Thermalright AXP-90 X53 Low Profile CPU Air Cooler with Quite 90mm TL-9015 PWM Fan, 4 Heat Pipes, 53mm Height, for AMD AM4/Intel LGA 1150/1151/1155/1851/1200 (AXP-90 X53)
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AI Verdict
A 53mm tall, 135-watt air cooler with a 90mm fan for compact ITX builds and HTPCs.
This cooler is a situational fit because its 53mm height and 135-watt cooling capacity are specifically tailored for extremely compact builds like mini-ITX and HTPCs. It addresses the unique space constraints of these systems, offering broad compatibility with various Intel and AMD sockets. Its low profile is its primary selling point, making it suitable only when such a constraint exists.
If you need more cooling power for a higher TDP CPU, look for coolers with a higher wattage rating and potentially a larger fan or more heat pipes, assuming your case has the necessary clearance.
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Pros
- Measures 53mm total height, fitting into extremely small form factor cases.
- Offers 100% RAM and PCIe compatibility, even with high memory modules or thick PCIe cards.
- Supports a broad range of sockets including Intel LGA 1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5.
- Features 4x6mm heat pipes utilizing AGHP technique for efficient heat transfer across orientations.
- Operates at a maximum noise level of 22.4 dBA.
Cons
- Rated for 135 watts, which may not be sufficient for higher TDP CPUs like a 170W 7900X.
- Some users report potential vibration hum when installed in specific SFF cases with larger GPUs.
- Fan speed is capped at 2700 RPM, limiting maximum airflow to 42.58 CFM.
Dimension Scores
It's rated for 135 watts, which is adequate for many CPUs but not high-end, especially considering its compact size.
The fan's maximum noise level is 22.4 dBA, which is relatively quiet for a cooler of this size.
Features an all-metal platform, back plate fastener, secondary reflow soldering process, and 4x6mm heat pipes, indicating a robust construction.
As a CPU air cooler, cable management primarily involves a single 4-pin PWM fan connector, which is standard and doesn't offer unique features.
Best For
- Mini-ITX builds requiring a CPU cooler height of 53mm or less.
- HTPCs where space is extremely limited and quiet operation is desired.
- Systems with CPUs rated up to 135 watts TDP.
- Motherboards where RAM or PCIe slots are close to the CPU socket due to its optimized design.
Not Recommended For
- High-end CPUs with a TDP exceeding 135 watts.
- Users prioritizing absolute silence under sustained heavy CPU loads.
- Cases that can accommodate taller coolers, as larger options often provide better thermal performance.
Watch Out For
- The 135-watt TDP rating means it might struggle to keep CPUs like a 7900X (170W TDP) adequately cool under load.
- There's a reported potential for a 'vibration hum' when used in a tight case like the FormD T1 with a 3-slot graphics card.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 742346951669 |
| ASIN | B09CGWN1M7 |
| Brand | Thermalright |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 135 watts |
| Material | Metal, Silicone |
| 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 | AXP-90 X53 |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 3.72"L x 3.74"W x 2.09"H |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 2700 RPM |
What Buyers Say
The AXP-90 X53 is frequently highlighted for its extremely low 53mm profile, making it a go-to for tight SFF and HTPC builds where other coolers simply won't fit. Users appreciate its broad compatibility with both Intel and AMD sockets, including newer LGA 1700/1851 and AM5, and its design ensures no interference with RAM or PCIe slots. However, some discussions suggest that while it can handle certain lower-power chips like the 7800 X3D, its 135-watt rating means it might struggle with higher TDP CPUs, and there's a mention of potential vibration noise in very specific case configurations.
“Needed something tiny for my ITX build, and this 53mm cooler actually fits and keeps my 7800 X3D cool enough, but I wouldn't try it with anything hotter, heard it can get noisy in my FormD T1 with my 3-slot GPU.”
Common Praise
- Fits into cases with only 53mm CPU cooler clearance.
- Doesn't block RAM or PCIe slots, even with tall modules or thick cards.
- Compatible with a wide range of Intel and AMD CPU sockets.
- Quiet operation with a maximum noise level of 22.4 dBA.
Common Complaints
- Cooling capacity limited to 135 watts, which might be insufficient for some modern CPUs.
- Can produce a 'vibration hum' in specific SFF cases when paired with large GPUs.
Ownership Tips
- The 53mm height is genuinely restrictive, so measure your case carefully before buying.
- While it supports many sockets, its performance is best matched with CPUs at or below its 135-watt rating.
- The 'AGHP technique' for heat pipes seems to help with orientation flexibility in different case layouts.
- Installation is straightforward with the included backplate fastener.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the height of this cooler?
The total height of the cooler is 53mm, making it suitable for very compact PC cases.
What CPUs is this cooler compatible with?
It supports Intel LGA 1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets.
What is the maximum noise level of the fan?
The fan produces a maximum noise level of 22.4 dBA, which is relatively quiet for its size.
Can this cooler handle a 150W TDP CPU?
The cooler is rated for 135 watts, so a 150W CPU might push it beyond its optimal performance, potentially leading to higher temperatures.
Is it compatible with tall RAM modules?
Yes, its optimized heatsink design ensures 100% RAM and PCIe compatibility, even with high memory modules.
Buying Guide
When picking a CPU cooler, especially a low-profile one, the most critical factor is its height – you need to know your case's maximum CPU cooler clearance down to the millimeter. Next, consider your CPU's Thermal Design Power (TDP); the cooler's wattage rating should match or exceed your CPU's TDP for effective cooling. Don't forget socket compatibility, as not all coolers fit all motherboards.
53mm Height
This is how tall the cooler is from the CPU to its highest point. In small cases, especially mini-ITX or HTPC, every millimeter counts, and exceeding this can prevent your case side panel from closing.
135 watts (wattage)
This number tells you the maximum amount of heat, in watts, the cooler is designed to dissipate. If your CPU generates more heat than this, the cooler won't be able to keep it cool, leading to higher temperatures and potentially reduced performance.
22.4 dBA (Noise Level)
This is a measure of how loud the fan gets at its maximum speed. Lower numbers mean quieter operation, which is important for HTPCs or quiet office builds.
Alternatives
If you have more than 53mm of clearance or a CPU with a TDP above 135 watts, look for coolers with greater height, larger fans, or more heat pipes for improved cooling performance.
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