11 Best Low Profile CPU Coolers: The Ultimate Guide [2023]

The market of CPU coolers is ever confusing. What’s more confusing is the low-profile CPU cooler market.

With many options to choose from, it can be hard to find the right one for you.

In a hurry? Check out my #1 recommended low-profile cooler.

Luckily, I have researched this for days and summarized only the best ones for you in this post.

So buckle up and read about the best low-profile CPU coolers on the market, and get rid of all your confusion.

Top 11 Best Low Profile CPU Coolers

The demand for a low profile CPU cooler can be manifold. Whether you own an ITX PC, a small case, or an HTPC where space is insufficient, a low profile CPU cooler can be the best way to go. Despite the small size, some low profile CPU coolers go arm to arm against the top CPU coolers.

So here are the best low profile CPU coolers:

1.   Cryorig C7G

Cryorig C7G is one of the best low-profile CPU coolers to buy if you want a small and high-performance CPU cooler.

Some of the impressive features of the Cryorig C7G:

Check Today's Price of Cryorig C7G ➜➜

The CPU cooler has a minimal form factor, making it suitable for small and tight PC cases where other CPU coolers simply won’t fit. It has one of the smallest footprints in the world of CPU coolers. So if you are worried about your CPU cooler interfering with a tall RAM or big heatsink, this is the one to get.

The height of the CPU cooler is as low as 47mm, which is insane. It covers an area of 97mm x 97mm. Don’t let the small size fool you, as it performs excellently across high-end CPUs from both Intel and AMD.

And the best part?

The 6mm thick copper heat pipes are coated with graphene for optimal cooling performance in a small space. The mounting mechanism is relatively stable, and the installation process is a breeze.

Check out the award-winning best nzxt aio cooler this month.

The Cryorig C7G comes with a fan that can go up to 2500 RPM, allowing it to adequately take the heat away from the quality fins. It supports CPUs with up to 125W of TDP. So whether you have a high-end CPU or an overclocked one, this CPU cooler can cool it down quite effortlessly.

The CPU cooler comes with fan clips, and you can buy additional adapters separately. It is crucial since the pre-installed fans can be pretty loud. If you replace the fans for a Noctua or any other performant fan, the Cryorig C7G can be the best choice as a low-profile CPU cooler.

Check out 5 more best budget CPU coolers for overclocking.

2.   Scythe Big Shuriken 3

Scythe is one of the top names in the space of CPU coolers. The Scythe Big Shuriken 3 is one of the best offerings from them as a low profile option.

Top highlights of the Scythe Big Shuriken 3:

Check Today's Price of Scythe Big Shuriken 3 ➜➜

The performance of the CPU cooler is quite incredible. Despite its small size, it manages to cool down a hot CPU efficiently.

Speaking of size,

This low profile CPU cooler is only 69mm tall. If you remove the anti-vibration pad, it can lower its height to 67mm. So it will be able to fit nicely inside tight and cramped PC cases.

Its small form factor also allows it to sit flush without touching or putting pressure on any RAM kit or SSD bracket. The fan that comes with it is relatively quiet. It is a PWM fan, so it adjusts its speed according to the CPU needs.

The fan barely produces noise at idle CPU condition. The build quality is excellent, with durable construction visible all over it. The CPU cooler is compatible with almost all modern sockets from both Intel and AMD.

Therefore, the Scythe Big Shuriken 3 is a top choice among the low profile CPU coolers mentioned here due to its performance and cooling features.

3.   be quiet! Dark Rock TF

The be quiet! Dark Rock TF is the low profile CPU cooler to buy if you are looking for an insanely quiet CPU cooler that packs a lot of performance.

Top features of the be quiet! Dark Rock TF:

Check Today's Price of Dark Rock TF ➜➜

The noise level on this CPU cooler is shallow. Practically it’s tough to notice its noise as it produces almost no sound while operating.

The be quiet! Dark Rock TF has a unique combination of being the most silent cooler on this list and a heavy performer. It manages to cool down CPUs with TDP as high as 220W, which is insane.

All of this is possible due to the dual nickel-plated heat sinks and six high-performance heat pipes. The heat pipes have aluminum caps to dissipate heat as fast as possible.

Therefore,

Whether you have a high-end gaming CPU or a serious high-core count editing/ workstation CPU, this CPU cooler can handle them all. It’s a little bigger for a low profile cooler. But if your PC case can manage to fit this inside, it will be a worthy choice.

What makes this CPU cooler virtually inaudible is the two 135mm PWM fans that come with it. They have fluid dynamic bearing for the ultimate smooth motion and hence less noise and vibration.

So, unless you possess a small PC case or tall RAM, the be quiet! Dark Rock TF can do wonders to your Intel or AMD CPU.

For more noiseless cooling systems, check out the top 9 quietest CPU coolers you can buy in 2023.

4.   Cooler Master MasterAir G200P RGB

Fan of RGB? Cooler Master has this excellent option for you.

Key specs of the Cooler Master MasterAir G200P RGB:

Check Today's Price of MasterAir G200P ➜➜

The Cooler Master MasterAir G200P RGB packs quite a lot of features for the size. The height is jaw-droppingly low, at 39.5mm. The dual copper heat pipes present here do a decent job of cooling the CPU. Unless you have a seriously overclocked CPU, this CPU cooler can keep your CPU cool and at ideal temperatures.

The cold copper plate has its unique C-shaped design for maximum performance and airflow. The included 92mm fan can rev up to 2600 RPM to give a solid airflow for the hot CPU fins.

The fan also features RGB lights. The RGB backlighting is done perfectly. The colors look gorgeous with vivid backlighting. It is one of the best RGB I have seen on a low profile CPU cooler.

Coming to the noise,

For such an airflow, the fan doesn’t get loud. It maxes out at 28dB, which is welcoming. Overall, the Cooler Master MasterAir G200P RGB is a solid RGB CPU cooler with adequate cooling and low noise at a budget price.

So, if you prioritize aesthetics over performance, go for this CPU cooler. Also, why not check out some of the best RGB CPU coolers and RGB CPU AIO coolers available in the market.

5.   Noctua NH-L9x65

Noctua is a trusted name that makes some of the best CPU coolers in terms of thermal performance. And the Noctua NH-L9x65 is one of them.

Some highlights of the Noctua NH-L9x65:

Check Today's Price of Noctua NH-L9x65 ➜➜

As a low profile cooler, it does an excellent job of cooling. Copper heat pipes, aluminum fins, and nickel plates all play a crucial role in managing the CPU’s thermals. Got the latest high-end CPU for intense gaming? Put this efficient beast in your PC, and it will not disappoint you.

The cooler comes at a minimum height of 65mm, and the dimensions of its area are 95mm x 95mm. This dimension makes it an excellent choice for small PC cases and cramped ITX motherboards. It is tested on a wide range of motherboards not to touch or interfere with the RAM or heatsink.

The Noctua NH-L9x65 comes with a Noctua NF-A9x14 slim 92mm PWM fan that operates quietly. At a maximum mark of 24.6dB, it is one of the quietest fans on this list.

Up to 95W TDP CPUs are guaranteed to work perfectly with this CPU cooler. So most of the high-end CPUs from both Intel and AMD can perform appropriately with this cooler.

The cherry on top is that the installation process is the easiest of them all. Moreover, the Noctua NH-L9x65 comes with an NT-H1 thermal compound by the same company, one of the best in the market.

6.   Cryorig C1

The Cryorig C1 is a solid choice as a low-profile CPU cooler due to its small size and superb airflow design.

Notable features of the Cryorig C1:

Check Today's Price of Cryorig C1 ➜➜

The CPU cooler has a lot going for it. There are six heat pipes; four are U-type heat pipes that offer better heat conduction for a more remarkable performance.

The Cryorig C1 equips an XT140 slim PWM fan that can push a decent amount of air through the cooler though it is a noisy fan. The airflow design is very Intelligent here.

The air flows in such a way so that the RAM and nearby SSD can also get fresh cool air to reduce their heat. So it acts as a multipurpose cooler.

The whole installation process is well documented and relatively straightforward. The small minimal size of the CPU cooler makes it fit into small ITX boards effortlessly. However, if the RAM is very tall, it can touch the CPU cooler.

All in all,

The Cryorig C1 is a pretty decent CPU cooler that does the job quite well and offers extra functionality. It is suitable for use with Intel and AMD CPUs.

7.   ID-COOLING IS-60 EVO ARGB

ID-COOLING makes some decent budget-oriented CPU coolers. The ID-COOLING IS-60 EVO ARGB is one of the great offerings from them.

Notable highlights of the ID-COOLING IS-60 EVO ARGB:

Check Today's Price of ID-COOLING IS-60 EVO ➜➜

The main highlight of this CPU cooler is its ARGB lighting. The RGB backlighting can sync via the 5V 3-pin connector on the motherboard. If you are the proud owner of an RGB gaming PC, this cooler will suit your PC very well.

Now let’s focus on the performance.

The ID-COOLING IS-60 EVO ARGB has six heat pipes, and it can fit two fans for optimal heat removal and performance. The copper heat pipes do an excellent job of transferring heat away from the CPU. The dual fans play a vital role in removing the heat away from the cooler.

The top fan is a 120mm RGB PWM fan. The bottom one is a 92mm PWM fan. At idle conditions, they tend to produce less noise. At 100% load, though, they can be a bit noisy.

Both the fans are only 15mm in height, making the total CPU cooler height 64mm. Unless your PC case is super tiny, the CPU cooler can fit well. The CPU cooler is compatible with a wide array of CPUs from both Intel and AMD.

Overall, the ID-COOLING IS-60 EVO ARGB is an excellent addressable RGB CPU cooler with a relatively small size and performs decently. Just don’t use it on an overclocked CPU, and you’ll be alright.

8.   Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black

The Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black will be the best choice for anyone looking for the super-compact CPU cooler on HTPC or non-overclocked Intel CPUs.

Top specs of the Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black:

Check Today's Price of Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black ➜➜

Noctua especially designed this CPU cooler for Intel users. The CPU cooler guarantees to work smoothly with any Intel CPUs at stock frequencies.

The CPU cooler is one of the shortest in height, measuring only 37mm. This, along with its all-black color scheme, makes it the best option for Intel-based HTPC or ITX builds.

Due to its ultimate compact design, it’s not suitable for any overclocked CPU or CPU with over 65W TDP, so if you are planning on overclocking, there are other CPU coolers on this list.

What’s more?

The 95mm x 95mm footprint makes it compatible with all sorts of RAM, SSD, and heatsink size and will not cause trouble while mounting. The installation process is also a breeze.

The Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black comes with the NF-A9x14 slim 92mm fan that is super quiet and impressively efficient in cooling CPUs. It’s a PWM fan with a low noise adaptor, so you get both the silence and efficiency here.

Though the CPU cooler is designed for Intel CPUs, it can be used with AMD AM4 socket CPUs using the Noctua NM-AM4-L9aL9i adapter that you can order free of charge. Keep in mind that the AM4 bracket installation is not as easy as an Intel one.

Therefore it’s safe to say that,

For anyone owning a small ITX PC case or an HTPC with an Intel CPU on it running at stock frequencies, the Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black is a no-brainer as it offers the best value, best fit, and best performance for this scenario.

9.   be quiet! Shadow Rock LP

The be quiet! Shadow Rock LP is another excellent option from the makers of the most silent CPU coolers.

Notable specs of the be quiet! Shadow Rock LP:

Check Today's Price of Shadow Rock LP ➜➜

If the sound is your main concern, be quiet! CPU coolers are the way to go. be quiet! makes some of the most silent CPU coolers out there. For instance, this one maxes out at only 25.5 dB.

The CPU cooler is powerful on the performance side. It supports CPUs with up to 130W TDP. For a cooler of this size, it is phenomenal. The four heat pipes are 6mm thick with aluminum caps for fast dissipation of heat.

Two silent and slim fans are present here. Both are 120mm PWM fans that produce the slightest noise possible. The noise drops so low that most of the time, it would be hard to tell whether they are running or not without directly looking at them.

The fans are also optimized for high airflow and possess a durable rifle bearing for smooth operation. The installation process is relatively easy; however, it can be a little complicated to mount this CPU cooler if you own an AMD CPU.

Other than that, there is nothing negative about the be quiet! Shadow Rock LP, and it aces at all the right places.

10. Cooler Master MasterAir G100M RGB

Are you bored of similar-looking CPU coolers? Check this unique-looking Cooler Master MasterAir G100M RGB CPU cooler out.

Some highlights of the Cooler Master MasterAir G100M RGB:

Check Today's Price of MasterAir G100M ➜➜

The CPU cooler attracts attention due to its unique design that makes it different from the rest of the CPU coolers. It looks like a UFO. Inside this unique design lies a new technology.

The Cooler Master MasterAir G100M RGB features a heat column. It is a copper column that increases the overall contact area for a more rapid heat transfer. And it performs pretty well. It can decrease the temperature of a CPU running at stock frequencies to a decent range.

The low profile aluminum stack fins also help in the process. Together the whole stack tops out at 74.5mm, small enough for many HTPC and small ITX PC cases.

A 92mm RGB ring fan sits at the top to move air directly to the copper heat column for maximum cooling. The RGB backlighting on the fan is excellent. It provides a great glow to make your gaming rig shiny and gorgeous. You can control the RGB via the wired RGB controller that comes with the CPU cooler.

Beware that the Cooler Master MasterAir G100M RGB has a bigger footprint than most of the CPU coolers in this list. So if you are specifically looking for a small footprint CPU cooler, skip this and go for the other options in this list.

All in all,

The Cooler Master MasterAir G100M RGB is a unique-looking RGB CPU cooler with new technology that can perform excellently under the right conditions with both Intel and AMD CPUs. The visuals and RGB are a big reason to buy this CPU cooler.

11. ID-COOLING IS-40X

The ID-COOLING IS-40X is the cheapest low-profile CPU cooler on the list.

Key highlights of the ID-COOLING IS-40X:

Check Today's Price of ID-COOLING IS-40X ➜➜

It is a low profile CPU cooler with a minimal footprint. The height goes up only 45mm, and the included fan is also slim at 15mm.

The CPU cooler is quite capable of its size. There are a total of four copper heat pipes present here. The ID-COOLING IS-40X can cool down a CPU better than a default stock cooler. That being said, you should not use it with overclocked or any high-end CPUs.

The 92mm fan can go up to 2500 RPM and blows a decent amount of air to remove heat away. At idle to medium loads, it does not produce much noise. The maximum noise level tops out at around 33dB.

The fan uses hydraulic bearings for smooth operation. The low profile CPU cooler fins are made of aluminum, and the base is copper-made. The construction feels solid, with no place to complain.

Considering the price, the ID-COOLING IS-40X a solid choice for anyone who wants to replace their stock CPU cooler.

Final Thoughts

So, which low profile CPU cooler caught your attention? I am a big fan of the Noctua NH-L9i chromax.black for its absolute minimum height and superb cooling, not to mention the all-black color scheme. I am also fond of the be quiet! CPU coolers for their ultimate noise-less operation. Lastly, if I pick a CPU cooler for overclocking, the battleground-tested Cryorig C7G is the one for me.