The best mini PC coolers balance compact size, efficient heat dissipation, and low noise. Top performers include Thermalright’s AXP90-X36 for air cooling (37mm height, 4 heat pipes) and ID-COOLING’s IS-40X V3 with PWM control. For water cooling, Cooler Master’s MasterLiquid ML120L V2 offers 120mm radiator compatibility in tight spaces. Prioritize models under 50mm height for SFF builds, ensuring compatibility with TDP ≤150W processors like AMD Ryzen 9 7900 or Intel Core i7-13700K.
What Are the Best Emulators to Use on Mini PCs?
Table of Contents
Top 5 Mini PCs in 2025
| Rank | Model | Processor | RAM | Storage | Price | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GEEKOM Mini IT12 (Best Performance) | Intel i5-12450H (8C/12T) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD | $379.00 | Check Price |
| 2 | GMKtec N150 (1TB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 1TB PCIe M.2 SSD | $191.99 | Check Price |
| 3 | KAMRUI GK3Plus (Budget Pick) | Intel N95 (3.4GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB M.2 SSD | $169.99 | Check Price |
| 4 | ACEMAGICIAN N150 (Cheapest 16GB) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 256GB SSD | $139.99 | Check Price |
| 5 | GMKtec N150 (512GB SSD) | Intel N150 (3.6GHz) | 16GB DDR4 | 512GB PCIe SSD | $168.99 | Check Price |
What factors determine mini PC cooler performance?
Key factors include thermal design power (TDP) rating, heatsink surface area (≥8000mm² preferred), and fan airflow (25-40 CFM optimal). Noise levels below 25 dBA ensure silent operation in compact environments. Pro Tip: Match cooler height to your case clearance—most mini-ITX cases allow ≤65mm coolers.
Mini PC coolers face unique challenges due to limited space. The heat pipe count directly impacts thermal transfer efficiency—4-6 copper pipes are standard in premium models like Noctua NH-L9i. Fan blade design also matters: 92mm PWM fans with fluid dynamic bearings (e.g., Thermalright TL-9015) provide better static pressure for pushing air through dense heatsinks. For example, the ID-COOLING IS-47-XT cools 95W TDP CPUs while maintaining 28 dBA noise—equivalent to a whisper. Transitional note: While raw power matters, installation clearance often dictates choices.
Air vs. liquid cooling for mini PCs?
Air coolers dominate mini builds due to zero maintenance and lower costs (avg. $30-$60), while 120mm AIO liquid coolers like NZXT Kraken M22 handle higher TDPs (up to 180W) but require radiator space. Consider noise—pump hum adds 3-5 dBA versus fan-only systems.
Air cooling remains king for most mini PCs under 5L volume. The direct-touch heatpipe base in models like Scythe Big Shuriken 3 ensures rapid heat transfer from CPU dies. Liquid cooling shines in slightly larger cases (10-15L) where 240mm radiators can fit—Corsair iCUE H100i RGB Pro XT reduces temps by 8-12°C versus top air coolers. But what if space is ultra-limited? Low-profile designs like Thermalright AXP90-X47 Full Copper (47mm tall) outperform stock coolers by 20°C under load. Transitional note: Hybrid solutions exist, but complexity often outweighs benefits in compact builds.
| Type | Avg. Temp Reduction | Noise |
|---|---|---|
| Air (Top-tier) | 18-22°C | 22-28 dBA |
| AIO Liquid | 25-30°C | 25-33 dBA |
How does TDP affect cooler selection?
Match cooler TDP to CPU requirements plus 20% headroom. A 65W Ryzen 5 7600X needs at least 78W cooling capacity—achievable with Cooler Master GeminII M5 (89W TDP). High-end chips like Core i9-13900K (125W base) demand premium solutions like Noctua NH-D12L.
TDP ratings aren’t absolute—real-world power draw often exceeds manufacturer specs during boosts. For AMD Ryzen 7000 series, transient spikes reach 142W even on 105W TDP chips. This necessitates coolers with rapid thermal response, like Thermalright Silver Soul 135’s dual-tower design. Pro Tip: Use open-frame test benches to measure peak temps before finalizing mini PC builds. Transitional note: Undervolting can reduce thermal demands by 15-20%, making mid-range coolers viable for high-TDP CPUs.
Which brands lead in compact cooling?
Top performers include Thermalright (AXP series), Noctua (NH-L9x65), and ID-COOLING (IS series). Thermalright’s AXP90-X53 holds the mini-ITX cooling record—53mm height with 6 heat pipes cooling 150W CPUs.
Brand reliability matters in confined spaces. Noctua’s NF-A9x14 fans offer 19.7 CFM airflow at just 19.8 dBA—ideal for silent HTPCs. ID-COOLING’s IS-60 EVO uses a 60mm-thick vapor chamber to outperform competitors at 55mm height. For example, in a 4L Velka 3 case, the IS-60 EVO keeps an i7-12700K at 75°C during gaming—15°C cooler than stock solutions. Transitional note: Always check manufacturer compatibility lists—some coolers conflict with tall RAM modules.
| Brand | Flagship Model | Height |
|---|---|---|
| Thermalright | AXP120-X67 | 67mm |
| Noctua | NH-L12S | 70mm |
| ID-COOLING | IS-55 | 55mm |
Are liquid coolers viable under 100mm height?
Yes—custom loops with DC-LT 2600 pumps and 92mm radiators (e.g., Alphacool NexXxoS ST25) can fit 80mm spaces. Prebuilt options like Asetek 645LT (67mm pump+radiator) handle 180W TDP but require external PSU connections.
Ultra-compact liquid cooling pushes engineering limits. The Alphacool Eisbaer LT Solo combines a 40mm-thick radiator with quick-disconnect tubing for SFF builds. In testing, it reduced i9-12900K temps by 35°C versus air cooling—but costs 3x more. Transitional note: Maintenance complexity increases exponentially in small-form-factor liquid systems—leak risks aren’t worth it for most users.
What innovations are shaping 2025 mini coolers?
Graphene-coated vapor chambers (30% better conductivity) and magnetic levitation fans (0 friction noise) lead 2025’s trends. Thermalright’s prototype AXP100-C60 uses carbon nanotubes to cool 200W CPUs at 60mm height—45% efficiency gain over copper.
Future mini coolers will leverage phase-change materials like gallium alloys for instant heat absorption. Cooler Master’s 2025 roadmap shows 50mm-thick coolers handling 250W TDP via microchannel liquid loops. But are these feasible? Early benchmarks suggest 10-15°C improvements over current tech, but mass production remains 18-24 months out. Transitional note: Always wait for third-party reviews before adopting cutting-edge cooling solutions.
Battery Expert Insight
FAQs
No—mini PC cases typically support ≤80mm coolers. Full-size tower coolers like Noctua NH-D15 (165mm) physically won’t fit and may damage components.
Do low-profile coolers require special mounting?
Most use standard AM4/LGA1700 brackets, but check clearance for rear I/O shields. Some ITX boards like ASUS ROG Strix X670E-I need <3mm backplate protrusions.
How often should I replace thermal paste?
Every 2-3 years for optimal performance. Use high-conductivity pastes like Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut (12.5 W/m·K) to maximize heat transfer.