8 Best Low Profile CPU Coolers (Tested) 2023

Do you have a powerful gaming PC but find that it runs too hot? You might need to get a low profile CPU cooler to help keep your system running smoothly. These coolers are designed to take up less space inside your case, making them an ideal choice for smaller systems. Low profile CPU coolers are a must have for anyone with a small form factor PC build or who just wants to save some extra space. 

They’re also great for silent gaming builds. While there are many low profile CPU coolers on the market, not all of them are created equal. There are many factors to consider when purchasing a CPU cooler. One of the most important is finding one that fits your budget and meets your performance needs.

 If you’re looking for a low profile CPU cooler, read on for our top 10 picks! We’ve put together a list of the ten best low profile CPU coolers to help you choose the right one for your needs. Let’s take a closer look!

These coolers will fit in almost any chassis and don’t require much space inside the case. Plus, they all offer great cooling performance without making too much noise. Keep reading to find the perfect low profile CPU cooler for your needs!

At a Glance:

8 Best Low Profile CPU Coolers

AwardDesignCPU CoolersRetailer
2. Cooler Master MasterAir G200P CPU Air Cooler
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Budget Pick3. Noctua NH-L9iLow Profile CPU Cooler
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4. Scythe AshuraLow Profile CPU Cooler
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5. Cooler Master MasterAir G100M RGB Low-ProfileCPU Cooler
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Staff Pick6. SilverStone SST-NT08-115XP
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7. Noctua NH-L9x65, Premium Low-Profile CPU Cooler
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Best Budget CPU Cooler for SFF Builds 
8. Cooler Master MasterAir MA410P
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1. Deepcool Gammaxx400 CPU Air Cooler

Best Pick

The Deepcool Gamma 400 is the perfect cooler if you want an affordable low profile option that doesn’t sacrifice performance. It offers a wonderful balance between price and power. The large heat sink provides exceptional cooling to your CPU without taking up too much space inside your case. 

Despite its small size, this low profile CPU cooler has a TDP of over 180 watts. If you have a high-power PC built on a small form factor chassis, then this is definitely the right choice! Not only does it keep your system cool but it also looks great thanks to the red LED fan and adjustable height (70mm). 

What’s more, the fan is easy to install and works silently. The Deepcool Gamma 400 is one of the best low profile CPU coolers you can get for your money today! This makes it ideal for small systems that need to maximize heat dissipation while minimizing noise. You won’t find a finer low profile CPU cooler at this price point.

Pros

  • Good cooling performance
  • Easy to install
  • Looks great
  • Affordable price tag 

Cons

  • Fans are loud when high speeds are selected 

2. Cooler Master MasterAir G200P CPU Air Cooler

If you’re building a small form factor gaming machine, the Cooler Master MasterAir G200P is definitely worth checking out. It offers everything you could want in an affordable low profile CPU cooler.

This heat sink may be tiny but it certainly packs a punch! It has four heat pipes that help channel heat to the aluminum fins faster than ever before.

What’s more, this low-profile CPU cooler comes with two fans that move air in opposite directions. This helps push heat away from your components and into your chassis where it can be cooled by larger system fans. 

The best part about this type of cooling design is that it doesn’t take up too much room inside your case while still maintaining an impressive performance. If you’re looking for the perfect low-profile CPU cooler, then this is it!

What’s more, installation is quick and easy thanks to Cooler Master’s snap-in system. It doesn’t get much better than this!

This low-profile CPU cooler really has everything you need in a compact package at an affordable price point. Once you try it out, we think you will agree with us.

Pros

  • Dual fan design offers superior heat dissipation
  • Pre-applied thermal paste ensures accurate installation
  • Affordable price tag 

Cons

  • Not suitable for large cases (with high airflow) 

3. Noctua NH-L9iLow Profile CPU Cooler

Budget Pick

If you want a low profile CPU cooler that will keep your system cool while also being incredibly quiet, then the Noctua NH-L9i is definitely worth checking out. It features an award-winning design that makes it stand out from any other low profile CPU cooler on the market today 

The unique heatsink design was built using two stacks of aluminum fins connected by six heat pipes that are molded into the base.

These heat pipes offer superb conduction properties that help direct heat away from your components and into the heatsink fins. This lets you enjoy the superior cooling performance without having to contend with annoying noise levels.

What’s more, this low-profile heatsink has a total of four 6mm heat pipes which means greater dissipation than its predecessor. This low-profile CPU cooler is definitely one of the best you can get today.

One thing to note about the Noctua NH-L9i is that installation takes a bit more time than plug-and-play systems.

You need to plug in all four fan cables to an additional 4-pin header on your motherboard. Once installed, though, it works quietly at up to 300rpm so noise should not be an issue for most users 

If you want superior performance without any of the noise associated with other heatsinks, then this compact option from Noctua will do just fine!

It was specially designed simply for small form factor PCs with limited space so it’s perfect for HTPCs or other types of SFF PCs. 

Pros

  • Superior heat dissipation from dual stacks of aluminum fins
  • Quiet at low speeds 
  • Fast performance

Cons

  • The install can get a bit tricky 

4. Scythe AshuraLow Profile CPU Cooler

The Scythe Ashura is another excellent low-profile CPU cooler that provides superior cooling performance and great looks in a compact package.

It features an aluminum fin design with four 6mm thick copper heat pipes for improved thermal conductivity and more efficient heat dissipation (9-blade fan).

What’s more, it has a universal mounting system that allows you to use this heatsink on both Intel and AMD platforms — perfect if you’re looking for the best low-profile CPU cooler for an Intel build and AMD build.

What’s more, when you buy this CPU cooler from Newegg, it comes with a 4-year manufacturer warranty.

This low-profile CPU cooler has a heatsink that spans 141.5 x 140 x 47mm (LxWxH) and weighs 0.585kg (1.3 pounds). This gives you plenty of options on where to install your Ashura depending on the type of chassis you have. 

You can also use this heatsink to cool other system components such as MOSFETs which is great if you want to fine-tune performance and lower temperatures in your entire system.

If you’re looking for the best low-profile CPU cooler, then this product from Scythe is definitely one to check out!

Pros

  • The 9-blade fan provides excellent airflow 
  • Comes with stylish black mounting bar 
  • Universal mounting system
  • Includes thermal paste and screws for easy installation

Cons

  • Not compatible with some Intel cases 

5. Cooler Master MasterAir G100M RGB Low-ProfileCPU Cooler

The next low-profile CPU cooler on the list is perfect if you want something that looks good while also providing excellent performance. It features an award-winning design that makes it stand out from other low-profile heatsinks on the market today. 

This high-quality heatsink has four direct contact heat pipes along with a 100mm fan to provide maximum airflow. What’s more, this heat sink uses a unique fin structure to maximize surface area yet minimize overall height so you can install your MasterAir G100M in even slim cases.

One of the best things about this low-profile CPU cooler is its RGB functionality which allows you to customize lighting effects through software control (4-pin RGB header).

This means you can install the MasterAir G100M in your system and then sync it with other components that offer RGB lightings such as motherboards, GPUs, memory modules, and peripherals.

This low profile CPU cooler is compatible with Intel LGA1151/2066/2011-3/2011 and AMD AM4/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2 sockets so you can use it to build an AM4 gaming PC or an Intel X299 high-performance rig.

The Cooler Master MasterAir G100M is definitely one of the best low-profile CPU coolers you can get today!

Pros

  • High airflow fan for fast heat dissipation 
  • RGB functionality allows for customization options 
  • Compatible with bothIntel and AMD sockets 
  • Includes thermal paste for easy installation

Cons

  • Intel mounting bracket can be hard to install 

6. SilverStone SST-NT08-115XP

Staff Pick

The SilverStone NT08-115XP is a low-profile CPU cooler made from nickel-plated copper and aluminum. It has deep cutouts to give you plenty of clearance for tall memory modules and a 92mm fan that can spin at up to 3600 RPM to provide airflow throughout your system.

What’s more, this heatsink comes with pre-applied paste so you don’t have to worry about any messy installation processes.

And if that’s not enough, it also features an adjustable mounting bracket that allows you to easily fit the NT08-115XP in both Intel and AMD systems with LGA 1155/1156/1366/775 sockets. 

This means it’s perfect for most types of SFFbuilds out there. For those looking for the best low-profile CPU cooler for their AMD Ryzen build, then this product from Silver Stone is definitely one you should check out.

One thing to note — it doesn’t have a universal mounting system so if you want to install it in an Intel system, then you’ll need a backplate/mounting kit first.

If you’re looking for the best low-profile CPU cooler for your AMD build, then this option is definitely one to check out!

Pros

  • Supports both Intel and AMD sockets 
  • Adjustable mounting bracket 
  • Includes thermal paste for easy installation
  • 92mm fan provides excellent airflow throughout your system

Cons

  • Not compatible with all cases  

7. Noctua NH-L9x65, Premium Low-Profile CPU Cooler

Another excellent low-profile CPU cooler that you should check out is the Noctua NH-L9x65. It’s equipped with an advanced NF-A9x14 premium fan and a copper base plate for maximum heat transfer.

Noctua designed this CPU heatsink so it’s compatible with most Intel LGA115x/20xx sockets, which gives you more options when it comes to choosing an AM4 CPU cooler.

And if that’s still not enough, this CPU cooler is also compatible with 6th generation (Intel), 7th generation (Intel), 4th generation (AMD) and 5th generation (AMD) processors.

This compact low profile CPU cooler offers better performance than some of Noctua’s previous models, which is definitely an added bonus. Plus, it features a 95x95mm footprint that makes it compatible with most modern SFF cases out there.

The Noctua NH-L9x65 is one of the best low-profile CPU coolers on the market today so if you’re planning to build an Intel or AMD Ryzen SFF gaming PC, then this option is definitely one you should consider getting. Just make sure your case can fit a 95x95mm-sized heatsink before buying!

Pros

  • Compact design fits most cases 
  • 6th generation (Intel), 7th generation (Intel), 4th generation (AMD) and 5th generation (AMD) compatible 
  • Easy to install thanks to Low-Noise Adaptor

Cons

  • Tall RAM may present clearance issues 
  • May have compatibility issues with some cases 

8. Cooler Master MasterAir MA410P

Best Budget CPU Cooler for SFF Builds 

Another great low profile CPU cooler to check out is the Cooler Master MasterAir MA410P. This particular model comes equipped with a patented Continuous Direct Contact Technology that allows it to maximize heat transfer, which means this heatsink offers better performance than other budget options on the market.

This compact CPU cooler has an aluminum base plate and four 6mm thick copper heat pipes (one 8mm and three 6mm) that make direct contact with your processor’s IHS (integrated heat spreader).

And if that wasn’t enough, the entire heatsink is nickel-plated for a beautiful and high-quality finish.

The MasterAir MA410P has a very slim profile, measuring just 37mm tall, making it perfect for SFF builds as well as HTPCs where there isn’t much room to spare.

With support for Intel sockets LGA2011/1366/1150/1155/1156 and AMD sockets FM1/AM3+/AM3 /AM2+, this model should cover most users’ needs.

Consumers can enjoy multi-color LED backlights that include red, blue, white and purple through the redesigned fan blades that not only makes your PC stand out but also works to increase air intake by 23%over traditional fan blades.

Another interesting feature of this product is its wire fan speed control, which allows users to manually set the fan’s RPM anywhere between 400 and 1,500 depending on your specific needs.

This CPU cooler comes with two 120mm fans that are PWM controllable, so you can tweak the fan speed directly from your motherboard. The fans push up to 57CFM at full blast, moving 140.2 m3/h while producing only 20 dBA at maximum.

Pros

  • Multi-color fan LED backlight (red, blue, white or purple)
  • Very compact & sleek design  (37mm tall)
  • Patented Continuous Direct Contact Technology
  • Supports multi socket types (Intel LGA2011/1366/1150/1156 and AMD FM1/AM3+)

Cons

  • The two included fans are not PWM controllable

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cooler is best for the CPU?

One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a CPU cooler is its compatibility with one’s case. A tall cooler can bump up against an adjacent graphics card, or it may prevent the user from installing a RAM module. An oversized cooler could even cause problems with surrounding motherboard components, such as the PCI-E slot. 

Does it matter what size the CPU cooler is?

No, not really. Some CPU coolers are designed specifically for Mini-ITX cases but can be used on any motherboard type, especially larger ones that have more space between the sockets. Taller heatsinks can also be installed on some Micro ATX motherboards by removing the lower standoffs which support 3.5″ drive bays. This may be necessary in order to accommodate a larger, taller heatsink/fan combination.

What are some quiet CPU coolers?

Many CPU coolers use fans that spin at relatively high RPM. A handful of manufacturers produce quieter versions of popular models by using slower-spinning (and thus quieter) fans.

What is the best CPU cooler for i7?

There are many CPU coolers that perform well with overclocked Intel Core i5 and Core i7 CPUs. A list of some options can be found below. If you’re interested in a high-end cooler, check out Noctua’s **NH-L9iLow. It has good cooling performance and it is compatible with Intel desktop socket 2011 motherboards (not officially).

Final words

As mentioned in the article, the best Low Profile CPU coolers are the ones that fit your case and perform well without making too much noise. The Noctua NH-L9io is high up on our list due to its performance and the fact that it can be used with Intel socket 2011 motherboards. In addition, this model shows a lot of compatibility with other sockets so no matter what your motherboard is, it probably will fit on it.

If you like to share anything with us let us know in the comment section. Also, don’t forget to share the article with your friends.


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Aaron
By Aaron


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