Thermalright 53mm Low Profile ITX CPU Cooler vs Thermalright AXP90 36mm Low-Profile Cooler: Spec Comparison
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You are comparing the thermalright axp90 x53 low profile itx vs axp90 x36 low profile itx. Both units use four 6mm heat pipes and AGHP technology for efficient heat transfer. They share the same 92mm fan size and support modern Intel and AMD sockets. The main difference is height. The X53 stands 53mm tall for more fins. The X36 is only 36mm tall for tight cases.
Key differences
| Aspect | Thermalright 53mm Low Profile ITX CPU Cooler | Thermalright AXP90 36mm Low-Profile Cooler |
|---|---|---|
| Cooler Height | 53mm | 36mm |
| Weight | 1.1 pounds | 14.4 ounces |
| Fan Speed | 2700RPM ± 10% | Not listed |
| Air Pressure | 1.33mmH2O (MAX) | Not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Thermalright 53mm Low Profile ITX CPU Cooler if
- You need extra cooling surface area for higher TDP CPUs.
- You want a taller cooler that fits in your case.
- You prefer detailed fan speed and pressure specifications.
Choose Thermalright AXP90 36mm Low-Profile Cooler if
- You have a very tight case with low RAM clearance.
- You need the lightest possible low-profile cooler.
- You prioritize minimum height over maximum fin density.
Verdict: The X53 offers more cooling potential due to its larger surface area and taller design. The X36 is the better choice for ultra-compact builds where space is the primary constraint. Both models share the same core heat pipe technology and fan compatibility.
Height and Physical Fit
Cooler height
The Thermalright 53mm Low Profile ITX CPU Cooler stands 53mm tall, or 2.09 inches. This height allows for a larger heatsink mass and potentially better heat dissipation in cases with moderate clearance. In contrast, the Thermalright AXP90 36mm Low-Profile Cooler is significantly shorter at 36mm, or 0.83 inches. This slim profile is designed for extremely tight spaces where memory modules or other components might block taller coolers. If your case has strict height limits, the 36mm model offers the necessary clearance. However, if you have more vertical space, the 53mm unit provides a larger surface area for cooling.
Socket compatibility
Both coolers support a wide range of modern processors. The 53mm model lists support for Intel LGA1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 1700, and 1851, as well as AMD AM4 and AM5. The 36mm model covers Intel LGA1150, 1151, 1200, 1700, and 1851, along with AMD AM4 and AM5. The key difference is that the 53mm cooler explicitly includes support for the older LGA1155 and LGA1156 sockets. If you are building on an older Intel platform from the Sandy Bridge or Ivy Bridge era, the 53mm unit is the compatible choice. For all newer platforms, both options work equally well.
Cooler weight
Weight can matter for motherboard strain and shipping safety. The 53mm cooler weighs 1.1 pounds. The 36mm cooler weighs 14.4 ounces, which converts to approximately 0.9 pounds. The 53mm model is slightly heavier due to its larger aluminum radiator and potentially more material in the fins. The 36mm unit is lighter, which may reduce stress on the motherboard socket over time, especially in compact ITX builds where the board itself is smaller. The difference is modest, but the lighter 36mm cooler has a slight advantage for minimal weight.
Fan noise level
Noise output is a critical factor for quiet builds. The 53mm cooler specifies a maximum noise level of 22.4 dB(A) at its maximum fan speed of 2700 RPM. The 36mm cooler also lists a noise level of 22.4 dB(A). Both units use the same TL-9015 92mm fan, which explains the identical noise specifications. Since the fan technology and noise ratings are the same, neither product has an advantage in terms of acoustic performance based on the provided data. You can expect similar quiet operation from either cooler when running at their respective maximums.
Tower design
Both coolers utilize a low-profile tower design with four 6mm copper heat pipes. They both employ AGHP (Advanced Gravity Heat Pipe) technology to improve heat transfer efficiency by addressing the inverse gravity effect. The 53mm model has a larger heatsink footprint, measuring 94.5mm by 95mm, allowing for more fin surface area. The 36mm model has a slightly smaller footprint, measuring 3.7 inches by 3.74 inches. While the core technology is identical, the 53mm tower design offers more physical mass for heat absorption. This larger surface area generally translates to better thermal performance in real-world scenarios.
Which cooler fits your build
Users with 53mm clearance needing max cooling
The 53mm height allows for a larger aluminum radiator and more heat dissipation capacity. You get the same four 6mm heat pipes and AGHP technology as the smaller model. The 92mm fan moves 42.58 CFM of air at up to 2700 RPM. This higher airflow helps manage heat in compact ITX cases where space is limited but not extremely tight.
Builders with tight 36mm case limits
This cooler stands only 36mm tall, fitting into the most restrictive small form factor cases. It retains four 6mm heat pipes and AGHP technology for reliable performance. The weight is just 14.4 ounces, making it lighter than the taller version. It supports all modern Intel and AMD sockets, ensuring broad compatibility for your specific motherboard without clearance issues.
Those prioritizing airflow volume in ITX
With a 53mm profile, this model accommodates a larger heatsink surface area. The included 92mm fan delivers up to 42.58 CFM of air volume. This higher airflow rate can improve thermal performance compared to the 36mm variant. You also get a 1.1-pound build that feels sturdy. The 22.4 dB noise level remains quiet even at higher speeds.
The products compared
Thermalright 53mm Low Profile ITX CPU Cooler
Best for: ITX cases needing 53mm 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 53mm low-profile air cooler designed for ITX builds. It features a 92mm fan, four 6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology, and a pure copper base. The unit measures 94.5x95x53mm and supports Intel LGA1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets. You get a compact solution that fits small chassis while maintaining compatibility with standard memory modules.
Pros
- 53mm total height for small chassis compatibility
- Four 6mm copper heat pipes with AGHP technology
- 92mm PWM fan with 42.58 CFM max airflow
- Pure copper base for efficient heat transfer
Cons
- Larger 92mm fan may not fit in very tight cases
- Heavier at 1.1 pounds compared to smaller variants
- Requires motherboard backplate for AMD installation
Good fit if
- You need a cooler under 55mm for an ITX case
- You use Intel LGA1700 or AMD AM5 sockets
- You have standard memory height without clearance issues
Skip if
- You require a cooler under 36mm in height
- Your case cannot accommodate a 92mm fan
- You need a cooler under 1 pound in weight
Verdict: Thermalright AXP90 X53 53mm Low Profile Cooler fits ITX builders needing more height than the 36mm version allows. It offers better thermal capacity for standard cases while remaining compact.
Thermalright AXP90 36mm Low-Profile Cooler
Best for: ITX builds with strict 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
View on Amazon: Thermalright AXP90 36mm Low-Profile Cooler Affiliate link
This 36mm low-profile cooler is built for tight ITX cases. It uses four 6mm heat pipes and a 90mm fan to move heat away from the CPU. The unit weighs 14.4 ounces and fits AMD AM4, AM5, and Intel LGA sockets. You get a slim design that clears small RAM sticks while maintaining compatibility with modern platforms. It is a straightforward solution for space-constrained builds.
Pros
- 36mm total height for maximum clearance
- Four 6mm AGHP heat pipes for efficient transfer
- Compatible with AMD AM4, AM5, and Intel LGA sockets
- Quiet operation with noise levels at or below 22.4 dBA
Cons
- 36mm height limits cooling capacity for high-wattage CPUs
- Heatsink is only 3.7 inches wide, restricting RAM clearance
- Includes only one fan, offering less airflow than larger coolers
Good fit if
- You need a cooler under 40mm for your case
- You are building an AMD AM5 or Intel LGA1700 system
- You prioritize component clearance over maximum cooling performance
Skip if
- You have a high-TDP processor that requires more surface area
- You need to fit tall RAM sticks with large heat spreaders
- You want a cooler with multiple fans for better airflow
Verdict: Thermalright AXP90 X36 Low-Profile Cooler is a compact solution for ITX builds where space is the primary constraint. It fits users who need to clear tall RAM while keeping their system under 40mm in height.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Thermalright 53mm Low Profile ITX CPU Cooler | Thermalright AXP90 36mm Low-Profile Cooler |
|---|---|---|
| Socket Compatibility | AM4, AM5, LGA1150/1151/1200/1700/1851 | AM4, AM5, LGA1150/1151/1200/1700/1851 |
| Cooler Height | 53mm | 36mm |
| Heat Pipes | 4 | 4 |
| Tower Design | Low-Profile | Low-Profile |
| Fan Size | 92mm | not stated |
| Fan Speed | 2700 RPM | not stated |
| System Type | ITX | ITX |
| Features | Fan | Fan |
| Dimensions | 3.72 × 3.74 × 2.09 inches | 3.74 × 3.7 × 0.83 inches |
| Weight | 1.1 pounds | 14.4 ounces |
| Size | 53mm | Height 36mm |
| Color | AXP90 X53 | AXP90-X36 |
| Model | AXP90 X53 | AXP90 X36 |
Frequently asked questions
Which cooler is lighter, the 53mm or 36mm version?
The 36mm model is lighter. It weighs 14.4 ounces. The 53mm model weighs 1.1 pounds. This difference matters if you are mounting the cooler directly to a motherboard without a backplate support. The lighter unit puts less stress on the PCB.
Do both coolers use the same fan size?
Yes, both units use a 92mm fan. The 53mm cooler has a width of 3.74 inches and a length of 3.72 inches. The 36mm cooler has a width of 3.7 inches and a length of 3.74 inches. The fan dimensions are identical for both models.
Can the AXP90 X36 fit in cases with RAM clearance under 40mm?
Yes, the AXP90 X36 fits builds with strict height limits. Its height is 36mm, or 0.83 inches. This allows it to clear tall RAM sticks. It is designed for ITX cases where space is the primary constraint. The 53mm version is too tall for this specific use case.
Is the 53mm cooler suitable for standard ITX cases?
Yes, it fits ITX builders needing more height than the 36mm version allows. It offers better thermal capacity for standard cases while remaining compact. Its 53mm height provides more aluminum mass for heat dissipation compared to the thinner 36mm alternative.
Do these coolers support AM5 and LGA 1851 sockets?
Yes, the AXP90 X36 supports AM4, AM5, LGA 1851, LGA 1200, LGA 1150, and LGA 1151. The 53mm model is also designed for ITX systems. Both are built for modern CPU sockets. You should verify your specific motherboard socket compatibility before purchasing.
What is the physical footprint difference between the two models?
The footprint is nearly identical. The 53mm model measures 3.74 inches wide and 3.72 inches long. The 36mm model measures 3.7 inches wide and 3.74 inches long. Both fit standard 92mm fan mounting holes. The main difference is the vertical height, not the base area.