Verdict
All guidesResearchOpen dataMethodologyAboutContact
Head-to-head · Best Cpu Air Coolers

Arctic Freezer 36 vs Thermalright AXP90-X47

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.
The short answer

Thermalright AXP90-X47 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.5 vs 3.6). The gap is mostly about users needing high-performance low-profile cooling — read the strengths below before deciding.

Arctic Freezer 36
Ranked #9 in Best Cpu Air Coolers
Arctic Freezer 36
8 sources1 derived$21.49as of Oct 2

The cooler features a single-tower design with a fat tower that improves airflow, and its fan mount uses four screws for a firm connection. However, performance is middling on AMD CPUs compared to competition. The Freezer 36 follows the prior Freezer 34 Esports Duo and avoids the mistakes of the Freezer 50, which was criticized for strapping plastic appendages to a cooler.

Strengths
  • — Offers good value when on sale
  • — Uses a single-tower design with a fat tower for better airflow
  • — Features a fan mount that snaps in with four Phillips 2 screws for firm connection
Watch-outs
  • — Requires installation of an included contact frame for Intel CPUs
  • — Performance is middling on AMD CPUs compared to competition
$21.49 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Thermalright AXP90-X47
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Cpu Air Coolers
Thermalright AXP90-X47
3 sourcesall derived$38as of Oct 2

The Thermalright AXP90-X47 Full is an all-copper low-profile CPU cooler that delivers exceptional performance within its 47mm height constraint, according to sff.gg. It outperforms all other coolers in its class and is considered one of the best available. The cooler features a 4x 6mm copper heat pipe design with a nickel-coated copper base and cooling fins. While it offers excellent cooling performance, the mounting system requires securing from the back of the motherboard, which is considered outdated. The included orange stock fan is not aesthetically compatible with most systems, though the review recommends swapping it for an NF-A9x14 or RTX 4070 CNC fan.

Strengths
  • — All copper construction with 4x 6mm heat pipes and copper base for superior thermal performance
  • — Outperforms all other coolers in the 47mm height class
  • — Compact 47mm profile suitable for low-profile builds
Watch-outs
  • — Outdated mounting system that secures from the back of the motherboard
  • — Stock fan is only available in orange and doesn't match most system aesthetics
$38 · Buy at us.computerorbit.comFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Arctic Freezer 36

The Arctic Freezer 36 offers good value when on sale but is outperformed by the Thermalright Phantom Spirit 120 SE, which includes an extra heat pipe and better airflow direction. Compared to the be quiet! Pure Rock Pro 3 Black, it lacks dual fans and a more advanced design, though it's more affordable and easier to install without requiring a contact frame for Intel CPUs.

Thermalright AXP90-X47

The Thermalright AXP90-X47 delivers superior performance in a low-profile design, outperforming the AXP90-X36 in terms of cooling efficiency and heat pipe count. Unlike the ID Cooling IS-47-XT v2, it uses all-copper construction and offers better performance despite its outdated mounting system, though it lacks the flexible installation features of the IS-47-XT v2.

Specs side-by-side

SpecArctic Freezer 36Thermalright AXP90-X47
Cooler TypeSingle-tower air cooler—
Height159 mm47mm
Heat Pipes4x4x 6mm copper heat-pipes, copper base (nickel coated), copper cooling fins
Fan Size120 mm90x15mm
Noise Level25 dBA22.4 dBA
CompatibilityIntel LGA 1851, 1700; AMD AM5, AM4Intel: 1200/1700, AMD: AM4/AM5
Price$52—
Wattage3.96 watts—
Dimensions104 mm x 126 mm x 159 mm94.5 mm x 95 mm x 32 mm
Voltage12 volts—
MaterialAluminium—
← See the full ranking of best cpu air coolers