Thermalright vs SilverStone CPU Coolers: Which Brand Fits You?
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When comparing a thermalright vs SilverStone CPU cooler, you often find two brands targeting compact builds. Both options provide low-profile cooling solutions designed for small form factor cases. The main difference lies in their physical dimensions and socket support. The Thermalright model offers a taller 53mm profile with broad AMD and Intel compatibility. The SilverStone unit is significantly slimmer at 23mm but restricts you to older Intel sockets. You must choose based on your case height limits and motherboard generation.
Key differences
| Aspect | Thermalright 53mm Low Profile ITX CPU Cooler | SilverStone 80mm Low-Profile CPU Cooler |
|---|---|---|
| Cooler Height | 53mm | 23mm |
| Socket Compatibility | LGA 1700, 1200, 115x, AM5, AM4 | LGA 1156, 1155, 1150 |
| Heat Pipes | 4 pure copper pipes | Not listed |
| Fan Size | 92mm | 80mm |
| System Type | ITX | Low profile systems |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Thermalright 53mm Low Profile ITX CPU Cooler if
- You need a cooler for modern LGA 1700 or AM5 motherboards.
- Your case allows up to 53mm of height for better airflow.
- You want pure copper heat pipes for improved heat dissipation.
Choose SilverStone 80mm Low-Profile CPU Cooler if
- You are building a very tight HTPC with strict height limits.
- Your motherboard only supports LGA 115x sockets.
- You prioritize a minimal 23mm profile over raw cooling potential.
Verdict: The Thermalright AXP90-X53 is the better choice for most users due to its support for current CPU sockets and larger fan size. The SilverStone NT07-115X is only suitable for legacy Intel systems or extremely constrained cases. Select the Thermalright option unless your physical space strictly forbids anything over 23mm.
Thermalright vs Silverstone Specs
Cooler height
The Thermalright AXP90-X53 stands 53mm tall, offering more vertical space for heat dissipation. SilverStone’s NT07-115X is significantly slimmer at just 23mm. This extreme thinness allows the SilverStone unit to fit into very tight chassis where even 53mm might not clear surrounding components. You must check your case clearance carefully. If your case allows slightly more height, the Thermalright option provides a larger surface area for airflow.
Heat pipes
Thermalright includes four pure copper heat pipes using AGHP technology to manage heat effectively in various orientations. The data for the SilverStone NT07-115X does not specify the number or type of heat pipes, noting only a copper center and base. This lack of detail makes it harder to compare thermal transfer capabilities directly. The Thermalright design explicitly addresses gravity effects on heat pipe performance, which is a clear specification advantage for consistent cooling.
Fan size
Thermalright uses a 92mm fan, while SilverStone employs an 80mm fan. Larger fans generally move more air at lower speeds, potentially reducing noise. The Thermalright fan delivers 42.58 CFM of air volume with a maximum noise level of 22.4 dB. SilverStone’s 80mm fan provides 28.1 CFM and operates at 26.0 decibels. The bigger fan in the Thermalright cooler suggests better airflow capacity and quieter operation under load compared to the smaller SilverStone unit.
Socket compatibility
Thermalright supports a wide range of modern sockets, including Intel LGA1700/1851 and AMD AM4/AM5. SilverStone is limited to older Intel LGA1150, 1155, and 1156 sockets. If you are building a current system with new Intel or AMD processors, the SilverStone cooler is not compatible. The Thermalright model offers broad support for both current and legacy platforms, making it the only viable choice for newer hardware builds.
System type
Both coolers are designed for low-profile ITX and small form factor builds. Thermalright is explicitly marketed for ITX motherboards and HTPC cases. SilverStone is also designed for low-profile systems. While both serve compact builds, the Thermalright model’s 53mm height might be too tall for some ultra-compact cases compared to the 23mm SilverStone. However, for standard ITX cases, both fit the intended system type effectively.
Which Thermalright or Silverstone Fits Your Build
ITX builders needing moderate height clearance
You choose this Thermalright model when your case allows up to 53mm of height. It uses four 6mm heat pipes with AGHP technology to manage heat better than thinner units. The 92mm fan provides 42.58 CFM airflow and supports modern sockets like LGA1700 and AM5. This makes it a versatile choice for small builds that need more than minimal cooling capacity.
Users with extreme height restrictions under 25mm
You pick this SilverStone cooler if your chassis height is strictly limited to 23mm. It is the only option here that fits such tight spaces. It uses an 80mm fan to generate 28.1 CFM of airflow. Note that it only supports older Intel LGA115x sockets. This makes it a specialized tool for legacy low-profile systems where no other cooler fits.
Owners of modern AMD or Intel platforms
You select the Thermalright cooler because it supports current platforms including LGA1700, LGA1851, AM4, and AM5. The SilverStone model is limited to LGA1150 and LGA1156. If you are building with recent hardware, the Thermalright unit is the only compatible option. It also includes a 92mm fan for better static pressure compared to the 80mm fan on the SilverStone.
The products compared
Thermalright 53mm Low Profile ITX CPU Cooler
Best for: Small ITX cases and HTPC 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 suitable for small ITX cases and HTPC builds. It uses four 6mm pure copper heat pipes with AGHP technology to manage heat effectively in vertical or horizontal orientations. The unit includes a 92mm PWM fan that reaches 2700 RPM, delivering 42.58 CFM of airflow while maintaining a noise level of 22.4 dB. It supports Intel LGA 1150-1851 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets.
Pros
- Compact 53mm height fits tight ITX chassis
- Four 6mm pure copper heat pipes with AGHP tech
- Quiet 92mm PWM fan with 22.4 dB max noise
- Broad compatibility with Intel and AMD platforms
Cons
- Low profile design limits cooling capacity for high-TDP CPUs
- Requires motherboard backplate for AMD installation
- 92mm fan may not fit all small cases
Good fit if
- You need a cooler under 53mm for an ITX case
- You use an Intel LGA 1700 or 1200 CPU
- You prioritize low noise and compact size
Skip if
- You require a high-performance cooler for heavy overclocking
- You have a case with less than 53mm CPU cooler clearance
- You prefer a tower design for better airflow
Verdict: Thermalright AXP90-X53 Low Profile ITX Cooler is a practical solution for users with strict height constraints in small form factor builds. It delivers reliable cooling for moderate loads without compromising on space or noise levels.
SilverStone 80mm Low-Profile CPU Cooler
Best for: Old Intel LGA 1150/1156 in small cases
- Socket Compatibility
- LGA 1156/1155/1150
- Cooler Height
- 23mm
- Tower Design
- Low Profile
- Fan Size
- 80mm
- Dimensions
- 4 × 4 × 3 inches
- Weight
- 8 ounces
View on Amazon: SilverStone 80mm Low-Profile CPU Cooler Affiliate link
The SilverStone NT07-115X is a low-profile air cooler standing 23mm tall. It uses an 80mm PWM fan to move 28.1 CFM of air at 26.0 decibels. The heatsink combines a copper base with extruded aluminum fins. It supports Intel LGA 1156 and LGA 1150 sockets. This design suits users building compact systems with strict height limits.
Pros
- Ultra-slim 23mm height fits tight cases
- 80mm PWM fan provides 28.1 CFM airflow
- Copper base and extruded aluminum fins
- Quiet operation at 26.0 decibels
Cons
- Limited to Intel LGA 1150 and 1156 sockets
- 80mm fan size restricts airflow potential
- No support for modern LGA 1700 or AM5 sockets
Good fit if
- You need a cooler under 30mm for a small form factor case
- You are building with an older Intel LGA 1150 or 1156 processor
- You prioritize low noise levels in a compact build
Skip if
- You use a modern Intel LGA 1700 or AMD AM5 motherboard
- You require a standard 120mm or 140mm fan for maximum cooling
- You need a cooler taller than 23mm for better heat dissipation
Verdict: SilverStone Super Slim 23mm CPU Cooler is a specialized solution for older Intel platforms in small cases. It fits users who need minimal height and quiet operation on LGA 1150 or 1156 boards.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Thermalright 53mm Low Profile ITX CPU Cooler | SilverStone 80mm Low-Profile CPU Cooler |
|---|---|---|
| Socket Compatibility | AM4, AM5, LGA1150/1151/1200/1700/1851 | LGA 1156/1155/1150 |
| Cooler Height | 53mm | 23mm |
| Heat Pipes | 4 | not stated |
| Tower Design | Low-Profile | Low Profile |
| Fan Size | 92mm | 80mm |
| Fan Speed | 2700 RPM | not stated |
| System Type | ITX | not stated |
| Features | Fan | not stated |
| Dimensions | 3.72 × 3.74 × 2.09 inches | 4 × 4 × 3 inches |
| Weight | 1.1 pounds | 8 ounces |
| Size | 53mm | not stated |
| Color | AXP90 X53 | NT07-115X |
| Model | AXP90 X53 | NT07-115X |
Frequently asked questions
Is Thermalright better than SilverStone for ITX builds?
Thermalright is often preferred for modern ITX builds due to its taller 53mm profile. This height allows for more heat dissipation surface area compared to SilverStone’s 23mm unit. The Thermalright model supports a broader range of system types, making it more versatile for current hardware.
Which cooler fits older Intel sockets like LGA 1150?
The SilverStone NT07-115X is designed specifically for older Intel platforms including LGA 1150 and LGA 1156. If you are building with legacy hardware in a small case, this SilverStone option provides the necessary socket compatibility that the Thermalright model does not explicitly list.
How much height clearance do I need for these coolers?
You need at least 53mm of clearance for the Thermalright AXP90-X53. For the SilverStone NT07-115X, you only need 23mm of height. This makes the SilverStone unit suitable for extremely tight chassis where even 53mm would prevent the side panel from closing properly.
What are the physical dimensions of the Thermalright cooler?
The Thermalright AXP90-X53 measures 3.74 inches in width, 3.72 inches in length, and 2.09 inches in height. It weighs 1.1 pounds. These dimensions define the space it occupies within your case, which is larger than the SilverStone alternative in terms of vertical clearance.
Which cooler is lighter for portable builds?
The SilverStone NT07-115X weighs only 8 ounces, making it significantly lighter than the Thermalright model. The Thermalright AXP90-X53 weighs 1.1 pounds. If you prioritize minimal weight for a mobile or frequently moved setup, the SilverStone unit is the lighter choice.
Can I use the SilverStone cooler on modern motherboards?
The SilverStone NT07-115X lists compatibility only for LGA 1150 and LGA 1156 sockets. It may not fit modern motherboards without checking specific socket support. The Thermalright model is described for general ITX systems, suggesting broader applicability for newer hardware configurations.
What is the main difference between these two brands?
The primary difference is height and target socket. Thermalright offers a 53mm cooler for general ITX use. SilverStone offers a 23mm cooler focused on older LGA 1150/1156 platforms. Your choice depends on whether you need maximum thinness or more vertical height for cooling efficiency.