The Best Low Profile CPU Coolers (2023 Reviews)

CPU coolers have undergone substantial improvements over the years. This is especially true for AIOs (All-in-one closed water-cooled loops).

Take, for example, NZXT’s Kraken Z63, which comes with an entire LED display on the pump that can be utilized to show temperature, fan speed, power consumption, and more. Arctic took it to another echelon by adding a fan to the pump itself to cool VRMs.

Related:The Best CPU Coolers (2023 Reviews)

However, the cooling solutions mentioned above and similar products usually cost well over $100. Some even cost $200. In addition, not every case is designed for a 280mm radiator.

In other words, something cheaper, more compact, and simpler to install is needed. Fortunately, low-profile CPU coolers are exactly that, and here is our list of some of the best.

Arctic is a highly-regarded brand in the PC community as they provide exceptional CPU cooling solutions and premium thermal paste (Arctic MX-5, MX-4, and others). Their Arctic Liquid Freezer II is widely considered to be one best AIOs on the market.

However, as we are focusing on humble and economical picks this time around, let’s talk about Arctic’s Alpine 12.

With a height of just 77mm, the Alpine 12 can fit into almost any ITX case. This cooler is of the compact variety and draws less than 1 watt of power, making it ideal for those who want to attach it to their CPU and forget about it for a few years.

This minimal power consumption indicates significantly cooler fan motor temperature, ultimately resulting in improved prolonged durability. This is backed by Arctic’s 6-year guarantee.

Combine that with a price tag of just $15 for the Alpine 12 and the pre-applied MX-2 thermal compound. It is a clear choice.

SilverStone is another prominent brand offering products in several categories, including computer chassis, power supplies, and, of course, coolers and fans.

Let’s take a look at SilverStone’s NT08-115XP. This slim-profile cooler is just 34 mm tall, making it one of the thinnest air coolers available.

Naturally, with such a small heatsink, it will not be capable of providing exceptional heat control. Actually, if feasible, we suggest choosing a slightly bigger cooler. If you have a very slim ITX case and are unable to accommodate anything higher than 35mm, go ahead.

Unfortunately, the NT08-115XP won’t do the job if you have a Ryzen system, as it doesn’t have AM4 socket support. Fortunately, it will fit on present and some older Intel generations.

This SilverStone cooler is also a bit pricier at around $30.

Cryorig C7 is another compact cooler that should fit in any ultra-slim computer chassis. It is taller than the SilverStone alternative at the height of 47 mm, but still relatively low, considering Intel’s stock cooler is around 60 mm.

With a price tag of $30 and a six-year warranty, the Cryorig C7 is another superb value compact cooler.

With its nickel-plated copper heat pipes and base combined with aluminum fins, the Cryorig C7 can deliver powerful thermal performance.

You won’t be able to start overclocking with this cooler as it will thermal throttle, but it can maintain your temperature during average loads.

Noctua has a substantial presence in the PC community as it offers one of the best air coolers on the market at a reasonable price. You might be familiar with their signature brown/beige color combination on their fans. Of course, we’re talking about Noctua’s NH-D15(S).

The Noctua NH-L9i is a low-profile alternative that bears that same brown and beige color combination, and it is just as efficient in its category. In fact, it might be the best in its category, judging by its reviews on Amazon and many professional assessments online.

However, that performance comes with a heftier price tag. Its MSRP is $50. At present, it is sold even higher than its MSRP.

The brand Scythe might not be as renowned, but they have outstanding products like Mugen 5 and FUMA 2.

Their low-profile product is also quite effective at just 69 mm in height. That makes it the second tallest cooler listed, but getting a larger heatsink or fan can be quite advantageous if you are not very limited by space.

It is also wider/longer at 122mm because it uses a 120mm fan size.

One possible drawback of Scythe’s Big Shuriken 3 is the hefty price tag of $50.

Honorable Mentions

The market is full of low-profile coolers, but we only wanted to show you the finest ones.

There are some coolers that didn’t make the list but are still reasonably satisfactory.

The Noctua NH-L12S is an excellent alternative to the NH-L9i for those with a bit more case space as it is much taller (70 mm). This allows for much better airflow, which naturally means improved thermals.

You will also get that comparable 6-year warranty and NT-H1 thermal compound.

Thermaltake’s Engine 27 is an exceptional pick in terms of thermal performance and noise, and we gladly suggest it to everyone.

However, as this entire cooler is made of metal (aluminum), including the fan, the noise created is at a much higher pitch. So yes, it is technically less loud than the C7, for example, but the high-pitched sound can be more annoying.

Which Low-Profile CPU Cooler Should You Get?

We have narrowed down our list of low-profile CPU coolers to five. You might still be pondering which of these small coolers you should select.

For those with an ultra-compact case such as the Skyreach 4 Mini or Louqe Ghost S1, we recommend SilverStone’s NT08-115XP or Noctua NH-L9i. Both of these are below 40 mm in height, so they will have no difficulty fitting.

If you have more room in your bag, the Alpine 12 or Big Shuriken 3 may offer superior heat performance. If you like something in between, consider Cryorig’s C7.