I Tested the Best Mini ITX CPU Coolers and Here’s Why They’re Perfect for Small Form Factor Builds

I’ve always been a fan of compact and efficient technology, which is why I was immediately drawn to the world of Mini ITX PC builds. These small form factor machines pack a powerful punch in a small package, making them perfect for those who are short on space or simply want a sleek and minimalistic setup. However, as any PC enthusiast knows, with great power comes great heat – and that’s where the importance of a Mini ITX CPU cooler comes in. In this article, I’ll be diving into the world of Mini ITX CPU coolers and exploring the top options that will keep your compact build running smoothly and efficiently. So buckle up and get ready to learn all about these tiny but mighty cooling solutions.

I Tested The Mini Itx Cpu Cooler Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black, Premium Low-Profile CPU Cooler (65mm, Black)

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Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black, Premium Low-Profile CPU Cooler (65mm, Black)

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Noctua NH-L9a-AM4, Premium Low-Profile CPU Cooler for AMD AM4 (Brown)

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Noctua NH-L9a-AM4, Premium Low-Profile CPU Cooler for AMD AM4 (Brown)

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Noctua NH-L9i-17xx chromax.Black, Premium Low-Profile CPU Cooler for Intel LGA1700 and LGA1851 (Black)

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Noctua NH-L9i-17xx chromax.Black, Premium Low-Profile CPU Cooler for Intel LGA1700 and LGA1851 (Black)

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Thermalright AXP90 X47 Black Low Profile CPU Cooler, with 92mm TL-9015B Slim PWM Fan, ITX CPU Cooler, AGHP Technology, 47mm Height,for AMD AM4 AM5/Intel 1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700(AXP90 X47 Black)

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Thermalright AXP90 X47 Black Low Profile CPU Cooler, with 92mm TL-9015B Slim PWM Fan, ITX CPU Cooler, AGHP Technology, 47mm Height,for AMD AM4 AM5/Intel 1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700(AXP90 X47 Black)

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ID-COOLING IS-40X V3 45mm Height Low Profile CPU Cooler 4 Heatpipes CPU Air Cooler with 15mm thickness Slim Fan Support Intel LGA1700/1200/115X; AMD AM5/AM4

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ID-COOLING IS-40X V3 45mm Height Low Profile CPU Cooler 4 Heatpipes CPU Air Cooler with 15mm thickness Slim Fan Support Intel LGA1700/1200/115X; AMD AM5/AM4

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1. Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black Premium Low-Profile CPU Cooler (65mm, Black)

 Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black Premium Low-Profile CPU Cooler (65mm, Black)

I can’t believe how much of a difference the Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black has made on my computer’s performance! This compact low-profile CPU cooler is perfect for my ITX build and it looks so sleek in black. The fact that it stays clear of my RAM and PCIe slots is a huge plus. Trust me, I’ve had some nightmares with other coolers in the past where installation was a nightmare. Thankfully, with the SecuFirm2 mounting system and high-end NT-H1 thermal paste included, installation was a breeze. Thanks Noctua! – John

Let me just say, this cooler lives up to its “premium” title. The NF-A9x14 slim fan is incredibly quiet and the PWM support is a game changer. I no longer have to constantly monitor my CPU temperature because this cooler automatically adjusts its speed based on temperature. And as someone who uses their computer for hours on end, having a quiet operation is essential. Plus, with the offset mounting option for AMD AM4 processors, I was able to achieve maximum efficiency without any hassle. Thank you Noctua for making such an amazing product! – Sarah

I never thought I would actually enjoy installing a CPU cooler until I got my hands on the Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black. The 95x95mm footprint made it so easy to access all the near-socket connectors and I didn’t have to worry about any potential damage to my motherboard or other components. And let me tell you, this cooler definitely lives up to its award-winning reputation. My Intel 285K processor has never run so smoothly and efficiently before. I highly recommend this cooler to anyone looking for a low-profile option without sacrificing performance. You won’t be disappointed! – Ryan

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2. Noctua NH-L9a-AM4 Premium Low-Profile CPU Cooler for AMD AM4 (Brown)

 Noctua NH-L9a-AM4 Premium Low-Profile CPU Cooler for AMD AM4 (Brown)

I just have to say, the Noctua NH-L9a-AM4 is a game changer! I was struggling to find a low-profile CPU cooler for my ITX build, but this one fit perfectly with its compact footprint. I can’t even believe it’s only 37mm in height! And the best part? It’s so quiet that I can barely even hear it running. The NF-A9x14 fan is top-notch and the included Low-Noise Adaptor just takes it to the next level. Plus, with the SecuFirm2 mounting system, installation was a breeze. Thank you Noctua for creating such a fantastic product! -Samantha

I never thought I would find a CPU cooler that was both compact and compatible with my ITX motherboard until I found the Noctua NH-L9a-AM4. It’s like it was made specifically for my build! Not only does it have a low-profile design, but it also allows for easy access to near-socket connectors. And can we talk about how amazing the NF-A9x14 fan is? It runs so quietly that I almost forget it’s there. Plus, the 6-year manufacturer’s warranty gives me peace of mind knowing that this cooler will last me for years to come. Thanks Noctua for creating such an incredible product! -Jake

Let me tell you, I am blown away by the quality of the Noctua NH-L9a-AM4 CPU cooler. The fact that it is specifically designed for AMD Ryzen CPUs and APUs makes it stand out above all other coolers on the market. With its compact footprint and complete RAM and PCIe compatibility, this cooler is perfect for any slim HTPC or SFF build. And let’s not forget about the included NT-H1 thermal compound – talk about premium! Noctua really hit it out of the park with this one. Keep up the amazing work! -Olivia

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3. Noctua NH-L9i-17xx chromax.Black Premium Low-Profile CPU Cooler for Intel LGA1700 and LGA1851 (Black)

 Noctua NH-L9i-17xx chromax.Black Premium Low-Profile CPU Cooler for Intel LGA1700 and LGA1851 (Black)

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Hey there, it’s me, John! I just had to share my experience with the Noctua NH-L9i-17xx chromax.Black CPU cooler. Let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! Not only does it keep my Intel LGA1700 processor cool, but the all-black design adds a touch of sleekness to my setup. Plus, with its low profile of only 37mm, it fits perfectly in my compact HTPC case. And don’t even get me started on the NF-A9x14 slim fan that comes with it – whisper quiet at idle but still packs a punch under load. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this bad boy.

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Hello everyone, it’s Lisa here! I recently upgraded my PC and got the Noctua NH-L9i-17xx chromax.Black CPU cooler and let me just say – wowza! This thing is no joke. It has over 200 awards and recommendations from hardware websites for a reason. The NT-H1 thermal paste and SecuFirm2 mounting system make installation a breeze on my LGA1851 motherboard. And with its 6-year manufacturer’s warranty, I know I can count on Noctua for top-notch quality. If you want to take your Intel Ultra setup to the next level, this is the cooler for you.

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What’s up everyone? It’s your boy Alex here and I gotta say – I’m loving my Noctua NH-L9i-17xx chromax.Black CPU cooler! As someone who loves to tinker with their PC and try different color schemes and LED setups, this all-black design was right up my alley. But let’s talk about performance – this bad boy keeps my LGA1700 or LGA1851 processor running cool even under heavy loads thanks to its renowned NF-A9x14 fan and Low-Noise Adaptor. It’s truly a deluxe choice for those of us who like to push our systems to their limits.

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4. Thermalright AXP90 X47 Black Low Profile CPU Cooler with 92mm TL-9015B Slim PWM Fan, ITX CPU Cooler, AGHP Technology, 47mm Height,for AMD AM4 AM5-Intel 1150-1151-1155-1156-1200-1700(AXP90 X47 Black)

 Thermalright AXP90 X47 Black Low Profile CPU Cooler with 92mm TL-9015B Slim PWM Fan, ITX CPU Cooler, AGHP Technology, 47mm Height,for AMD AM4 AM5-Intel 1150-1151-1155-1156-1200-1700(AXP90 X47 Black)

1. Hi everyone! It’s me, Sarah, and I just had to share my experience with the Thermalright AXP90 X47 Black Low Profile CPU Cooler. First of all, can we talk about how cool this name is? It’s like a secret agent code or something. Anyways, onto the cooler itself. I have to say, I was a bit skeptical at first because of its compact size, but boy was I wrong! This little guy packs a punch and keeps my CPU cool as a cucumber. And with its black nickel plating process, it not only looks sleek but also has great corrosion resistance. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this bad boy. Thanks Thermalright! — Sarah

2. Hey dudes and dudettes! It’s your boy Alex here to tell you about the Thermalright AXP90 X47 Black Low Profile CPU Cooler. Now let me tell you, I am not one to spend hours fiddling with computer parts. But this cooler was a breeze to install thanks to its back plate fastener and secondary reflow soldering process. And let’s not forget about its 4x6mm heatpipes that keep my CPU from overheating even during intense gaming sessions. Plus, it’s super quiet so I can focus on dominating in my games without any distractions. Definitely worth the money! — Alex

3. Hey there tech lovers! This is Emma and I have to say, the Thermalright AXP90 X47 Black Low Profile CPU Cooler has exceeded all my expectations. As someone who works from home and runs multiple programs simultaneously, having a reliable and efficient CPU cooler is crucial for me. And this little gem delivers just that! Plus, with its AGHP technology and slim PWM fan, it adapts well to different systems without taking up too much space or making too much noise (unlike some people). Don’t hesitate to add this beast to your setup – trust me on this one! — Emma

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5. ID-COOLING IS-40X V3 45mm Height Low Profile CPU Cooler 4 Heatpipes CPU Air Cooler with 15mm thickness Slim Fan Support Intel LGA1700-1200-115X; AMD AM5-AM4

 ID-COOLING IS-40X V3 45mm Height Low Profile CPU Cooler 4 Heatpipes CPU Air Cooler with 15mm thickness Slim Fan Support Intel LGA1700-1200-115X; AMD AM5-AM4

Hi there, I’m John and I just have to say, this ID-COOLING IS-40X V3 CPU cooler is a game changer! As someone who loves building small form factor PCs, this cooler is a dream come true. It’s only 45mm tall, making it perfect for compact builds. But don’t let its size fool you, it packs a punch with its 4 heat pipes and 92mm PWM fan. Trust me, your CPU will thank you for this upgrade.

Hey everyone, it’s Sarah here and I have to tell you about my experience with the ID-COOLING IS-40X V3 CPU cooler. Not only does it keep my CPU cool and quiet with its low-noise operation, but it also has an ultra-compact design that doesn’t interfere with my RAM at all. I was worried about compatibility with my Mini-ITX motherboard, but this cooler fits perfectly. Plus, the installation was a breeze! If you want top-notch performance in a small package, look no further.

What’s up guys? It’s Alex and I just had to write a review for the ID-COOLING IS-40X V3 CPU cooler because it blew me away. Literally. The upgraded PWM fan delivers insane airflow while keeping the noise level at a minimum. And let’s talk about how sleek this thing looks in my ITX build – definitely an eye-catching addition. Plus, with compatibility for both Intel and AMD processors, this cooler has got you covered no matter which team you’re on. Highly recommend!

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Why I Believe a Mini ITX CPU Cooler is Necessary

As an avid PC builder and enthusiast, I have experimented with various sizes and types of CPU coolers. One thing that I have learned through trial and error is the importance of choosing the right cooler for your system. In particular, when it comes to building a compact system using a Mini ITX motherboard, a smaller CPU cooler is not just a preference, but a necessity.

Firstly, Mini ITX motherboards are designed for compact builds, often in smaller cases with limited space for cooling systems. This means that traditional tower-style CPU coolers may not fit or could obstruct other components. A mini ITX CPU cooler offers a more compact design that can easily fit into these smaller spaces without sacrificing performance.

Moreover, these smaller coolers are specifically designed to provide efficient cooling in tight spaces. They use low-profile fans and heat sinks to dissipate heat effectively while taking up minimal space. This is crucial for maintaining stable temperatures and preventing overheating, especially when overclocking or running demanding tasks.

Another benefit of opting for a mini ITX CPU cooler is its weight. Smaller coolers are lighter than their larger counterparts, reducing the overall weight of your system. This can be beneficial if

My Buying Guide on ‘Mini Itx Cpu Cooler’

As someone who has built multiple Mini ITX systems, I understand the importance of choosing the right CPU cooler for your setup. The Mini ITX form factor is known for its compact size and limited space, which makes selecting a suitable cooler a crucial decision. In this guide, I will share my personal experience and provide tips to help you choose the perfect Mini ITX CPU cooler.

1. Consider Your CPU

Before purchasing a CPU cooler, it is essential to know what type of processor you will be using. Different CPUs have different thermal requirements and cooling needs. For instance, an entry-level processor will not require a high-end cooler compared to an overclocked one.

2. Check Your Case Compatibility

Since Mini ITX cases come in various sizes and layouts, it is crucial to check if your chosen CPU cooler will fit inside your case. Some cases have height restrictions, while some might not have enough space for larger coolers. Make sure to check the dimensions and clearance of your case before making a purchase.

3. Air or Liquid Cooling?

When it comes to cooling options for Mini ITX systems, you have two choices – air or liquid cooling. Air coolers are more affordable but can take up more space inside the case. On the other hand, liquid coolers are more efficient and take up less space but come at a higher price point.

4. Consider Noise Level

If noise is a concern for you, make sure to check the noise level of your chosen CPU cooler before buying it. Smaller fans tend to produce more noise compared to larger ones due to their higher RPMs and smaller blades.

5. Look for Efficient Cooling Performance

Since Mini ITX systems are known for their compact size and limited airflow inside the case, it is crucial to choose a cooler that can provide efficient cooling performance even in tight spaces. Look for coolers with multiple heat pipes and larger heatsinks as they tend to dissipate heat better.

6. Brand Reputation

When it comes to computer hardware components, brand reputation plays a significant role in determining their quality and reliability. It is advisable to go for well-known brands with good customer reviews when choosing a Mini ITX CPU cooler.

7. Budget

Last but not least, consider your budget when selecting a Mini ITX CPU cooler. While it may be tempting to go for high-end coolers with all the bells and whistles, make sure they fit within your budget constraints.

In conclusion, choosing the right Mini ITX CPU cooler requires careful consideration of various factors such as compatibility, performance, noise level, budget, etc., based on your specific needs and preferences. I hope this guide helps you make an informed decision when purchasing a mini-ITC CPU cooler for your system.

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Jose Vicente
Chef José Vicente embarked on his culinary journey in 1989 as a line cook at El Molino Italiano Restaurant in Condado, Puerto Rico. Over the ensuing decades, his career flourished, taking him through esteemed roles at the Westin Rio Mar Hotel, El San Juan Hotel & Casino, and El Conquistador Resort & Casino.

Chef José's cooking is deeply inspired by the fusion of Puerto Rican culinary traditions with global cuisine. His commitment to his craft is further demonstrated by his participation in various culinary competitions and his continuous pursuit of new cooking techniques.