6 Best Alternatives to the Thermalright AXP90 X36 Low Profile ITX CPU Cooler (2026)
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The Thermalright AXP90 X36 Low Profile ITX CPU Cooler is a compact solution with a 36mm height and four 6mm heat pipes. You might look for thermalright axp90 x36 low profile itx CPU cooler alternatives if you need more RAM clearance or a different build aesthetic. The original model fits tight spaces under 40mm but may limit your component choices. Some users prefer higher profiles for better thermal performance or distinct color options.
This list includes 6 options that share key specifications with the AXP90 X36. All listed coolers support the same socket types, including AM4, AM5, and LGA 1700. You will find variations in height, material, and fan size. These alternatives overlap with the original in socket compatibility and low-profile design. This ensures you can find a cooler that fits your specific ITX chassis constraints while meeting your thermal requirements.
Our top pick: Thermalright AXP90 36mm Low-Profile Cooler.
How Each Alternative Compares
Thermalright 47mm Low-Profile CPU Cooler
The Thermalright AXP90-X47 Black increases overall cooler height to 47mm compared to the 36mm profile of the original AXP90 X36. It features an all-black coating and maintains a compact ITX footprint measuring 3.74 by 3.74 inches. You gain dedicated black styling and four heatpipes operating under 22.4 dBA of noise. In trade, you give up the ultra-slim 36mm clearance and take on additional weight at 1.1 pounds compared to the 14.4-ounce original. This unit works best if your mini-ITX enclosure offers at least 47mm of vertical cooler clearance and you prefer a monochromatic black aesthetic over bare metal.
Thermalright 53mm Full Copper ITX Cooler
The Thermalright AXP X53 Full uses pure copper construction across its heatsink body instead of nickel-plated aluminum. It provides four heat pipes and adds official LGA 1700 mounting alongside AM4, AM5, and LGA 1851 support. At 53mm tall, it gives you a more substantial thermal mass than the 36mm original unit. However, you give up the sub-40mm clearance that allows the AXP90 X36 to fit into ultra-low-profile spaces. Its listed dimensions measure 3.74 inches tall by 3.72 inches long. You should choose this cooler if your ITX chassis provides at least 53mm of clearance and you want full copper construction for enhanced thermal conductivity.
Thermalright Assassin X120 120mm Air Cooler
The Thermalright Assassin X120 Refined SE shifts from a low-profile ITX layout to a standard vertical tower heatsink. It pairs four heat pipes with a full-size 120mm fan instead of the slim TL-9015 fan found on the 36mm original. This configuration provides a wider fin surface area and larger airflow volume. The major trade-off is vertical size. At 5.83 inches tall and weighing 1.42 pounds, it will not fit into slim mini-ITX enclosures designed for the compact AXP90 X36. You should select the Assassin X120 if you are assembling your system inside a mid-sized chassis that offers standard tower cooler clearance.
Thermalright Assassin X 120 ARGB Cooler
The Thermalright Assassin X 120 ARGB provides integrated ARGB fan lighting and a standard 148mm single-tower format. Compared to the non-illuminated, low-profile AXP90 X36, this cooler offers a full 120mm fan diameter and four copper heat pipes for mid-tower setups. You gain customizable lighting and a larger cooling fin array. In exchange, you lose the compact 36mm profile and portability of the ITX model. Standing 5.83 inches tall and weighing 1.39 pounds, it demands substantially more vertical interior room. Pick this option if your PC case has 148mm of clearance and you want addressable lighting along with tower-style cooling.
The Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 ARGB steps up thermal hardware by including six heat pipes instead of the four found on the AXP90 X36. It also features integrated ARGB lighting, a 120mm fan, and LGA 1700 support. These extra heat pipes distribute heat across a taller single-tower stack measuring 6 inches high. You sacrifice all mini-ITX compactness, as this unit requires 154mm of vertical clearance compared to the 36mm required by the original. At 1.12 pounds, it also weighs more. You should choose the Burst Assassin 120 ARGB if your chassis accommodates a 154mm tower and your processor demands six heat pipes.
The Thermalright Assassin King 120 SE upgrades your cooling setup with five heat pipes, exceeding the four heat pipes on the AXP90 X36. It utilizes a 120mm fan and carries LGA 1700 compatibility in addition to AM4, AM5, and LGA 1851 sockets. By opting for this design, you gain more heat dissipation area and an extra copper heat pipe. What you give up is low-profile flexibility. At 148mm tall and weighing 1.4 pounds, it is far too tall for ultra-small form factor cases built around 36mm coolers. Pick the Assassin King 120 SE if you have a mid-sized case with 148mm clearance and want five heat pipes.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Thermalright AXP90 36mm Low-Profile Cooler
Best for: ultra-compact mini-ITX builds with tight clearance
- Socket Compatibility
- AM4, AM5, LGA1150/1151/1200/1700/1851
- Cooler Height
- 36mm
- Heat Pipes
- 4
- Tower Design
- Low-Profile
- System Type
- ITX
- Features
- Fan
View on Amazon: Thermalright AXP90 36mm Low-Profile Cooler Affiliate link
The Thermalright 36mm Low Profile ITX Cooler is a compact heatsink designed for ultra-small form factor builds. At 36mm tall, it fits tight mini-ITX cases where space is limited. It features four 6mm heat pipes and a slim TL-9015 PWM fan that runs at noise levels up to 22.4 dBA. This cooler suits you if you need reliable low-clearance cooling for compatible AMD AM4, AM5, or Intel LGA sockets.
Pros
- Total height of 36mm fits compact ITX cases
- Four 6mm heat pipes with nickel-plated finish
- Slim TL-9015 PWM fan operates at 22.4 dBA or less
- Includes all-metal mounting platform with backplate fastener
Cons
- Slim fan moves less air than full-size 120mm cooler fans
- Heatsink surface area is smaller than full-height tower designs
Good fit if
- You build inside an ITX case with under 40mm of CPU cooler clearance
- You need native support for AMD AM4, AM5, or Intel LGA sockets
Skip if
- You have clearance for a standard 120mm tower heatsink
- You require larger dual-fan coolers for high-wattage hardware
Verdict: Thermalright 36mm Low Profile ITX Cooler provides essential heat dissipation in spaces under 40mm tall. It serves as a dependable choice for tight mini-ITX enclosures.
Thermalright 53mm Low Profile ITX CPU Cooler
Best for: ITX builds needing extra RAM clearance
- Socket Compatibility
- AM4, AM5, LGA1150/1151/1200/1700/1851
- Cooler Height
- 53mm
- Heat Pipes
- 4
- Tower Design
- Low-Profile
- Fan Size
- 92mm
- Fan Speed
- 2700 RPM
View on Amazon: Thermalright 53mm Low Profile ITX CPU Cooler Affiliate link
The Thermalright AXP90-X53 is a low-profile CPU air cooler standing 53mm tall. It uses four 6mm pure copper heat pipes with AGHP technology to manage heat in vertical or horizontal orientations. The unit includes a 92mm TL-9015 PWM fan that runs up to 2700 RPM. This design suits ITX builds where RAM clearance is tight, offering broad socket support for Intel and AMD platforms.
Pros
- 53mm height provides ample RAM clearance
- Four 6mm pure copper heat pipes with AGHP technology
- 92mm TL-9015 fan supports 4-pin PWM control
- Compatible with LGA1700, LGA1851, AM4, and AM5 sockets
Cons
- 53mm height is taller than the 36mm AXP90 X36
- 92mm fan size limits compatibility with some small cases
- Aluminum radiator fins may offer less thermal mass than copper
Good fit if
- You need more cooling surface area than a 36mm cooler provides
- You have standard ATX RAM sticks that require extra clearance
- You are building an ITX system with a mid-range CPU
Skip if
- You require the absolute lowest profile possible under 40mm
- Your case cannot accommodate a 92mm fan width
- You are using a high-TDP CPU that needs larger heatsinks
Verdict: The Thermalright AXP90-X53 Low Profile Cooler fits users who need better thermal performance than the 36mm model but still require RAM clearance. It is a solid choice for ITX builds with standard memory modules.
Thermalright 47mm Low-Profile CPU Cooler
Best for: black low-profile ITX PC builds
- Socket Compatibility
- AM4, AM5, LGA115x/1200/1700/1851
- Cooler Height
- 47mm
- Heat Pipes
- 4
- Tower Design
- Low-Profile
- Fan Size
- 92mm
- System Type
- ITX
View on Amazon: Thermalright 47mm Low-Profile CPU Cooler Affiliate link
This low-profile ITX cooler gives you a 47mm total height and an all-black nickel plating finish. It features four 6mm heatpipes paired with a 92mm slim PWM fan rated at 22.4 dBA maximum noise. You get compatibility across AMD AM4 and AM5 platforms alongside Intel sockets. It suits your compact build when you need extra clearance beyond 36mm designs while maintaining an all-metal mounting setup and black styling.
Pros
- Compact 47mm total cooler height
- Four 6mm heatpipes with secondary reflow soldering
- Low maximum fan noise rating of 22.4 dBA
- Black nickel plating for corrosion resistance
Cons
- Taller 47mm profile than 36mm alternatives
- Uses smaller 92mm fan instead of standard 120mm size
Good fit if
- You need a low-profile cooler under 50mm in height.
- You want an all-black nickel-plated aesthetic for an ITX chassis.
- You build on AMD AM4/AM5 or supported Intel platforms.
Skip if
- You have an ultra-slim case restricted strictly to 36mm clearance.
- You want a full-sized 120mm tower cooler.
Verdict: Thermalright 47mm Low Profile Black CPU Cooler provides compact cooling with a 47mm height, four heatpipes, and an all-black finish. It serves compact ITX enclosures requiring quiet operation under 22.4 dBA.
Thermalright 53mm Full Copper ITX Cooler
Best for: ITX builds with 53mm cooler clearance
- Cooler Height
- 53mm
- Heat Pipes
- 4
- Tower Design
- Low-Profile
- Fan Size
- 92mm
- Fan Speed
- 2700 RPM
- Socket Compatibility
- AM4, AM5, LGA 1851, LGA 1700, LGA 1200, LGA 1150, LGA 1151
View on Amazon: Thermalright 53mm Full Copper ITX Cooler Affiliate link
This low-profile heatsink offers an all-copper build designed for compact setups. At 53mm in total height, it gives you four 6mm heat pipes paired with a 92mm PWM fan that spins up to 2700 RPM. The pure copper construction maximizes heat transfer within tight spaces. If your ITX case has slightly more vertical clearance than ultra-slim 36mm coolers allow, this model suits your small-form-factor build while handling modern AMD and Intel desktop sockets.
Pros
- Pure copper heatsink body with anti-oxidation treatment
- Compact 53mm total height fits small-form-factor enclosures
- Four 6mm heat pipes featuring fourth-generation AGHP design
- Slim 92mm PWM fan operating at up to 2700 RPM
Cons
- At 53mm tall, it does not fit cases restricted to 36mm clearance
- Installation may require reversing the backplate to prevent rear component conflicts
Good fit if
- You have at least 53mm of vertical cooler clearance in your ITX case.
- You want a full-copper heatsink to optimize thermal conductivity.
- You run a compatible Intel LGA 1700/1851 or AMD AM4/AM5 processor.
Skip if
- You need an ultra-thin cooler under 37mm for a sub-compact chassis.
- You have space for a standard tower cooler with a larger 120mm fan.
Verdict: Thermalright AXP90 Full Copper CPU Cooler delivers pure copper construction and four heat pipes within a 53mm profile. It is a solid choice when your ITX chassis can accommodate more clearance than a 36mm unit.
Thermalright 53mm Full Copper ITX Cooler
Best for: ITX builds needing pure copper cooling under 53mm
- Socket Compatibility
- LGA1700/1851/1200, AM4/AM5
- Cooler Height
- 53mm
- Heat Pipes
- 4
- Tower Design
- Low-Profile
- Fan Size
- 92mm
- Fan Speed
- 2700RPM±10%
View on Amazon: Thermalright 53mm Full Copper ITX Cooler Affiliate link
This low-profile air cooler stands 53mm tall and uses pure copper for the base, fins, and four heat pipes. It pairs with a 92mm PWM fan that spins up to 2700 RPM. The AGHP technology helps manage heat in vertical or horizontal orientations. It fits Intel LGA1700 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets. You get quiet operation at 22.4 dB with strong airflow for small ITX builds.
Pros
- Pure copper construction for base, fins, and heat pipes
- 53mm low-profile height fits small chassis
- 42.58 CFM max airflow with 2700 RPM fan
- AGHP technology improves heat transfer efficiency
Cons
- 53mm height is taller than the 36mm AXP90 X36 alternative
- 92mm fan size limits compatibility with some very tight RAM slots
Good fit if
- You need a pure copper cooler for better heat dissipation
- You have an ITX case that allows up to 53mm cooler height
- You use Intel LGA1700 or AMD AM5 sockets
Skip if
- Your case requires a cooler under 40mm in height
- You prefer aluminum fins for lighter weight
- You have tall RAM sticks that block a 92mm fan
Verdict: Thermalright AXP90-X53 Full Copper Low Profile Cooler offers robust cooling for ITX builds where pure copper performance matters more than minimal height.
Thermalright Assassin X120 120mm Air Cooler
Best for: mid-sized cases needing standard tower cooling
- Socket Compatibility
- AM4, AM5, LGA1700, LGA1851, LGA1200
- Cooler Height
- 148 mm
- Heat Pipes
- 4
- Fan Size
- 120 mm
- Fan Speed
- 1550 RPM
- Material
- Aluminum
View on Amazon: Thermalright Assassin X120 120mm Air Cooler Affiliate link
If your case accommodates standard tower coolers instead of ultra-compact low-profile units, this model gives you a larger heatsink setup. It features a 148 mm total height, four 6 mm heat pipes, and a 120 mm PWM fan pushing up to 66.17 CFM at 25.6 dB(A). It suits you if you have a mid-sized chassis and need broad Intel or AMD socket compatibility.
Pros
- 120 mm PWM fan delivering up to 66.17 CFM of airflow
- Four 6 mm heat pipes using AGHP anti-gravity technology
- Maximum operational noise level rated at 25.6 dB(A)
- Wide socket support including AMD AM5 and Intel LGA 1700 and 1851
Cons
- Stands 148 mm tall and will not fit compact low-profile ITX cases
- Lacks integrated ARGB lighting found on sibling variants
Good fit if
- You have a mid-sized case with at least 148 mm of cooler clearance.
- You prefer a 120 mm fan moving higher airflow than 92 mm low-profile alternatives.
- You use modern CPU platforms including AMD AM5 or Intel LGA 1851.
Skip if
- You require an ultra-low profile cooler for a slim small-form-factor chassis.
- You want built-in lighting on the heatsink or fan.
Verdict: Thermalright Assassin X 120mm Tower Cooler delivers a full 120 mm fan configuration and four heat pipes for mid-sized enclosures. It provides effective, low-noise airflow whenever your chassis has the vertical clearance to accommodate a standard tower.
Thermalright Assassin X 120 ARGB Cooler
Best for: medium cases with 148mm cooler clearance
- Cooler Height
- 148 mm
- Heat Pipes
- 4
- Tower Design
- Single-Tower
- Fan Size
- 120 mm
- Fan Speed
- 1550 RPM
- Lighting
- ARGB
View on Amazon: Thermalright Assassin X 120 ARGB Cooler Affiliate link
If your case has room for a tower design instead of a low-profile cooler, the Thermalright Assassin X 120 ARGB Tower Cooler gives you a 148mm tall heatsink with four 6mm copper heat pipes. It pairs an aluminum fin stack with a 120mm PWM ARGB fan that delivers up to 66.17 CFM of airflow at 1550 RPM. This setup suits you if you are building in a medium-sized chassis and want standard tower cooling.
Pros
- 120mm PWM fan moves up to 66.17 CFM of airflow
- Four 6mm copper heat pipes with AGHP technology
- Built-in addressable RGB lighting on the fan
- Broad socket support including LGA 1700, LGA 1851, AM4, and AM5
Cons
- 148mm total height does not fit low-profile or slim ITX cases
- Single-tower footprint requires 71mm of width clearance around the socket
Good fit if
- You have a medium case with at least 148mm of CPU cooler clearance.
- You want a full-size 120mm ARGB fan instead of a compact 92mm slim fan.
- You use modern Intel LGA 1700/1851 or AMD AM4/AM5 sockets.
Skip if
- You are building in a compact SFF case designed strictly for sub-50mm coolers.
- You prefer a heatsink without RGB lighting.
Verdict: Thermalright Assassin X 120 ARGB Tower Cooler trades low-profile compact sizing for a 148mm tower layout equipped with a full 120mm ARGB fan and four copper heat pipes. It provides standard tower airflow for builds that do not have strict mini-ITX vertical constraints.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Thermalright AXP90 36mm Low-Profile Cooler | Thermalright 53mm Low Profile ITX CPU Cooler | Thermalright 47mm Low-Profile CPU Cooler | Thermalright 53mm Full Copper ITX Cooler | Thermalright 53mm Full Copper ITX Cooler | Thermalright Assassin X120 120mm Air Cooler | Thermalright Assassin X 120 ARGB Cooler |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Socket Compatibility | AM4, AM5, LGA1150/1151/1200/1700/1851 | AM4, AM5, LGA1150/1151/1200/1700/1851 | AM4, AM5, LGA115x/1200/1700/1851 | not stated | LGA1700/1851/1200, AM4/AM5 | AM4, AM5, LGA1700, LGA1851, LGA1200 | not stated |
| Cooler Height | 36mm | 53mm | 47mm | 53mm | 53mm | 148 mm | 148 mm |
| Heat Pipes | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Tower Design | Low-Profile | Low-Profile | Low-Profile | Low-Profile | Low-Profile | not stated | Single-Tower |
| Fan Size | not stated | 92mm | 92mm | 92mm | 92mm | 120 mm | 120 mm |
| Fan Speed | not stated | 2700 RPM | not stated | 2700 RPM | 2700RPM±10% | 1550 RPM | 1550 RPM |
| Lighting | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | ARGB |
| System Type | ITX | ITX | ITX | ITX | ITX | not stated | not stated |
| Color | AXP90-X36 | AXP90 X53 | Black | not stated | AXP90 X53 FULL | not stated | AX120R SE ARGB |
| Material | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | Copper | Aluminum | not stated |
| Features | Fan | Fan | Fan | Fan | Fan | Fan | Fan |
| Dimensions | 3.74 × 3.7 × 0.83 inches | 3.72 × 3.74 × 2.09 inches | 3.74 × 3.74 × 1.26 inches | 3.72 × 2.09 × 3.74 inches | 3.74 × 2.09 × 3.72 inches | 4.72 × 2.8 × 5.83 inches | 4.92 × 2.8 × 5.83 inches |
| Weight | 14.4 ounces | 1.1 pounds | 1.1 pounds | 3.53 ounces | not stated | 1.42 pounds | 1.39 pounds |
| Size | Height 36mm | 53mm | Height 47mm | not stated | 53mm | not stated | 4 Heatpies |
| Model | AXP90 X36 | AXP90 X53 | AXP90 X47 BLACK | AXP X53 FULL | AXP90 X53 FULL | AX120 Refined SE | not stated |
To balance case airflow around your heatsink, you can compare specifications for the best thermalright case fans for CPU Cooler.
Frequently asked questions
Which low profile ITX cooler offers the best RAM clearance?
The Thermalright AXP90-X53 is a strong choice for builds needing extra RAM clearance. It stands 53mm tall, which provides more space above the memory slots than the 36mm AXP90 X36. This 53mm height allows standard memory modules to fit comfortably. It includes a fan and supports multiple socket types for easy installation.
Is there a black low profile cooler for stealth builds?
Yes, the Thermalright 47mm Low-Profile CPU Cooler features an all-black finish. It is designed specifically for black low-profile ITX PC builds. The unit measures 47mm in height and includes four heat pipes. It offers quiet operation under 22.4 dBA while maintaining a compact footprint suitable for tight enclosures.
What is the best pure copper low profile option?
The Thermalright 53mm Full Copper ITX Cooler provides robust cooling with pure copper construction. It is ideal for ITX builds where pure copper performance matters more than minimal height. The unit fits within a 53mm profile and includes four heat pipes. It supports standard ITX sockets for broad compatibility.
Which alternative works if my case has 148mm clearance?
The Thermalright Assassin X 120 ARGB Cooler is suitable for medium cases with 148mm cooler clearance. It trades low-profile compact sizing for a 148mm tower layout. This unit includes a full 120mm ARGB fan and four copper heat pipes. It provides standard tower airflow for builds without strict mini-ITX vertical constraints.
Does the Assassin X 120 have ARGB lighting?
Yes, the Thermalright Assassin X 120 ARGB Cooler includes ARGB lighting. It features a 120mm fan with addressable RGB capabilities. The cooler has a 5.83-inch height and weighs 1.39 pounds. It is designed for medium cases that can accommodate a standard tower size rather than a low-profile unit.
Which cooler is best for mid-sized cases needing standard tower cooling?
The Thermalright Assassin X 120 120mm Air Cooler is best for mid-sized cases. It delivers a full 120mm fan configuration and four heat pipes. The unit measures 5.83 inches in height and 2.8 inches in width. It provides effective, low-noise airflow whenever your chassis has the vertical clearance to accommodate a standard tower.