Thermalright AXP90 X36 Black Low Profile CPU Cooler, with 92mm TL-9015B Slim PWM Fan, ITX CPU Cooler, AGHP Technology, 36mm Height,for AMD AM4 AM5/Intel 1150/1151/1155/1851/1200/1700(AXP90 X36 Black)
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AI Verdict
This 36mm tall, 92mm fan air cooler is for ITX builds with low to moderate TDP CPUs, not high-end processors.
This cooler is a strong contender for extremely space-constrained ITX builds due to its 36mm height and non-interference with RAM. However, its 95W cooling capacity is often insufficient for modern high-TDP CPUs without performance compromises like undervolting.
If you need more cooling power for a higher TDP CPU in a compact case, look for coolers with a higher wattage rating and a larger heatsink volume, even if it means a few extra millimeters of height.
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Pros
- Its 36mm total height makes it suitable for extremely compact ITX and HTPC cases, avoiding RAM or PCIe slot interference.
- Features AGHP (Advanced Gravity Heat Pipe) technology with 4x6mm heatpipes for efficient heat transfer.
- The 92mm TL-9015B PWM fan operates quietly, with a reported noise level of 22.4 dBA.
- Includes metal mounting fasteners and a backplate, supporting Intel 115X/1200/1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets.
- The cooler's nickel-plated copper base and soldered heat pipes contribute to its durability and heat transfer effectiveness.
- Outperforms the Noctua NH-L9a and Scythe Shuriken 3 in some tests, showing 1-2 degrees cooler temperatures under load.
Cons
- Struggles to cool high TDP CPUs like the Ryzen 5800X, with temperatures reaching 80-88°C during gaming and over 90°C under full load.
- Requires undervolting or Eco mode for higher-wattage CPUs to maintain acceptable temperatures, which can reduce performance by 10-15%.
- Installation screws lack stops, increasing the risk of overtightening and potentially bending the motherboard.
- Some users reported fan quality control issues, including wobble and misaligned stickers, leading to replacements for quieter operation.
Dimension Scores
It struggles to keep high TDP CPUs below 90°C under load, often requiring undervolting for stable operation.
The 92mm fan has a low maximum noise rating of 22.4 dBA and is reported to be quiet under moderate loads.
Features a nickel-plated copper base and soldered heatpipes, but some users reported fan wobble and misaligned stickers.
The 4-pin PWM fan connector is standard, but there are no specific features for advanced cable routing on the cooler itself.
Best For
- Small form factor (SFF) PC builds where space is extremely limited, like HTPCs or Mini-ITX gaming rigs.
- Systems using low to moderate TDP CPUs (e.g., Ryzen 3/5, Intel i3/i5) for general use or light gaming.
- Users prioritizing quiet operation in a compact build, provided the CPU's thermal demands are not extreme.
Not Recommended For
- High-performance gaming rigs or workstations with high TDP CPUs (e.g., Ryzen 7/9, Intel i7/i9) that are not undervolted.
- Overclockers who require advanced cooling features and superior heat dissipation.
- Users who are uncomfortable with precise installation steps due to the risk of overtightening mounting screws.
Watch Out For
- Cooling performance is limited for CPUs with TDPs above 65W; a Ryzen 5800X can hit 90°C+ under full load, requiring undervolting and a 10-15% performance hit.
- Mounting screws lack physical stops, so you can easily overtighten them and potentially bend your motherboard if you're not careful.
- Some users have received units with fan quality issues, like noticeable wobble or misaligned stickers, which can affect noise and longevity.
- One user reported receiving a used unit sold as new from Amazon, with wiped thermal paste and incorrectly assembled fan pins.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 742346951706 |
| ASIN | B09CGZKHGR |
| Brand | Thermalright |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Wattage | 3.6 watts |
| Material | Metal |
| Item Weight | 15.8 ounces |
| 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 X36 Black |
| Compatible Devices | Desktop |
| Product Dimensions | 3.72"L x 3.74"W x 1.42"H |
| Power Connector Type | 4-Pin |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 2700 RPM |
What Buyers Say
What really stands out is how this cooler, despite its tiny 36mm height, manages to punch above its weight against slightly larger competitors like the Noctua NH-L9a in some thermal tests. However, don't expect miracles with power-hungry CPUs; a Ryzen 5800X will run hot, often exceeding 80°C, unless you tweak settings like undervolting. Installation can be a bit nerve-wracking because the mounting screws don't have stops, making it easy to overtighten and potentially stress your motherboard. Some folks also got units with wobbly fans or misaligned stickers, which is a bummer for a new product.
“Man, this thing is tiny and fits my ITX case like a glove, but my 5800X still runs hotter than a summer sidewalk unless I mess with the voltage, kinda wish the screws had a stop so I didn't feel like I was gonna crack my board.”
Common Praise
- Fits perfectly in extremely small ITX and HTPC cases due to its 36mm height.
- Does not interfere with RAM or PCIe slots, even on cramped ITX motherboards.
- Provides adequate cooling for low to moderate TDP CPUs without excessive noise.
- Outperforms some slightly taller low-profile coolers from other brands in thermal performance.
- The AGHP technology and copper heatpipes are effective for heat transfer.
Common Complaints
- Struggles significantly with high TDP CPUs, leading to high temperatures and thermal throttling.
- Requires undervolting or Eco mode for more powerful CPUs, which sacrifices performance.
- Mounting screws lack stops, making it easy to overtighten and potentially damage the motherboard.
- Some units have fan quality control issues, such as wobble or misaligned stickers.
- The included fan might not be as quiet or efficient as aftermarket alternatives like Noctua.
Ownership Tips
- You'll probably need to undervolt your CPU if it's anything above a 65W TDP to keep temps reasonable, especially during gaming.
- Be extra careful when tightening the mounting screws; they don't stop, so it's easy to go too far and flex the motherboard.
- The stock fan is okay, but if you're sensitive to noise or want better performance, consider swapping it for a higher-quality 92mm slim fan.
- Even with its limitations, it's one of the best options for truly tiny cases where literally no other cooler will fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total height of this CPU cooler?
The Thermalright AXP90 X36 Black has a total height of 36mm, making it a low-profile option for compact PC builds.
Is this cooler compatible with AMD AM5 processors?
Yes, the AXP90 X36 Black is compatible with AMD AM5 sockets, as well as AM4, and Intel LGA 115X, 1200, 1700, and 1851 sockets.
How noisy is the fan on this cooler?
The included 92mm TL-9015B PWM fan has a maximum noise level of 22.4 dBA, which is generally considered quiet, especially for low to moderate CPU loads.
Can this cooler handle a high-performance CPU like a Ryzen 7 or Intel i7?
While it can physically fit, it struggles with high TDP CPUs under heavy load, often leading to high temperatures (80-90°C+) unless the CPU is undervolted or run in Eco mode.
Does it come with thermal paste?
Yes, the cooler comes with attached heat transfer paste to provide a good cooling effect.
Buying Guide
When you're looking at low-profile CPU coolers like this, the main thing is height; every millimeter counts in small cases. You also need to match the cooler's cooling capacity (often implied by its design and fan size) to your CPU's heat output, or you'll end up with a hot, throttled system. Don't just assume it'll cool any CPU because it fits. The fan's noise level is also a big deal in a compact build, as it'll be closer to you.
36mm Height
92mm TL-9015B Slim PWM Fan
AGHP Technology / 4x6mm Heatpipes
Alternatives
If this cooler doesn't provide enough cooling for your CPU, look for low-profile coolers with a slightly taller height (e.g., 40-50mm) to accommodate larger heatsinks or fans, or consider models with a higher number of heatpipes or a larger base for better heat dissipation.
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