Best Low Profile CPU Cooler: Top Picks for Compact Builds

Want to keep your small PC cool without taking up too much space? Low profile CPU coolers are the answer.

These thin coolers work great in tight spaces. They keep your computer’s brain from getting too hot.

Imagine a cooler that’s quiet and small, but still does a good job. It keeps your PC cold without making it look bulky.

Are you building a small gaming PC or a tiny computer for your TV? The right low profile cooler can make a big difference.

Let’s look at the best low profile CPU coolers out there. We’ll help you find the perfect one for your needs.

Best Low Profile CPU Cooler Reviews

We’ve tested the top slim coolers on the market. Our reviews cover cooling power, noise levels, and ease of installation.

Whether you’re building a compact gaming PC or a sleek office machine, we’ll help you find the perfect cooler to keep your processor chill without cramping your style

These coolers combine quiet operation, effective heat dissipation, and easy installation in a compact design.

Top models offer advanced features such as heat pipe technology, powerful yet quiet fans, and optimized airflow. 

Best Low Profile CPU Cooler Comparison Table

No.	PREVIEW	PRODUCT	DETAILS	PRICE
1		Noctua NH-L9i-17xx	Maximum Rotational Speed: 2500 RPM Noise Level: 23.6 dB	Check Price on Amazon
2		Noctua NH-L12S	Maximum Rotational Speed: 1850 RPM Noise Level: 23.9 dB	Check Price on Amazon
3		Noctua NH-L9x65	Maximum Rotational Speed: 2500 RPM Noise Level: 23.6 dB	Check Price on Amazon
4		be quiet! Shadow Rock LP 130W	Maximum Rotational Speed: 1500 RPM Noise Level: 25.5 dB	Check Price on Amazon
5		Noctua NH-L9a-AM4	Maximum Rotational Speed: 2500 RPM Noise Level: 23.6 dB	Check Price on Amazon
6		Noctua NH-U12S Redux	Maximum Rotational Speed: 1700 RPM Noise Level: 25.1 dB	Check Price on Amazon
7		Cooler MasterLiquid	Maximum Rotational Speed: 1800 RPM Noise Level: 30 dB	Check Price on Amazon
8		Noctua NH-L9x65 SE-AM4	Maximum Rotational Speed: 2500 RPM Noise Level: 23.6 dB	Check Price on Amazon
9		Phanteks	Maximum Rotational Speed: 2000 RPM Noise Level: 39 dB	Check Price on Amazon
10		Noctua NH-L12 Ghost S1	Maximum Rotational Speed: 1600 RPM Noise Level: 17.6 dB	Check Price on Amazon

 

1. Noctua NH-L9i-17xx: Best Small Form Factor CPU Cooler

 

 

The Noctua NH-L9i-17xx is widely regarded as the best small-form-factor CPU cooler for compact builds, especially those using Intel’s LGA1700 platform. Known for its slim profile and exceptional cooling efficiency, it fits perfectly in tight spaces like Mini-ITX cases, without compromising on performance.

At just 37mm tall, the NH-L9i-17xx is ideal for builds where space is at a premium. Its low-profile design allows it to fit in cases with limited clearance while still providing excellent cooling. Despite its compact size, the cooler features Noctua’s signature NF-A9x14 PWM fan, ensuring quiet operation and effective heat dissipation.

Installation is simple, thanks to Noctua’s SecuFirm2 mounting system, which guarantees a secure and straightforward fit on Intel’s LGA1700 socket. Additionally, the cooler is engineered for compatibility, ensuring no interference with RAM or PCIe components.

The Noctua NH-L9i-17xx is perfect for those looking to build a small yet powerful PC, where efficient cooling is essential. Its balance of size, cooling capability, and silent performance make it a top choice for compact and quiet systems.

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2. Noctua NH-L12S: Quiet Low Profile Cooler

 

 

The Noctua NH-L12S is renowned for being one of the best quiet low-profile coolers on the market, offering exceptional cooling performance in a compact form factor. Designed specifically for cases with limited space, the NH-L12S features a slim 70mm height, making it ideal for cramped setups where traditional coolers won’t fit.

Its low-profile design doesn’t sacrifice cooling efficiency, thanks to a 120mm fan and a 4-pin PWM support that ensures silent operation while maintaining optimal temperatures. The NH-L12S is equipped with Noctua’s renowned NF-F12 fan, known for its quiet performance and high airflow, which helps to keep your CPU cool without adding unnecessary noise.

Installation is straightforward, thanks to the SecuFirm2™ mounting system, which provides a secure fit on a variety of sockets. The NH-L12S also includes a high-performance NT-H1 thermal compound for superior thermal conductivity.

Overall, the Noctua NH-L12S is a top choice for users looking for a reliable and quiet cooling solution that doesn’t compromise on performance, making it an excellent addition to any build with limited space.

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3. Noctua NH-L9x65

 

 

The Noctua NH-L9x65 is a top choice for those seeking a compact yet efficient CPU cooler. Its slim profile, measuring just 65mm in height, makes it ideal for small form factor builds and tight spaces where larger coolers might not fit. Despite its size, the NH-L9x65 offers impressive cooling performance thanks to its 92mm fan and low-profile heatsink design.

Equipped with Noctua’s renowned NF-A9 fan, the NH-L9x65 ensures excellent airflow and low noise levels, maintaining optimal temperatures without disrupting your system’s acoustics. The cooler features a premium-quality base and heat pipes that effectively transfer heat away from the CPU, ensuring stability even during intense workloads.

The NH-L9x65 is also highly versatile, compatible with a wide range of CPU sockets including Intel’s LGA and AMD’s AM4. Its easy installation process and robust build quality make it a reliable choice for users looking to upgrade or build a compact PC. Overall, the Noctua NH-L9x65 stands out as one of the best small CPU coolers, offering top-tier performance in a space-saving design.

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4. be quiet! Shadow Rock LP

 

 

Be quiet! Shadow Rock LP is a top choice for those seeking an efficient, space-saving CPU cooler. This cooler stands out with its compact design, making it ideal for small form factor builds and tight spaces. Despite its slim profile, it delivers impressive cooling performance thanks to its advanced cooling technology.

The Shadow Rock LP features a 120mm fan with a high airflow rate, ensuring effective heat dissipation while keeping noise levels to a minimum. Its heat pipes are strategically positioned to maximize thermal transfer, maintaining stable CPU temperatures even under heavy loads. The cooler’s low profile design fits comfortably in compact cases without interfering with RAM or PCIe slots, offering both functionality and flexibility in system design.

Installation is straightforward, with a secure mounting system compatible with a range of Intel and AMD sockets. Its robust build quality and reliable performance make it a solid choice for users who need a dependable cooler that doesn’t compromise on space.  

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5. Noctua NH-L9a-AM4: Dual Fan Low Profile CPU Cooler 

 

 

The Noctua NH-L9a-AM4 is a dual-fan, low-profile CPU cooler designed specifically for AMD AM4 sockets. Measuring just 37mm in height, it’s ideal for compact cases or systems with limited vertical space. Despite its small size, the NH-L9a-AM4 delivers impressive cooling performance thanks to its two 92mm fans, which work together to ensure efficient heat dissipation. The cooler’s low-profile design makes it a perfect choice for HTPCs, small form factor builds, or any setup where space is at a premium.

Equipped with Noctua’s renowned NF-A9x14 fans, the NH-L9a-AM4 operates quietly while maintaining strong airflow. It also features a compact heatsink with a nickel-plated copper base and six heat pipes, which effectively transfer heat away from the CPU.

This fan cooler comes with Noctua’s SecuFirm2™ mounting system, which ensures a secure and straightforward installation. For users seeking a high-performance, low-profile cooling solution that doesn’t compromise on quality or noise levels, the NH-L9a-AM4 is a top choice.

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6. Noctua NH-U12S Redux: Best Efficient Low Profile CPU Cooler

 

 

The Noctua NH-U12S Redux is renowned for its exceptional efficiency and compact design, making it one of the best low-profile CPU coolers available. With a slim 120mm form factor, it fits easily into cases with limited space, while still providing impressive cooling performance. The cooler features a single, highly effective NF-P12 Redux fan, which is renowned for its low noise levels and high airflow. This fan is paired with a sleek, tower-style heatsink that utilizes four heat pipes to deliver efficient heat dissipation.

One of the standout attributes of the NH-U12S Redux is its compatibility with a wide range of CPUs and motherboards, thanks to its versatile mounting options. Its performance is further enhanced by Noctua’s renowned engineering, ensuring excellent thermal management even under heavy loads. The cooler’s low-profile design also allows for unobstructed access to RAM slots and PCIe lanes, a crucial advantage for compact builds.

Overall, the Noctua NH-U12S Redux combines high performance, low noise, and compatibility in a compact package, making it a top choice for anyone seeking a reliable and efficient CPU cooler in a small form factor.

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7. Cooler MasterLiquid: Best Cooler With High Thermal Capacity

 

 

The Cooler Master Liquid is an exceptional low-profile cooler renowned for its impressive thermal capacity. Designed for compact and high-performance setups, it combines sleek aesthetics with advanced cooling technology. The cooler features a compact pump and radiator design, making it ideal for small form factor cases where space is limited.

Its high-density fin structure and efficient liquid cooling technology ensure optimal heat dissipation, keeping your CPU temperatures in check even during intense workloads.

The Cooler Master Liquid utilizes a durable, high-performance pump that circulates coolant effectively, while its quiet operation minimizes noise, enhancing your overall computing experience. 

With easy installation and compatibility with various CPU sockets, it offers versatility for different builds. Its robust build quality and reliable performance make it a top choice for users seeking a balance between space-saving design and powerful cooling capabilities. Whether you’re building a compact gaming rig or a high-performance workstation, the Cooler Master Liquid delivers exceptional cooling efficiency without compromising on space.

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8. Noctua NH-L9x65 SE-AM4

 

 

The Noctua NH-L9x65 SE-AM4 is an ultra-compact heatsink designed for small form-factor (SFF) cases, ideal for users who need high performance in a tight space. With its low-profile design, standing just 65mm tall, this heatsink ensures compatibility with a wide range of compact builds while delivering efficient cooling for AMD AM4 processors.

The NH-L9x65 SE-AM4 features a 92mm NF-A9x14 fan, renowned for its low noise levels and effective airflow. The heatsink’s 4 heat pipes and premium quality thermal compound provide excellent heat dissipation, maintaining optimal processor temperatures even under load. This model is particularly suited for mini-ITX and micro-ATX cases where space is at a premium.

Installation is straightforward, thanks to Noctua’s SecuFirm2 mounting system, which ensures a secure fit on the AM4 socket. This heatsink balances performance and size, making it a go-to choice for compact PC builds that demand reliability and quiet operation without compromising cooling efficiency.

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9. Phanteks: Best Top Rated Low Profile CPU Cooler

 

 

The Phanteks Low Profile CPU Cooler is a top-rated cooling solution designed for compact builds and systems where space is at a premium. It offers excellent thermal performance while maintaining a low-profile design, making it ideal for small form factor (SFF) cases, HTPCs, and mini-ITX builds. Despite its size, the cooler efficiently dissipates heat, ensuring that your CPU runs smoothly even under heavy loads.

One of the standout features of the Phanteks cooler is its high-quality build, which includes a reliable fan with a low noise level, ensuring quiet operation. The cooler is compatible with a variety of Intel and AMD sockets, making it versatile for different systems. Its design also includes optimized fan blades for enhanced airflow, keeping temperatures in check.

Whether you’re a casual user or a gaming enthusiast, the Phanteks Low Profile CPU Cooler offers the perfect balance of performance and space-saving. Its affordable price point combined with top-tier cooling efficiency makes it one of the best low-profile coolers available on the market today, ensuring that your system stays cool without sacrificing space or performance.

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10. Noctua NH-L12 Ghost S1: Best Budget Low Profile CPU Cooler

 

 

The Noctua NH-L12 Ghost S1 is one of the best budget low-profile CPU coolers on the market, known for its excellent cooling performance in compact systems. Designed specifically to fit inside the Louqe Ghost S1 case, it is perfect for small form factor (SFF) builds where space is at a premium. Despite its compact size, the NH-L12 delivers impressive thermal management, allowing it to cool even high-performance processors efficiently.

Featuring a dual-fan configuration, with a 92mm and 120mm fan, the NH-L12 provides great airflow while keeping noise levels to a minimum. Noctua’s renowned NF-B9 and NF-F12 fans ensure reliable and quiet operation, ideal for users looking for a balance between performance and acoustics.

The cooler’s low height (66mm) makes it a great fit for tight builds, and it includes Noctua’s trusted NT-H1 thermal paste, further enhancing its cooling efficiency. While it may not be designed for overclocking, the NH-L12 is more than capable of handling everyday tasks and even some heavier workloads.

Overall, the Noctua NH-L12 Ghost S1 is a fantastic budget option for those seeking a low-profile CPU cooler that combines quality, quiet operation, and reliable cooling in a compact form.

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Buyer’s Guide For The Best Low Profile CPU Cooler

Choosing the right low profile CPU cooler is crucial for building compact systems, such as mini-ITX or SFF (Small Form Factor) PCs, where space is limited but cooling efficiency is vital. Here’s what to consider when buying a low profile CPU cooler:

1. Cooler Height

The primary reason for opting for a low profile CPU cooler is space. Before purchasing, check the maximum cooler height your case can accommodate. Most low profile coolers are designed to fit within 30mm to 70mm in height. Ensure that the cooler fits comfortably without obstructing other components like RAM or the GPU.

2. Cooling Performance

Even though they are compact, low profile coolers still need to dissipate heat effectively. Look for models with high thermal design power (TDP) ratings. TDP indicates how much heat the cooler can handle; match this to your CPU’s TDP to ensure efficient cooling. If you plan to overclock or have a high-performance CPU, prioritize cooling efficiency.

3. Noise Levels

Noise is a common concern with smaller coolers, as the reduced surface area can lead to faster fan speeds. Check the decibel (dB) rating for a quieter operation. Coolers with larger fans (100mm or more) can move more air at lower speeds, keeping noise to a minimum.

4. Fan Size and Airflow

Larger fans tend to generate more airflow, which improves cooling performance. Most low profile coolers come with fans ranging from 80mm to 120mm in diameter. Also, consider whether the cooler uses PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) for better fan speed control based on the system’s temperature.

5. Build Material

Low profile coolers made from aluminum or copper provide better heat dissipation. Copper bases and heat pipes, in particular, excel at transferring heat quickly away from the CPU. Models that use a combination of both aluminum fins and copper heat pipes tend to perform better in compact spaces.

6. Heat Pipes

Many high-performance low profile coolers come equipped with heat pipes, which transfer heat from the CPU to the heatsink. More heat pipes usually translate to better heat dissipation, especially when cooling more demanding CPUs. Look for models with multiple heat pipes, as this feature can greatly enhance cooling efficiency.

7. Compatibility

Ensure that the cooler is compatible with your CPU socket. Most coolers support a range of sockets, including Intel LGA 115x, 1200, and AMD AM4 sockets. However, always double-check compatibility with your motherboard and CPU to avoid issues during installation.

8. Ease of Installation

Low profile coolers can be tricky to install due to their compact size. Look for models with simple mounting systems that allow for easy installation in tight spaces. Some coolers feature a top-down installation method, while others may require attaching the cooler to the backplate of the motherboard, which can be challenging in small cases.

9. Aesthetics

While performance is the top priority, aesthetics can also be important. Some low profile coolers feature sleek designs, RGB lighting, or color options that match your build’s theme. If visual appeal is a factor, consider a model that offers these aesthetic enhancements.

10. Price and Brand Reputation

Price varies depending on performance and additional features. Reputable brands like Noctua, be quiet!, and Cooler Master are known for producing high-quality low profile CPU coolers that offer excellent performance and durability. Choose a cooler from a trusted brand to ensure long-term reliability and better customer support.

Conclusion

When looking for the best low-profile CPU cooler, balance performance, noise, and size to fit your system’s needs. By considering factors such as height, cooling performance, fan size, and compatibility, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the right cooler for your compact PC build, ensuring optimal temperatures without sacrificing space or aesthetics.