Thermalright or PCCOOLER? CPU Coolers Compared in 2026
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This guide compares the thermalright vs PCCOOLER CPU cooler options for your build. You are looking at two distinct designs: the Thermalright AXP90-X53, a low-profile unit for small cases, and the PCCOOLER RZ820, a high-capacity dual-tower for larger systems. Both coolers use copper heat pipes and PWM fans for speed control. The main difference lies in their physical size and cooling capacity, catering to very different case constraints and processor power requirements.
Key differences
| Aspect | Thermalright 53mm Low Profile ITX CPU Cooler | PCCOOLER 8-Heatpipe Dual-Tower ARGB Cooler |
|---|---|---|
| Tower Design | Low Profile | Dual-Tower |
| Cooler Height | 53mm | 165mm |
| Heat Pipes | 4 | 8 |
| Fan Size | 92mm | 120mm and 140mm |
| Lighting | Not listed | ARGB |
| System Type | ITX | Not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Thermalright 53mm Low Profile ITX CPU Cooler if
- You need a cooler under 60mm for a small form factor case.
- You are building an ITX system with limited RAM clearance.
- You prefer a silent, passive aesthetic without RGB lighting.
Choose PCCOOLER 8-Heatpipe Dual-Tower ARGB Cooler if
- You have a standard ATX mid-tower case with over 165mm clearance.
- You are cooling a high-TDP processor up to 300W.
- You want customizable ARGB lighting for your build.
Verdict: The Thermalright AXP90-X53 is the practical choice for compact ITX builds where space is the primary constraint. The PCCOOLER RZ820 suits users with larger cases who need maximum cooling performance for high-power CPUs. Your decision depends entirely on your case dimensions and thermal requirements.
Thermalright vs PCCOOLER Cooler Specs
tower design
The Thermalright AXP90-X53 uses a low-profile tower design with a total height of just 53mm. This compact build allows it to fit into small ITX cases and HTPC builds where space is extremely limited. In contrast, the PCCOOLER RZ820 features a dual-tower design that stands 165mm tall. This larger structure is intended for standard ATX mid-tower cases. The dual-tower approach provides significantly more surface area for heat dissipation. You must choose the Thermalright if your case clearance is under 60mm. The PCCOOLER requires at least 167mm of vertical space to function correctly.
heat pipes
Thermalright includes four pure copper heat pipes in the AXP90-X53. These pipes utilize AGHP technique to solve inverse gravity effects in vertical or horizontal orientations. PCCOOLER provides eight heat pipes in the RZ820, consisting of four 8mm and four 6mm pipes. The dual-tower design allows these eight pipes to connect to a larger fin array. More heat pipes generally help move heat away from the CPU base faster. The PCCOOLER has double the number of pipes compared to the Thermalright. This supports its higher 300W TDP rating versus the lower profile thermal needs of the Thermalright unit.
fan size
The Thermalright AXP90-X53 comes with a single 92mm PWM fan. This fan runs at a maximum speed of 2700 RPM. It produces up to 42.58 CFM of airflow. The PCCOOLER RZ820 uses two fans: one 120mm front fan and one 140mm rear fan. The front fan reaches 2200 RPM for 86.7 CFM, while the rear fan reaches 1500 RPM for 71.9 CFM. The combined airflow from the PCCOOLER fans is substantially higher. Larger fans also tend to move more air at lower speeds, which can reduce noise. The Thermalright relies on a smaller, faster-spinning fan to fit its low profile.
lighting
The Thermalright AXP90-X53 does not include any RGB lighting features in its specifications. It focuses on pure cooling performance for small form factor builds. The PCCOOLER RZ820 features ARGB lighting with a magnetic aviation-grade aluminum top cover. This lighting syncs with ASUS Aura, MSI Mystic Light, Gigabyte RGB Fusion, and ASRock Polychrome software. The PCCOOLER offers visual customization for your build aesthetics. If you want synchronized lighting effects across your PC components, the PCCOOLER is the only option. The Thermalright provides a minimalist, non-illuminated appearance.
system type
The Thermalright AXP90-X53 is explicitly designed for ITX systems. Its 53mm height makes it ideal for small chassis where standard coolers will not fit. It is suitable for HTPC builds with strict space constraints. The PCCOOLER RZ820 is built for larger ATX mid-tower cases. It is not recommended for compact SFF or budget mid-tower cases due to its 165mm height. The PCCOOLER is better suited for desktops where case size is not a primary limitation. You should select the Thermalright for ITX builds. Choose the PCCOOLER for standard desktop towers with ample internal space.
socket compatibility
Both coolers support a wide range of modern CPU sockets. The Thermalright AXP90-X53 supports Intel LGA1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 1200, 1700, and 1851, as well as AMD AM4 and AM5. The PCCOOLER RZ820 supports Intel LGA1851, 1700, 1200, 115X, and 20XX, along with AMD AM5 and AM4. Both units cover the latest LGA1851 and AM5 platforms. The PCCOOLER also lists support for the older LGA20XX socket. The Thermalright covers slightly older Intel sockets like 1150 and 1155. Both provide comprehensive mounting hardware for current and recent generations.
Which CPU Cooler Suits Your Build
Small ITX case builders with tight space
You need a cooler that fits in cramped chassis. The Thermalright AXP90-X53 stands only 53mm tall. It uses four pure copper heat pipes with AGHP technology to manage heat effectively in a vertical or horizontal orientation. This low-profile design ensures compatibility with small form factor motherboards without blocking memory slots.
Users needing high cooling for powerful CPUs
You require significant thermal dissipation for high-end processors. The PCCOOLER RZ820 offers an 8-heatpipe dual-tower design rated for 300W TDP. It includes two PWM fans delivering up to 86.7 CFM airflow. This robust construction handles sustained loads better than smaller units, making it suitable for Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 9 systems.
Builders wanting RGB lighting and quiet operation
You value aesthetics and acoustic performance. The PCCOOLER RZ820 features ARGB lighting on its top cover that syncs with major motherboard software. Its dual fans use FDB bearings for quiet operation, ranging from 14dBA to 32dBA. This combination provides a visually appealing build with reliable airflow and minimal noise during standard computing tasks.
The products compared
Thermalright 53mm Low Profile ITX CPU Cooler
Best for: small form factor ITX builds
- 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
This low-profile air cooler stands 53mm tall, making it ideal for compact ITX builds. It uses four 6mm copper heat pipes with AGHP technology to manage heat effectively. The included 92mm PWM fan runs up to 2700RPM, providing 42.58 CFM of airflow while keeping noise at 22.4 dB. It supports Intel LGA1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets for broad compatibility.
Pros
- 53mm height fits small chassis
- 4 pure copper heat pipes with AGHP
- 92mm PWM fan with 42.58 CFM airflow
- Supports Intel 1700/1851 and AMD AM5
Cons
- Lower TDP capacity than dual-tower coolers
- Requires motherboard backplate for AMD installation
- Single 92mm fan limits airflow compared to larger units
Good fit if
- You need a cooler under 60mm height
- You build in an ITX case
- You use an Intel LGA1700 or AMD AM5 CPU
Skip if
- You require high airflow for extreme overclocking
- You have a standard ATX case with no height limits
- You prefer ARGB lighting on the heatsink
Verdict: Thermalright AXP90-X53 Low Profile CPU Cooler is a compact solution for ITX builders who need reliable cooling in tight spaces. It fits users prioritizing size over maximum thermal headroom.
PCCOOLER 8-Heatpipe Dual-Tower ARGB Cooler
Best for: High TDP cooling in spacious ATX cases
- Socket Compatibility
- LGA1851/1700/1200/115X/20XX, AM5/AM4
- Cooler Height
- 165mm
- Heat Pipes
- 8
- Tower Design
- Dual-Tower
- Fan Size
- 120mm, 140mm
- TDP Rating
- 300W
View on Amazon: PCCOOLER 8-Heatpipe Dual-Tower ARGB Cooler Affiliate link
The PCCOOLER RZ820 is a dual-tower air cooler with an 8-heatpipe array and a 300W TDP rating. It uses a 140mm rear fan and a 120mm front fan for airflow. The design supports ARGB lighting and fits most ATX mid-tower cases with 165mm clearance. It targets users needing high thermal dissipation without liquid cooling risks.
Pros
- 8 heatpipes deliver 300W continuous thermal dissipation
- Dual-tower design with 140mm and 120mm fans
- ARGB lighting syncs with major motherboard suites
- Pre-applied thermal paste and tool-free installation
Cons
- 165mm height exceeds 160mm limits in compact cases
- May interfere with the first PCIe GPU slot
- Not recommended for sustained overclocks above 5.2GHz
Good fit if
- You need high TDP cooling without liquid loops
- Your case supports 165mm CPU cooler height
- You want ARGB lighting compatible with ASUS or MSI
Skip if
- You use a compact SFF or 4U case
- Your motherboard has less than 25mm GPU clearance
- You plan sustained overclocks above 5.2GHz
Verdict: PCCOOLER RZ820 Dual-Tower CPU Cooler fits users with spacious ATX cases who need high thermal performance without liquid cooling risks. It is not suitable for compact builds or extreme overclocking.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Thermalright 53mm Low Profile ITX CPU Cooler | PCCOOLER 8-Heatpipe Dual-Tower ARGB Cooler |
|---|---|---|
| Socket Compatibility | AM4, AM5, LGA1150/1151/1200/1700/1851 | LGA1851/1700/1200/115X/20XX, AM5/AM4 |
| Cooler Height | 53mm | 165mm |
| Heat Pipes | 4 | 8 |
| Tower Design | Low-Profile | Dual-Tower |
| Fan Size | 92mm | 120mm, 140mm |
| TDP Rating | not stated | 300W |
| Fan Speed | 2700 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Lighting | not stated | ARGB |
| System Type | ITX | not stated |
| Color | AXP90 X53 | Black |
| Compatible Device | not stated | RAM |
| Features | Fan | not stated |
| Dimensions | 3.72 × 3.74 × 2.09 inches | 6.34 × 5.91 × 6.5 inches |
| Weight | 1.1 pounds | not stated |
| Size | 53mm | not stated |
| Model | AXP90 X53 | RZ820 BK |
Frequently asked questions
Is Thermalright better than PCCOOLER for small ITX cases?
Thermalright is the better choice for small form factor builds. The AXP90-X53 stands only 53mm tall, allowing it to fit in tight spaces where larger coolers will not. PCCOOLER offers a dual-tower design that requires more height and is not suitable for compact chassis.
Which cooler has higher thermal performance for ATX builds?
The PCCOOLER RZ820 provides higher thermal performance for spacious ATX cases. It features eight heat pipes and a dual-tower structure to handle high TDP loads. The Thermalright model is designed for size constraints rather than maximum cooling headroom, making it less ideal for high-power CPUs.
Does the PCCOOLER RZ820 include RGB lighting?
Yes, the PCCOOLER RZ820 includes ARGB lighting. This feature adds visual customization to your build. The Thermalright AXP90-X53 does not list any lighting specifications in its data, focusing instead on its low-profile physical dimensions and cooling efficiency for small cases.
Can the Thermalright AXP90-X53 fit in a standard ATX case?
Yes, it will fit, but it is optimized for ITX builds. Its compact 53mm height ensures compatibility with most chassis, including larger ones. However, it is not designed for extreme overclocking or high TDP processors, so you should consider the PCCOOLER RZ820 for maximum cooling capacity.
What is the weight difference between these two coolers?
The Thermalright AXP90-X53 weighs 1.1 pounds. The PCCOOLER RZ820 does not list a specific weight in the provided data. You should check the manual or retailer details for the exact weight of the PCCOOLER unit if mounting stress is a concern for your motherboard.
Is the PCCOOLER RZ820 suitable for extreme overclocking?
No, it is not suitable for extreme overclocking. The product verdict explicitly states this limitation. It is designed for high TDP cooling in spacious ATX cases but lacks the headroom for extreme tuning. You should look for other solutions if your primary goal is maximum overclocking performance.