Thermalright AXP-90 X53 Black Low Profile CPU Air Cooler with Quite 90mm TL-9015B Low Profile PWM Fan, 4 Heat Pipes, 53mm Height, for AMD AM4/Intel LGA 1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1851 (AXP-90 X53 Black)
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AI Verdict
This 53mm tall air cooler with 4x6mm heatpipes and a 90mm fan is for compact ITX/SFF builds needing quiet operation.
This cooler is a situational fit, excelling in extremely compact builds due to its 53mm height and low 22.4 dBA noise level. However, its cooling capacity is designed for lower TDP CPUs, making it less suitable for high-performance systems.
If you have a CPU with a higher TDP or need more robust cooling, look for coolers with larger heatsinks, more heat pipes, or 120mm fans.
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Pros
- Compact 53mm total height allows it to fit in space-constrained ITX and HTPC cases.
- Operates at a low noise level of 22.4 dBA, contributing to a quiet system.
- Features 4x6mm heatpipes and a copper base for heat transfer.
- Black nickel plating process provides corrosion resistance and a uniform aesthetic.
- Broad compatibility with Intel LGA1150/1151/1155/1156/1200 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets.
Cons
- LGA1700/1851 mounting kit is sold separately, not included in the box.
- Radiator fins are aluminum, despite the product spec listing 'material: Copper' which refers to the base.
- Cooling performance is limited for higher wattage CPUs, performing 'second from the bottom' in some temperature tests.
- The 90mm fan has a maximum rotational speed of 2700 RPM, which can still be audible under load.
Dimension Scores
The cooler performs adequately for its low-profile category and size, handling up to 87-watt testing, but is not a top performer for higher TDP CPUs.
With a maximum noise level of 22.4 dBA, it is designed for quiet operation, which is above average for CPU coolers.
It features a copper base, 4x6mm heatpipes, secondary reflow soldering, and a black nickel plating process for durability and appearance.
As a single-fan air cooler with a 4-pin PWM connector, cable management is straightforward and minimal.
Best For
- Small Form Factor (SFF) PC builds where space is extremely limited due to its 53mm height.
- Home Theater PCs (HTPCs) requiring quiet operation with its 22.4 dBA noise level.
- Systems with lower TDP CPUs (e.g., 65W) where extreme cooling performance isn't the primary concern.
Not Recommended For
- High-performance gaming PCs or workstations with high-TDP CPUs (e.g., 100W+) due to limited cooling capacity.
- Users expecting an all-copper heatsink, as the fins are aluminum.
- Newer Intel LGA1700/1851 builds without purchasing an additional mounting kit.
Watch Out For
- The LGA1700/1851 mounting kit is a separate purchase, adding to the total cost for users with newer Intel platforms.
- Despite the 'material: Copper' spec, the heatsink fins are aluminum, which might not meet expectations for an all-copper design.
- Cooling performance for higher wattage CPUs is not its strong suit, with the cooler placing lower in comparative temperature tests.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 742346951850 |
| ASIN | B097DWBYNV |
| Brand | Thermalright |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 3.6 watts |
| Material | Copper |
| Item Weight | 1 pounds |
| Noise Level | 22.4 Decibels |
| Manufacturer | Thermalright |
| Cooling Method | Air |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Air Flow Capacity | 42.58 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Item model number | AXP90 X53 BLACK |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 3.7"L x 3.74"W x 1.5"H |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 2700 RPM |
What Buyers Say
This cooler is a solid pick for anyone building in a really tight space, especially ITX cases, because of its super low 53mm height. The black coating looks good and feels well-applied, giving it a premium feel. While it keeps things quiet with its 22.4 dBA fan, don't expect it to tame a scorching hot CPU; it's more for moderate thermal loads. The biggest catch is needing to buy a separate mounting kit if you're on a newer Intel LGA1700/1851 platform.
“Man, this thing actually fits in my tiny case, but seriously, why isn't the LGA1700 bracket in the box? Had to order it separate, kinda annoying.”
Common Praise
- The 53mm height is perfect for extremely compact ITX and HTPC builds.
- The black nickel plating gives the heatsink a clean and uniform appearance.
- The fan operates quietly, with a maximum noise level of 22.4 dBA.
- It includes a copper base and 4x6mm heatpipes for effective heat transfer.
Common Complaints
- The LGA1700/1851 mounting hardware is not included and must be purchased separately.
- Cooling performance is not adequate for high-TDP processors, performing 'second from the bottom' in some tests.
- The heatsink fins are aluminum, which might be a letdown for those expecting an all-copper cooler based on the 'material: Copper' spec.
Ownership Tips
- The cooler's low profile means it rarely interferes with RAM modules or VRM heatsinks, even in cramped ITX motherboards.
- The included thermal paste is usually sufficient for initial installation, but some users opt for aftermarket paste for slightly better performance.
- The fan's PWM control works effectively to keep noise down during light loads, only ramping up when necessary.
- Installation is generally straightforward for supported sockets, but the separate LGA1700/1851 kit adds an extra step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total height of the Thermalright AXP-90 X53 Black?
The cooler has a total height of 53mm, making it suitable for compact cases.
What CPU sockets are compatible with this cooler?
It supports Intel LGA1150/1151/1155/1156/1200 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets.
Is the mounting kit for Intel LGA1700/1851 included?
No, the mounting kit for LGA1700/1851 is sold separately.
What is the noise level of the fan?
The TL-9015B fan operates at a maximum noise level of 22.4 dBA.
What materials are used in the heatsink construction?
The heatsink features a C1100 pure copper nickel-plated base and aluminum fins.
Buying Guide
When looking at low-profile CPU coolers like this one, you need to prioritize height clearance first, especially if you're building in a small case. Don't expect it to cool a high-end, overclocked CPU; these are designed for efficiency and fitting into tight spaces. Pay attention to the noise level if your build is meant for a quiet environment, like a living room HTPC.
Height (53mm)
This is crucial for small form factor cases. Just like fitting a tall book on a short shelf, a cooler's height determines if it will physically fit inside your PC case without hitting the side panel.
Heat Pipes (4x6mm)
Heat pipes are like tiny thermal highways that move heat away from your CPU to the fins. More heat pipes, or thicker ones, generally mean better heat transfer, similar to having more lanes on a highway to handle traffic.
Noise Level (22.4 dBA)
This number tells you how loud the fan gets. Lower dBA means a quieter PC, which is important if your computer is in a living room or a quiet office. Think of it like the volume knob on your stereo – lower numbers are less noticeable.
Alternatives
If this cooler doesn't meet your needs, search for coolers with a height greater than 53mm, a larger fan (e.g., 120mm), or more than four heat pipes for increased cooling capacity.
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