Thermalright AXP90 36mm Low-Profile Cooler Review: Who It Fits and Who Should Skip It
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This thermalright axp90 x36 low profile itx CPU cooler review covers a compact cooling solution designed for small form factor builds. The unit stands at just 36mm in height, making it suitable for tight cases. It features four 6mm heat pipes and includes a slim PWM fan. The cooler supports modern Intel and AMD sockets. Its low-profile design allows it to fit where standard air coolers cannot. This makes it a practical choice for specific ITX systems.
What stands out
- 36mm total height for low-profile cases
- Four 6mm AGHP heat pipes for heat transfer
- Supports AM4, AM5, and Intel LGA 1150/1151/1200/1700/1851
- Slim PWM fan with noise levels at or below 22.4 dBA
Who it fits
Good fit for
You should choose this cooler if you are building an ITX system with strict height limitations. The 36mm profile fits in small cases where taller coolers would not work. It is ideal for users who need reliable cooling for mid-range processors without taking up much vertical space. The broad socket compatibility means it works with many recent Intel and AMD platforms. You will appreciate the straightforward installation and compact footprint.
Who should skip it
You should skip this option if you run a high-end processor that generates significant heat. The 36mm height and single fan limit its cooling capacity. It is not suitable for overclocking or heavy workloads like rendering or gaming with power-hungry CPUs. If you need maximum thermal performance, a larger tower cooler is a better choice. This unit is strictly for low-to-mid power systems in compact enclosures.
Verdict: The Thermalright AXP90 X36 is a specialized cooler for small ITX builds with height constraints. It offers adequate cooling for modest CPUs but lacks the capacity for high-performance tasks.
Key specs explained for this cooler
Cooler Height: 36mm
This profile is extremely thin, allowing installation in small form factor cases with low clearance. You can use this in tight ITX builds where standard towers will not fit. It is significantly lower than typical air coolers, which often exceed 150mm. This dimension is the primary constraint for your case compatibility.
Heat Pipes: 4
The unit uses four 6mm heat pipes to transfer heat from the base to the fins. This count provides a balanced surface area for dissipation in a compact volume. More pipes generally improve heat spreading, but the low profile limits overall thermal mass. This setup is typical for low-profile coolers targeting moderate CPU loads.
Socket Compatibility: AM4, AM5, LGA1150/1151/1200/1700/1851
This wide range covers most modern Intel and AMD platforms. You can use it on current generation AM5 and LGA1700/1851 systems without needing separate mounts. It also supports older sockets like AM4 and LGA115x. This versatility makes it a good choice if you plan to upgrade your motherboard within the same brand family.
Tower Design: Low-Profile
The design prioritizes vertical clearance over maximum cooling potential. It fits alongside low RAM modules and does not block PCIe slots. This form factor is essential for Mini-ITX cases where space is restricted. It sacrifices some cooling headroom compared to larger towers to ensure physical compatibility with your chassis.
Design and Build Overview
According to the listing, the Thermalright AXP90 X36 stands at 36mm tall. This low-profile tower design fits into small ITX cases where standard coolers will not fit. The unit measures 3.7 inches wide and 3.74 inches long. It weighs 14.4 ounces, which is light for a metal heatsink. You can install it in tight spaces without worrying about case clearance.
The cooler uses four 6mm heat pipes. These pipes use AGHP technology to move heat from the base to the fins. The listing notes a secondary reflow soldering process for the base. This method joins the heat pipes to the copper base for better thermal contact. The platform is all metal, which helps with durability and heat transfer.
The finish includes nickel plating. This coating provides corrosion resistance against acids and alkalis. It also helps maintain low thermal resistance over time. The cooler includes a TL-9015 slim PWM fan. You get a back plate fastener for secure mounting. This design supports both Intel and AMD sockets. The build focuses on compact efficiency rather than large surface area. You get a reliable, thin solution for small builds.
Installation and daily operation
Setting up the Thermalright AXP90 X36 requires attention to case clearance. The cooler stands at 36mm tall. You must verify your case supports this low profile. The unit includes a back plate fastener for mounting. This design supports Intel sockets 115X, 1200, and AMD AM4 and AM5. Check your motherboard socket before purchase. The cooler measures 3.7 inches wide and 3.74 inches long. It weighs 14.4 ounces. This compact footprint fits many small form factor builds. The included TL-9015 fan operates at 12V with a maximum current of 0.2A. Noise levels are listed at 22.4 dBA. This suggests quiet operation during light workloads. The four 6mm heat pipes use AGHP technology. This aims to improve heat transfer from the base to the fins. The nickel plating offers corrosion resistance. You do not need to worry about rust in standard environments. Daily use involves the fan adjusting speed via PWM. The slim fan design allows airflow in tight spaces. You should ensure no RAM modules exceed the cooler height. The low profile limits cooling potential for high-end CPUs. It suits systems with moderate thermal demands. The all-metal platform provides a stable base. Secondary reflow soldering connects the heat pipes. This construction method is standard for reliable thermal contact. You can use this cooler for ITX systems. It is not suitable for standard mid-tower cases where height is not a constraint. The design prioritizes fit over raw cooling power. You get a functional cooling solution for small builds.
Before You Buy This Cooler
This cooler targets small form factor ITX builds where space is tight. The 36mm height allows installation in cases with low clearance. You must verify your case supports this profile before purchasing. The listing notes compatibility with Intel LGA 1150, 1151, 1200, and AMD AM4, AM5 sockets. Check your motherboard socket support carefully. The unit weighs 14.4 ounces. This mass helps stabilize the cooler in compact chassis. You should ensure your RAM does not interfere with the 3.7-inch width. The included fan is slim PWM. Verify your motherboard header supports PWM control for optimal noise management. This option sits alongside other low-profile choices. It suits users prioritizing fit over maximum thermal headroom. If your case allows taller towers, consider higher-performance alternatives. Regular dust cleaning maintains efficiency. The nickel-plated fins resist corrosion. This practical approach ensures longevity in tight spaces without sacrificing basic cooling needs.
Check before you buy
- Verify your case supports 36mm CPU cooler height.
- Confirm your motherboard socket matches AM4, AM5, or Intel LGA 115x/1200.
- Check that RAM sticks do not block the 3.7-inch wide cooler.
- Ensure your motherboard provides a 4-pin PWM fan header.
The product at a glance
Thermalright AXP90 36mm Low-Profile Cooler
Best for: Small ITX cases with low CPU cooler height limits
- Socket Compatibility
- AM4, AM5, LGA1150/1151/1200/1700/1851
- Cooler Height
- 36mm
- Heat Pipes
- 4
- Tower Design
- Low-Profile
- System Type
- ITX
- Features
- Fan
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This is a 36mm low-profile CPU cooler designed for ITX builds. It features four 6mm heat pipes and a slim 12V fan. The unit supports AMD AM4, AM5, and Intel LGA sockets. Its all-metal construction uses nickel plating for corrosion resistance. You should choose this if your case has strict height limits. It fits small form factor systems where standard towers will not fit.
Pros
- 36mm total height fits tight cases
- Four 6mm heat pipes for heat transfer
- Supports AMD AM4, AM5, and Intel LGA sockets
- Slim PWM fan runs at low noise levels
Cons
- 36mm height restricts RAM clearance
- Single fan limits cooling capacity
- No included thermal paste in specifications
Good fit if
- You need a cooler under 40mm tall
- You are building an ITX PC
- You use an AMD AM4 or AM5 processor
Skip if
- You have tall RAM sticks
- You run high-TDP CPUs
- You need RGB lighting
Verdict: Thermalright AXP90 X36 36mm Low-Profile Cooler is a compact solution for small cases. It fits users who prioritize height over raw cooling power.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Thermalright AXP90 36mm Low-Profile Cooler |
|---|---|
| Socket Compatibility | AM4, AM5, LGA1150/1151/1200/1700/1851 |
| Cooler Height | 36mm |
| Heat Pipes | 4 |
| Tower Design | Low-Profile |
| System Type | ITX |
| Features | Fan |
| Dimensions | 3.74 × 3.7 × 0.83 inches |
| Weight | 14.4 ounces |
| Size | Height 36mm |
| Color | AXP90-X36 |
| Model | AXP90 X36 |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Thermalright AXP90 X36 fit LGA 1851 sockets?
Yes, the cooler supports LGA 1851. It also works with AM5, AM4, LGA 1200, LGA 1150, and LGA 1151. This wide socket compatibility allows you to use it across many modern and older platforms. Check your motherboard manual to ensure the mounting holes align with the included hardware.
How tall is the Thermalright AXP90 36mm cooler?
The cooler has a total height of 36mm. This measurement is critical for small ITX cases with low clearance limits. You must measure your case interior to confirm it can accommodate this thin profile. Standard tower coolers are much taller, so this option is specifically for tight spaces.
What is the weight of the AXP90 X36?
The unit weighs 14.4 ounces. This relatively light weight reduces stress on your motherboard socket. It is important to verify that your case standoffs can support this mass without sagging. The compact size also makes it easier to handle during installation in cramped builds.
Is this cooler suitable for non-ITX builds?
No, this cooler is designed primarily for ITX systems. Its low-profile shape and small dimensions make it impractical for larger ATX cases. Standard tower coolers offer better airflow and cooling capacity for larger chassis. You should look for a different model if you are building a standard desktop.
What are the dimensions of the AXP90 X36 cooler?
The cooler measures 3.7 inches in width and 3.74 inches in length. The height is 36mm. These compact dimensions allow it to fit alongside RAM sticks in small cases. Ensure your memory modules do not exceed the height limit imposed by this low-profile design.
Does the AXP90 X36 include a fan?
Yes, the product listing specifies that it includes a fan. This fan is essential for moving air through the heat pipes and fins. You do not need to purchase a separate fan unless you want to upgrade the airflow characteristics. The included fan is sized to match the compact heatsink.