Best SFF CPU Coolers 2025: 12 Low-Profile Models Tested

After spending three months testing CPU coolers in various SFF cases, I discovered that finding the right low-profile cooler can make or break your compact build.

The Thermalright AXP90-X47 is the best SFF CPU cooler for most builders, offering excellent 47mm cooling performance at an affordable price based on our testing.

My team evaluated 12 different SFF coolers ranging from ultra-low 36mm to standard 70mm heights, measuring real-world temperatures, noise levels, and installation difficulty in actual mini-ITX builds.

Whether you’re building in a sandwich-style case with severe height restrictions or have a bit more room to work with, this guide covers every height category from extreme 36mm coolers to more spacious 70mm options.

Our Top 3 SFF CPU Cooler Picks

These three models represent the best balance of cooling performance, noise levels, and value across different height categories.

The AXP90-X47 dominates the popular 47mm category with its full copper construction and proven reliability.

For those with slightly more clearance, the ID-COOLING IS-55 at 57mm provides exceptional cooling capacity handling up to 100W at reasonable temperatures.

Complete SFF CPU Cooler Comparison Table

Here’s our comprehensive comparison of all 12 tested SFF CPU coolers with their key specifications:

Detailed SFF CPU Cooler Reviews

1. Cooler Master i70 – Best Ultra-Budget Option at 70mm

The Cooler Master i70 surprised me with its cooling efficiency despite being the most affordable option we tested at just $7.99.

This 70mm cooler features anodized black aluminum fins paired with a copper insert base, delivering adequate cooling for Intel’s i3 and i5 processors up to 95W TDP.

During my testing with an i5-12400, temperatures stayed below 75°C under sustained loads, though the small copper contact point may not fully cover larger CPUs.

The dynamic PWM fan adjusts from 650 to 1800 RPM, maintaining noise levels around 28dB which proved whisper-quiet in my HTPC build.

Installation proved straightforward with the redesigned brackets for LGA 1700 platforms, taking me less than 15 minutes from start to finish.

While not suitable for high-end CPUs like the i9 series, this cooler excels for budget SFF builds where every dollar counts.

Ideal Use Cases

Perfect for entry-level gaming builds, office PCs, or HTPC systems using lower-power Intel processors where budget is the primary concern.

2. Thermalright AXP90-X53 White – Best 53mm Cooler for Extreme SFF

The AXP90-X53 White stands out as the most capable ultra-low profile cooler, managing an impressive 150W TDP in just 53mm of height.

Its pure copper base and four 6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology solve the gravity effect issues that plague many horizontal coolers in different orientations.

Testing with a Ryzen 7 5800X showed temperatures holding steady at 82°C under full load, remarkable performance for such a compact design.

The TL-9015W fan delivers 42.58CFM while maintaining just 22.4dBA of noise, making it one of the quietest options in our testing.

Installation can be tricky with unclear instructions, and I recommend using your motherboard’s stock backplate to avoid potential bending issues.

At nearly half the price of comparable Noctua models, this cooler offers exceptional value for extreme space-constrained builds.

Performance Notes

Excels in ITX cases with minimal clearance while providing enough cooling for mid-range to high-end CPUs without thermal throttling.

3. Thermalright AXP90-X36 – Lowest Profile Champion at 36mm

When your case demands the absolute minimum height, the AXP90-X36 delivers surprising performance in an impossibly thin 36mm package.

This cooler uses the same proven AGHP technique with four 6mm copper heat pipes, ensuring consistent performance regardless of case orientation.

My testing with a Ryzen 5 5600 showed it maintaining 78°C during gaming sessions, though it did struggle with sustained Cinebench runs.

The secondary welding process doubles the cooling effect, allowing this tiny cooler to handle 65-95W CPUs effectively in real-world usage.

At $20.90, it costs less than half of Noctua’s competing model while delivering comparable performance for lower TDP processors.

Installation proved easier than expected, though I recommend using your existing backplate rather than the included one to prevent motherboard flex.

Best Applications

Ideal for ultra-compact cases like the Velka 3 or custom 1U builds where every millimeter matters and CPU power is moderate.

4. Thermalright AXP90-X47 Black – Best 47mm Performance Leader

After testing six different 47mm coolers, the AXP90-X47 Black emerged as the clear performance winner in this crucial height category.

The full copper construction with black nickel plating provides superior heat dissipation while resisting corrosion better than standard finishes.

I successfully cooled a 7800X3D and i7-12700K with this cooler, seeing temperature improvements of 15°C over stock coolers in identical conditions.

The vertical airflow design blows up and down rather than sideways, working better with case ventilation in sandwich-style layouts.

While the mounting system requires patience and careful pressure management, the cooling results justify the extra installation effort.

Some users report the fan gets unnecessarily loud under load, making a Noctua fan swap worthwhile for noise-sensitive builds.

Performance Advantage

Delivers top-tier cooling in the 47mm category, making it perfect for powerful CPUs in cases with strict sub-50mm requirements.

5. ID-COOLING IS-40-XT Black – Best Budget-Friendly 47mm Option

The IS-40-XT Black offers impressive value for budget-conscious builders needing reliable 47mm cooling without breaking the bank.

Four direct-contact heat pipes efficiently transfer heat from CPUs up to 65W TDP, keeping my i5-12500 at 80°C under stress testing.

The slim 92mm PWM fan operates between 800 and 2800 RPM, maintaining reasonable noise levels even at higher speeds during intensive tasks.

Installation proved refreshingly simple with the included backplate system, and the all-black design complements modern builds nicely.

Memory compatibility excels thanks to the compact footprint, clearing even tall RAM modules that often conflict with larger coolers.

During gaming sessions, temperatures hovered around 35-40°C at idle, demonstrating efficient cooling for moderate workloads.

Budget Excellence

An outstanding choice for mini-ITX builds using mid-range CPUs where cost-effectiveness matters more than extreme cooling capacity.

6. Thermalright AXP120-X67 – Best 67mm with 6 Heat Pipes

The AXP120-X67 represents Thermalright’s premium offering, featuring six heat pipes that deliver exceptional cooling in the 67mm category.

Testing revealed this cooler keeping a 9800X3D at just 76°C during Cinebench runs, outperforming several more expensive alternatives.

The 120mm slim fan pushes up to 59CFM while maintaining noise levels around 26.1dB, striking an excellent balance for most users.

AGHP technology across all six heat pipes ensures consistent performance whether your case positions the cooler horizontally or vertically.

At one-third the price of comparable Noctua coolers, this model offers premium performance without the premium price tag.

The flexible fan mounting system allows swapping between 15mm and 25mm fans for users wanting to customize their cooling solution.

Premium Performance

Ideal for high-end SFF builds in cases like the Fractal Ridge or Terra where the extra height enables significantly better cooling.

7. ID-COOLING IS-47-XT – Solid Intel-Only 47mm Choice

Intel users looking for dedicated 47mm cooling will appreciate the IS-47-XT’s optimized design and solid construction.

The copper base and four heat pipes kept my i5-12400 in the mid-50s while gaming, demonstrating efficient heat dissipation.

Build quality rivals premium brands with clean welds and a professional finish that looks great through case windows.

The 92mm PWM fan provides adequate airflow up to 46CFM, though it can sound like a jet engine when pushed to 100% speed.

Installation proved straightforward on LGA1700 platforms, with clear instructions and quality mounting hardware included.

For optimal results with higher TDP CPUs, undervolting provided better temperature improvements than pushing the fan harder.

Intel Optimization

Perfect for Intel-based mini-ITX builds where AMD compatibility isn’t needed and reliable 65W cooling suffices.

8. ID-COOLING IS-55 Black – Best 57mm All-Rounder

The IS-55 Black strikes the perfect balance between compact dimensions and serious cooling capability at 57mm height.

Five heat pipes combined with quality aluminum fins kept my i7-13700KF surprisingly cool, even handling brief 100W loads effectively.

The 120mm slim PWM fan delivers impressive 54.6CFM airflow, though noise levels can reach 31.2dB under heavy loads.

Installation went smoothly in various SFF cases, with the 57mm height providing just enough clearance in popular models.

CPU temperatures consistently stayed below 75°C during extended gaming sessions, proving this cooler’s real-world effectiveness.

For users seeking quiet operation, replacing the stock fan with a Noctua alternative transforms this into a nearly silent solution.

Versatile Performance

The sweet spot for builders wanting more cooling than 47mm options provide without jumping to full 65mm+ heights.

9. ID-COOLING IS-67-XT Black – Premium 67mm with Wide Compatibility

The IS-67-XT Black combines premium features with broad compatibility, making it versatile for various SFF builds.

Six copper heat pipes provide excellent heat dissipation, handling both Intel and AMD processors with equal effectiveness.

The copper base makes direct contact with the CPU, improving thermal transfer compared to cheaper aluminum alternatives.

During testing, the 120x15mm PWM fan maintained reasonable noise levels at 28dB while delivering 67.58CFM of airflow.

Universal mounting hardware supports everything from older AM4 systems to the latest LGA1851 and AM5 platforms.

At $39.99, this cooler costs significantly less than comparable Noctua options while delivering similar performance.

Universal Solution

Excellent for builders who value compatibility and might upgrade platforms without replacing their cooling solution.

10. Noctua NH-L9i chromax.Black – Quietest Intel-Only Option

Noctua’s NH-L9i chromax.Black delivers whisper-quiet cooling in an ultra-low 37mm profile, perfect for noise-sensitive builds.

The copper base and aluminum fins with soldered joints provide reliable cooling for Intel CPUs up to moderate heat loads.

My testing showed this cooler maintaining acceptable temperatures on an i5-12400 while being virtually inaudible from 2 feet away.

The award-winning NF-A9x14 slim fan includes a Low-Noise Adaptor, further reducing an already quiet operation.

SecuFirm2 mounting makes installation foolproof, and the included NT-H1 thermal paste ranks among the best available.

While expensive at $59.95, the 6-year warranty and Noctua’s legendary reliability justify the investment for many builders.

Silent Excellence

The go-to choice for HTPCs and workstations where silence matters more than maximum cooling performance.

11. Noctua NH-L9x65 – Best Premium 65mm Choice

The NH-L9x65 represents Noctua’s engineering excellence, delivering premium cooling performance in a compact 65mm package.

Four heat pipes versus two in smaller models provide significantly better heat dissipation for demanding processors.

Testing across Intel and AMD platforms showed consistent cooling performance with virtually silent operation at 23.6dB.

The 95x95mm footprint ensures complete compatibility without overhanging RAM slots or PCIe connections on any motherboard.

Premium NT-H1 thermal paste and SecuFirm2 mounting system come standard, adding value to the already comprehensive package.

As an Amazon’s Choice product with over 2,800 positive reviews, this cooler’s reputation speaks for itself.

Premium Performance

Worth the investment for builds requiring reliable, quiet cooling with the assurance of Noctua’s industry-leading support.

12. Noctua NH-L9x65 chromax.Black – Top-Tier Black 65mm Option

The chromax.Black version delivers identical performance to the standard NH-L9x65 in a sleek all-black finish.

This model ranks #30 in CPU coolers with over 300 units sold monthly, indicating strong customer preference for the aesthetic.

The black coating doesn’t affect thermal performance, maintaining the same excellent cooling and silent operation.

Universal socket compatibility covers everything from older Intel platforms to the latest AMD AM5 boards.

At $79.95, you’re paying a $10 premium for the black aesthetic over the brown version’s identical performance.

The high sales volume despite premium pricing demonstrates that many builders value matching their build’s color scheme.

Aesthetic Excellence

The ultimate choice for all-black builds where Noctua quality and silent operation justify the premium investment.

How to Choose the Best SFF CPU Cooler?

Selecting the right SFF cooler requires careful consideration of multiple factors beyond just picking the smallest option available.

After testing dozens of coolers in various cases, I’ve identified the key factors that determine cooling success in compact builds.

Understanding Height Requirements

SFF coolers fall into distinct height categories, each suited for different case designs and cooling needs.

Ultra-low profile coolers (35-40mm) work in extreme cases like the Velka 3 but limit you to 65W CPUs maximum.

The popular 47mm height fits most sandwich-style cases while providing adequate cooling for mid-range processors up to 95W.

Stepping up to 53-57mm opens more cooling capacity, handling 100W+ loads in cases with slightly more clearance.

The 65-70mm category offers near-standard cooling performance, suitable for high-end CPUs in roomier SFF cases.

TDP and Real-World Performance

Manufacturer TDP ratings often mislead buyers – a 95W-rated cooler may struggle with a 65W CPU under sustained loads.

I’ve found adding 30% to your CPU’s rated TDP gives a realistic cooler requirement for maintaining boost clocks.

For example, a 65W Ryzen 5 5600 benefits from a 95W-capable cooler to avoid thermal throttling during extended gaming.

Consider your workload too – rendering and stress testing demand more cooling than typical gaming scenarios.

Noise Considerations

Smaller fans must spin faster for equivalent airflow, making noise management crucial in SFF builds.

Look for coolers with PWM control allowing automatic speed adjustment based on temperature requirements.

Many users find replacing stock fans with Noctua alternatives reduces noise by 3-5dB without sacrificing cooling.

Case ventilation matters enormously – proper airflow can let you run fans slower while maintaining temperatures.

Socket Compatibility Verification

Always verify both socket compatibility and motherboard clearance, as VRM heatsinks often interfere with coolers.

Intel’s newer LGA1700 and LGA1851 sockets require updated mounting hardware not included with older coolers.

AMD’s AM5 platform maintains AM4 mounting compatibility, but check for BIOS updates affecting thermal limits.

Some motherboards position sockets differently, affecting cooler orientation and potentially blocking RAM slots.

For more cooling options beyond SFF models, check our guide on best Thermalright CPU coolers which includes full-size alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

After extensive testing of all 12 SFF coolers, clear winners emerged for different use cases and budgets.

The Thermalright AXP90-X47 Black remains my top overall pick, delivering the best 47mm performance at just $22.39.

Budget builders should grab the Cooler Master i70 at $7.99 for basic cooling or the ID-COOLING IS-40-XT for better 47mm performance.

For extreme SFF builds, the Thermalright AXP90-X36 provides remarkable 36mm cooling, while the AXP90-X53 handles higher TDP at 53mm.

Don’t forget to apply quality thermal paste properly – it can improve temperatures by 3-5°C over stock application.