Best Thermalright Heatsinks: 2 Models Compared

Quick picks

Our 2 picks

1 Best overall

Thermalright HR09 2280 SSD Heatsink

Best for: passive M.2 SSD thermal management

Material

Aluminum alloy

Cooling Method

Passive

Dimensions

79 x 24 x 48mm

Mounting Type

Double-sided clip, screws

Compatible Device

M.2 SSD

Weight

1.76 pounds

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This is a double-sided passive cooler for M.2 NVMe drives. It uses a 6mm reverse gravity heat pipe and pure aluminum electroplating base. The design includes 32 gap aluminum fins for a 4500mm² dissipation area. It comes with a 14.8 W/m·k thermal pad. The aluminum alloy body measures 79x24x48mm. It suits users who need to prevent SSD throttling without adding fan noise.

Pros

• Double-sided aluminum alloy construction for increased surface area
• 6mm AGHP generation 3 reverse gravity heat pipe
• Includes 14.8 W/m·k second-generation Odyssey silicone pad
• 4500mm² total heat dissipation area with 32 fins
• Adjustable height screws fit various M.2 SSD profiles

Cons

• Passive design requires case airflow to function effectively
• No active fan included for forced convection cooling
• Limited to cooling M.2 SSDs, not CPUs

Good fit if

• You need to keep M.2 SSD temperatures low
• You want silent operation without fan noise
• You have an M.2 drive prone to thermal throttling

Skip if

• You are looking for a CPU air cooler
• You need active cooling for extreme sustained loads
• You want a cooler with an integrated fan

Verdict: Thermalright HR09 M.2 SSD Heatsink is a solid passive solution for M.2 drives. It fits users who prioritize silent storage cooling and have adequate case airflow.

2 Best am4

Thermalright SI-100 Low Profile CPU Cooler

Best for: small ITX cases needing quiet cooling

Material

aluminum

Compatible Device

CPU

Fan Size

120mm

Dimensions

120(L)x108(W)x100(H)mm

Mounting Type

metal fasteners

Socket Compatibility

AM4, AM5, LGA 1851, LGA 1200, LGA 1150, LGA 1151

View on Amazon: Thermalright SI-100 Low Profile CPU Cooler Affiliate link

The Thermalright SI-100 is a low-profile air cooler designed for ITX builds. It features six 6mm heat pipes using AGHP 3.0 technology to manage heat effectively in vertical or horizontal positions. The unit includes a 120mm PWM fan that delivers up to 72.37 CFM of airflow while maintaining noise levels at or below 27.7 dB. With a compact height of 100mm, it fits well in small form factor cases.

Pros

• Six 6mm heat pipes with AGHP 3.0 technology
• 120mm PWM fan provides 72.37 CFM airflow
• Low noise operation at 27.7 dB maximum
• Compact 100mm height suitable for small cases

Cons

• Aluminum heatsink material limits thermal capacity
• Single fan configuration offers less redundancy
• 100mm height restricts use in very tight spaces

Good fit if

• You need a cooler under 100mm tall
• You build in an ITX case
• You want quiet operation below 28 dB

Skip if

• You require a dual-tower design
• You need RGB lighting effects
• You have a high-end CPU over 150W

Verdict: The Thermalright SI-100 Low Profile ITX Cooler fits small cases where height is the main constraint. It works best for users who prioritize quiet airflow and compact dimensions over maximum cooling power.

Specifications side by side

Thermalright Heatsinks Compared

This lineup features two distinct thermal solutions. The HR09 targets M.2 SSDs with a silver grey passive design. Its compact dimensions fit drives needing silent cooling without active airflow. This model suits users prioritizing storage temperature management in standard cases. The SI-100 serves ITX builds as a low profile CPU cooler. It measures 4.72 inches in height to clear small form factor constraints. This option works best for builders who value quiet operation and tight space compatibility over raw cooling power. You choose based on whether you need drive cooling or processor cooling. The HR09 handles storage. The SI-100 handles the CPU. Both rely on passive or low-profile designs for specific use cases.

Where Thermalright fits

Thermalright’s current lineup focuses on compact, passive thermal management. The range spans from a small silver grey M.2 SSD heatsink to a low-profile 100mm CPU cooler for ITX builds. You will find no RGB lighting or large tower designs here. The products prioritize silence and fit in tight spaces. There is a gap for high-end gaming CPUs or active fans. This brand suits users who need specific, small-form-factor solutions rather than maximum cooling performance for large processors.

How to choose the right one

1. Match the device type

   You must first identify whether you need to cool an M.2 SSD or a CPU. The HR09 is designed specifically for passive M.2 SSD thermal management. It attaches directly to storage drives to dissipate heat without noise. The SI-100 is a low profile CPU cooler for ITX cases. It mounts on the processor to manage CPU temperatures. Choosing the wrong component type will result in improper fit or ineffective cooling for your specific hardware.

2. Check case height limits

   For CPU coolers, internal case height is the primary constraint. The SI-100 measures 4.72 inches in height. This dimension determines if it fits inside your specific chassis. You must measure the space above the CPU socket before purchasing. If your case has a height limit lower than 4.72 inches, this cooler will not install. Ensure you have adequate clearance for the fan and the cooler body to avoid physical interference with side panels.

3. Verify SSD form factor

   M.2 heatsinks must match the physical dimensions of your drive. The HR09 is sized for standard 2280 M.2 modules. You need to confirm your SSD uses the 2280 form factor before buying. The heatsink dimensions are 3.11 inches in length. This ensures it covers the heat-generating components on the drive properly. Using a heatsink with incorrect dimensions can lead to poor contact or mounting issues, reducing its effectiveness significantly.

4. Consider system airflow needs

   Passive cooling relies on ambient air movement within the case. The HR09 is a passive solution that requires adequate case airflow. You should ensure your case has intake and exhaust fans. Without airflow, heat will stagnate around the SSD. The SI-100 includes a fan for active cooling. It works best when you prioritize quiet airflow in compact builds. Match the cooling method to your case ventilation capabilities for optimal performance.

5. Assess noise preferences

   Your tolerance for fan noise should guide your selection. The HR09 operates silently as it has no moving parts. It is ideal for users who prioritize silent storage cooling. The SI-100 uses a 100mm fan. While designed for quiet operation, it still produces some sound. If you need absolute silence for storage, the HR09 is the better choice. If you need active CPU cooling, the SI-100 balances noise and performance for ITX systems.

Frequently asked questions

See also

• thermalright si 100 low profile itx review
• thermalright hr09 2280 SSD heatsink review
• best thermalright case fans
• best nvme SSDs with heatsink