by an updated 0.06A motor that operates at 2,000 RPM. Therefore, the cooler operates more efficiently than some other options.
This cooler features a high quality bearing, and as a result, less heat is developed. Moreover, the motor operates at a lower temperature of 10 °C. And so this helps in increasing the lifespan of the fan.
Not only that but these features also allow the fan to save energy; they lower the temperature and minimize the vibrations without having to compromise on the performance.
It does not support AMD processors. Meanwhile, you can use it for Intel processors that include the 1150, 1151, 1155, or 1156 socket.
The Alpine 12 comes with a push pin for easy installation, no other tool is required.
(4 / 5)- With the new motor, the lifespan increases to four times longer.
- This cooler is easy to install.
- It supports systems having a 95w TDP.
- It’s on the pricier side compared to some other options.
- Also this cooler only works with Intel processors.
Conclusion
Low profile CPU coolers are extremely important if you want to keep your computer system running in top condition. Usually, overheating of processors is what leads to the short lifespan of these systems. Hence, CPU coolers are needed to keep the temperature of the CPU in check.
For now, the best low profile CPU cooler is definitely the BeQuiet! Shadow Rock LP.
The BeQuiet coolers are some of the best coolers you could opt for. The BeQuiet! Shadow Rock LP is a low-profile cooler that can accommodate 130W TDP and is an extremely silent device. This cooler is equipped with a high-quality par and is a great performer.
Plus, you can install it easily without any issues. It’s definitely one of the best low profile CPU coolers that you must consider when making a choice.
Leave a Reply