Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Cpu Air Coolers

Thermalright AXP90-X36 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.

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The short answer

Thermalright AXP90-X47 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.5 vs 3.7). The gap is mostly about users needing high-performance low-profile cooling — read the strengths below before deciding.

Thermalright AXP90-X36
Ranked #8 in Best Cpu Air Coolers
Thermalright AXP90-X36
4 sourcesall derived$24.9as of Oct 2

The Thermalright AXP90-X36 is a compact low-profile CPU cooler designed for small form factor builds, featuring a 36mm profile that fits HTPC and ITX cases. According to TensorScience, it offers broad compatibility with Intel and AMD sockets and includes a nickel-plated copper base for efficient heat transfer. The cooler operates quietly at 22.4 dB and is well-suited for users seeking reliable cooling in space-constrained environments. However, it lacks mounting stops that could risk motherboard damage if overtightened, and it's not recommended for overclocking or high-intensity workloads. This cooler is ideal for casual users and regular desktop users who prioritize quiet operation and space efficiency.

Strengths
  • — Ultra-low profile design at 36mm height suitable for HTPC, ITX, and slim cases
  • — Broad compatibility with various Intel and AMD CPU sockets
  • — Nickel-plated copper base provides durable heat transfer
Watch-outs
  • — Lacks mounting stops on screws which could risk bending motherboard if overtightened
  • — Not suitable for overclocked CPUs or high-intensity operations
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cooling performance, the mounting system requires securing from the back of the motherboard, which is considered outdated.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

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

Thermalright AXP90-X36

The Thermalright AXP90-X36 is the most compact option at 36mm, but it's less performant than the AXP90-X47 which offers better cooling efficiency. Compared to the ID Cooling IS-47-XT v2, it's more affordable and quieter but lacks the flexible mounting options and improved installation features of the IS-47-XT v2, making it better for casual users who prioritize quiet operation.

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

SpecThermalright AXP90-X36Thermalright AXP90-X47
Height36mm47mm
Fan Size92mm PWM fan90x15mm
Heat Pipes4 x 6mm4x 6mm copper heat-pipes, copper base (nickel coated), copper cooling fins
Noise Level22.4 dBA22.4 dBA
CompatibilityIntel: 115X/1200/1700/1851 AMD: AM4/AM5Intel: 1200/1700, AMD: AM4/AM5
Dimensions3.72"L x 3.74"W x 1.42"H94.5 mm x 95 mm x 32 mm
Voltage12 volts—
Wattage3.6 watts—
MaterialMetal—
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