5 Best Low Profile CPU Coolers under 100$ in 2023

As computer technology continues to advance, CPUs (Central Processing Units) are becoming more powerful, but also generating more heat. This heat can potentially damage the CPU or other components if not managed properly, making CPU cooling an important aspect of any computer build. Low-profile CPU coolers are a great option for those who want to keep their computer compact and still ensure efficient cooling.

 In 2023, there are several low-profile CPU coolers on the market that offer top-notch performance, quiet operation, and easy installation. In this article, we will review the five best low-profile CPU coolers currently available, helping you make an informed decision for your next build or upgrade.

5 Best Low Profile CPU Coolers in 2023

1. Noctua NH-L9i
2. MasterAir G100M
3.  Scythe Big Shuriken 3
4. Pure Rock LP
5. Vetroo Eclipse

Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Vetroo Eclipse Low-Profile ARGB CPU Cooler:

Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Vetroo Eclipse Low-Profile ARGB CPU Cooler is an excellent option for those looking to keep their Intel LGA 1700 CPU cool in a small form factor PC case. With its premium aluminum fins and outstanding airflow design, this CPU cooler is capable of efficiently cooling the CPU and other hardware surrounding the motherboard. Additionally, the ARGB dual ring lighting effect adds a touch of style to your build and can be synced with your motherboard via a 5V 3-pin interface.

The Vetroo Eclipse Low-Profile ARGB CPU Cooler is equipped with a 90mm 4-pin PWM fan, allowing for dynamic speed adjustment between 800-2500±10%RPM. This means you can easily adjust the fan speed to find the perfect balance between minimum noise and maximum airflow. Additionally, the top-to-bottom airflow design ensures that the CPU is cooled first, followed by other hardware surrounding the motherboard.

One of the standout features of the Vetroo Eclipse Low-Profile ARGB CPU Cooler is its removable design. The upper butterfly fan can be removed separately, making it easy to clean and maintain. This is particularly useful for those who want to ensure their PC remains dust-free, as dust buildup can negatively impact cooling performance.

In terms of specifications, the Vetroo Eclipse Low-Profile ARGB CPU Cooler has a TDP (thermal design power) of 95 watts, making it capable of cooling Intel LGA 1700 CPUs with ease. It also has a noise level of 29.6 dB, which is relatively quiet compared to other CPU coolers on the market.

Overall, the Vetroo Eclipse Low-Profile ARGB CPU Cooler is an excellent choice for those looking for a compact and efficient CPU cooling solution. Its outstanding airflow design, ARGB lighting, and removable design make it a standout option in its price range. However, it’s important to note that this CPU cooler is only compatible with Intel LGA 1700 sockets, so it’s important to check compatibility before making a purchase.

be quiet! BK034 Pure Rock LP CPU Cooler:

Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Be quiet! BK034 Pure Rock LP is a low-profile CPU cooler designed for small form factor systems. It is compatible with both Intel and AMD sockets, including Intel 1700/1200/1150/1151/1155 and AMD AM5/AM4. With a height of only 45mm, it can fit into nearly any case, making it an ideal choice for ultra-compact Mini-ITX builds.

Despite its small size, the be quiet! BK034 Pure Rock LP is equipped with three high-performance 6mm heat pipes and a 92mm high-quality fan, which offers quiet and reliable cooling with a maximum noise level of 30.6dB(A). This ensures that your CPU remains cool and stable even under heavy loads.

Be quiet! BK034 Pure Rock LP is user-friendly and easy to install, with a mounting kit that supports both Intel and AMD sockets. This means you don’t need to worry about compatibility issues or complicated installation procedures. Simply follow the instructions and you’ll have your CPU cooler up and running in no time.

In terms of performance, be quiet! BK034 Pure Rock LP has a TDP (thermal design power) of 100W, making it capable of cooling a wide range of CPUs. Its small size and efficient design make it an ideal choice for HTPCs, small multimedia systems, and gaming rigs.

Overall, be quiet! BK034 Pure Rock LP is an excellent choice for those looking for a low-profile CPU cooler that offers efficient and reliable cooling. Its compact size, high-quality fan, and easy installation make it a standout option in its price range. Additionally, it comes with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty, giving you peace of mind knowing that you’re covered in case of any issues.

Scythe Big Shuriken 3 Rev.B CPU Air Cooler:

Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Scythe Big Shuriken 3 Rev.B CPU Air Cooler is a low-profile cooler designed to fit perfectly in small form factor PCs such as Mini ITX, HTPC case, and Micro ATX motherboards. This premium model is suitable for high-end processors such as Intel Core i9, i7, i5, i3, and AMD Ryzen. With a height of only 67mm, the BS3 Rev.B is 2mm shorter than its predecessor (SCBSK-3000) and features an asymmetric and offset design for excellent compatibility with various motherboard layouts and high-end RAM.

Equipped with a copper base and a 5 heat pipe design, the heatsink is equipped with a 15mm thick, quiet fan (Kaze Flex 120 II Slim PWM 300-1800 RPM) with sealed precision FDB for a long lifespan and quiet operation. The cooler also offers the option to use a regular 25mm thick fan for greater cooling performance for high TDP processors like the Intel Core i9-9900k, i7-9700k, and i5-9600k.

The HPMS IV spring-loaded mounting system makes it easy to install and secure for Intel LGA1700, LGA1200, LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156, LGA2011, LGA2066, and AMD AM5, AM4, AM3(+), AM2(+), FM2(+) sockets. In case the “CPU FAN ERROR” message is displayed by the UEFI (BIOS), the user can adjust the UEFI fan speed settings (“CPU Fan Speed Low Limit” – Option) to fix the issue.

Measuring 122 x 122 x 67mm and weighing 490g, the Scythe Big Shuriken 3 Rev.B CPU Air Cooler is a reliable and efficient solution for cooling high-performance processors in small form factor builds. Compatible with Intel LGA1700 motherboards such as ASUS Z690A, TUF GAMING B660 PLUS D4, and ROG STRIX B660G GAMING WIFI. This product comes with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty, making it a reliable and long-lasting cooling solution for small form factor PCs.

Cooler Master MasterAir G100M CPU Cooling System:

Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Cooler Master MasterAir G100M is an advanced CPU cooling system designed to provide improved heat transfer, thanks to its unique design. It features a low profile for mini-ITX builds, making it ideal for smaller form factor systems. The RGB LED illumination adds an attractive touch to your PC build, while the top-down air flow performance ensures optimal cooling efficiency.

The MasterAir G100M boasts a 7x larger diameter than traditional heat pipes, resulting in improved heat transfer and faster cooling. This, combined with its top-down airflow performance, makes it an ideal choice for gamers and enthusiasts who demand high-performance cooling for their CPUs.

The low profile of the MasterAir G100M ensures it fits easily into even the smallest of cases, making it an ideal choice for mini-ITX builds. Additionally, the RGB LED illumination allows you to customize the look of your PC and create a unique visual experience.

The Cooler Master MasterAir G100M is a high-quality CPU cooling system that offers both style and performance. It comes equipped with a 12-volt power connector and a 4.08-watt power consumption, ensuring maximum efficiency and reliability. The fan produces only 15 dB of noise, ensuring a quiet computing experience. With a maximum rotational speed of 1500 RPM, the fan provides ample cooling power for even the most demanding applications.

The Cooler Master MasterAir G100M is compatible with desktops and is designed to provide efficient and reliable cooling for your CPU. Its air-cooling method ensures that your system stays cool even during intensive gaming or other high-performance applications. Overall, this is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality CPU cooling system that combines style and performance in a compact, low-profile design.

Noctua NH-L9i, Premium Low-Profile CPU Cooler:

Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Noctua NH-L9i is a premium low-profile CPU cooler designed for Intel LGA115x sockets. It is an ultra-compact cooler with only 37mm total height, making it an ideal choice for HTPCs, ITX, and small form factor builds. The cooler features a copper base and heat pipes, aluminum cooling fins, soldered joints, and nickel plating for improved thermal conductivity and durability.

The cooler is equipped with a highly optimized NF-A9x14 slim 92mm fan with PWM support and Low-Noise Adaptor for automatic speed control and ultra-quiet operation. The fan operates at a noise level of only 23.6 dB, making it virtually silent. The fan’s slim design ensures that it does not interfere with nearby components, while the 95x95mm footprint ensures 100% compatibility with RAM and PCIe slots.

The cooler comes with a high-end NT-H1 thermal paste and SecuFirm2 mounting system, making it easy to install on Intel LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156, and LGA1200 sockets. The mounting system ensures that the cooler is securely attached to the socket and provides excellent contact pressure for optimal heat transfer.

The Noctua NH-L9i is backed by a 6-year manufacturer’s warranty, a testament to the high quality of the product. It is an excellent choice for Intel Core i7, i5, or i3 with moderate heat load (e.g. 11900, 11700, 11600, 10700, see compatibility list). The cooler’s low-profile design and excellent performance make it an ideal choice for compact builds where space is limited, and noise is a concern.

In summary, the Noctua NH-L9i is a premium low-profile CPU cooler that offers excellent thermal performance and silent operation. Its ultra-compact design and 100% compatibility with RAM and PCIe slots make it an ideal choice for HTPCs, ITX, and small form factor builds. The high-quality materials, easy installation, and 6-year warranty make it a worthwhile investment for any computer enthusiast.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, low-profile CPU coolers are ideal for compact PC builds where space is limited. The Scythe Big Shuriken 3 Rev.B, Cooler Master MasterAir G100M, and Noctua NH-L9i are all excellent options for those looking for a high-performance low profile cooler with efficient heat dissipation and quiet operation. Be quiet! Shadow Rock LP 2 and Cryorig C7 Cu are also great choices with unique design features and optimal performance. Ultimately, the best low-profile CPU cooler depends on your specific needs and compatibility with your system, but these five options are all great choices for anyone looking to build a compact, high-performance PC.

Best Low Profile CPU Cooler FAQ:

1. How To Choose A Low-Profile CPU Cooler?

When choosing a low-profile CPU cooler, consider factors such as your CPU’s TDP, the height and width of your case, and compatibility with your CPU socket. Look for coolers with efficient heat dissipation and quiet fans, and consider the quality and warranty of the brand.

2. What is the most silent low-profile CPU cooler?

The most silent low-profile CPU cooler is the Noctua NH-L9i, with a noise level of only 23.6 dB. It features a highly optimized NF-A9x14 slim 92mm fan with PWM support and Low-Noise Adaptor for automatic speed control and ultra-quiet operation.

3. Is it OK to buy a cheap CPU cooler?

It depends on the specific use case and the CPU being cooled. If you have a low TDP CPU and are not overclocking, a cheap CPU cooler may suffice. However, for high-performance CPUs or overclocking, it is recommended to invest in a high-quality CPU cooler to ensure proper cooling and avoid damage to your hardware.

4. Is AIO better than low profile air cooler?

It depends on your specific needs and preferences. AIO liquid coolers tend to offer better cooling performance, particularly for high-end CPUs with high TDPs and can be more aesthetically pleasing. However, low-profile air coolers are often more affordable, easier to install, and quieter.

5. What is the best CPU cooling brand?

There are several reputable CPU cooling brands, including Noctua, be quiet! Cooler Master, Corsair, and Scythe. Each brand offers a range of coolers with different features and price points, so the “best” brand may vary depending on individual needs and preferences. Ultimately, it’s important to choose a brand with a track record of reliability and quality.

6. Is a stock CPU cooler better than a liquid cooler?

Stock CPU coolers are typically less effective at cooling than liquid coolers, especially when it comes to high-end CPUs or overclocking. Liquid coolers tend to have a larger surface area for heat dissipation and can more effectively move heat away from the CPU. However, they are typically more expensive than stock coolers.