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cooling performance, the mounting system requires securing from the back of the motherboard, which is considered outdated.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.
Full review
All-copper construction
Thermalright AXP90-X47 Full features a fully copper heatsink design, which sff.gg found to enable it to outperform all other 47mm coolers in its class. The cooler utilizes four 6mm copper heat pipes, a nickel-coated copper base, and copper cooling fins, making it a robust solution for low-profile builds. This construction sets it apart from aluminum-based alternatives and contributes to its superior thermal performance, particularly in compact systems where space is at a premium. The all-copper design is especially beneficial for users who demand maximum cooling efficiency from their CPU coolers without sacrificing form factor.
The all-copper configuration of the AXP90-X47 Full is a key differentiator in the low-profile cooler market, as noted by sff.gg, which stated that it 'enables it to out perform all other 47mm coolers.' This performance advantage is particularly evident when compared to competitors in the same height bracket, where the AXP90-X47 Full consistently delivers better results. The inclusion of copper throughout the heatsink not only enhances heat dissipation but also provides better durability and thermal conductivity than typical aluminum designs, making it a preferred choice for enthusiasts building compact systems.
Mounting system limitations
The mounting system of the Thermalright AXP90-X47 Full presents a notable challenge for users, as manuals.plus documents that the cooler secures from the back of the motherboard. This backplate installation method, while functional, requires careful attention to the orientation and placement of components, including the backplane and insulation sheet. The manual emphasizes that the backplane direction must be correct, and the insulation sheet must be applied, which adds complexity to the installation process. This design choice, while not inherently flawed, does introduce an extra step that can be confusing for users unfamiliar with such mounting systems.
Installation of the AXP90-X47 Full requires specific attention to bracket replacement, as outlined in the manual provided by manuals.plus. The system comes with pre-installed brackets for LGA 1700, but users with different socket types must replace these brackets. This process, while manageable, introduces potential for user error and requires additional tools or adjustments. The manual also notes that if power supply interference occurs, users may need to install the backplane in reverse, which adds another layer of complexity to the setup. This mounting approach, though standard in some low-profile coolers, can be a point of frustration for users seeking a straightforward installation experience.
Performance benchmarks
The AXP90-X47 Full demonstrated strong cooling capabilities, particularly when compared to stock coolers. According to Straightforward Tech, the cooler was tested with the included fan at a noise level of 35dB(A) and a distance of 50cm, showing that it can maintain quiet operation while still delivering effective thermal management. The cooler's performance in real-world applications was also highlighted in a video review where it was tested with a Ryzen 7 7800X3D processor, achieving stable temperatures under stress. The cooler's ability to manage heat effectively, even under high load, makes it a solid choice for users who want to avoid thermal throttling while maintaining a compact build.
The cooler was shown to perform better than many of its competitors in the 47mm height class, even outperforming some slightly taller coolers. sff.gg noted that the cooler 'performed better than all other coolers in its height bracket and even performing better than some slightly taller coolers,' indicating that its design maximizes efficiency within its compact form factor. This performance advantage is particularly valuable for users building systems where space is limited but cooling performance cannot be compromised.
Fan compatibility and noise levels
The included fan in the AXP90-X47 Full is a 90x15mm unit, which sff.gg found to be adequate in performance but limited in aesthetics. The fan is only available in orange, which may not match the aesthetic of most systems, prompting recommendations to swap it out for alternatives like the NF-A9x14 or RTX 4070 CNC fan. This limitation in fan color options is a minor inconvenience but does not detract from the cooler's core functionality. The fan's performance in terms of airflow and noise levels was deemed acceptable, with the cooler capable of operating quietly under normal conditions.
Straightforward Tech's review highlighted that while the stock fan is functional, users often opt to replace it for better performance or aesthetics. The cooler's fan is capable of reaching up to 2700 RPM, though in some setups it may only reach 2300 RPM. The ability to operate at lower RPMs, even down to a complete stop, allows for quieter operation when needed. This flexibility in fan speed control contributes to the cooler's overall appeal, especially for users who prioritize noise reduction in their builds. The inclusion of a long fan cable also provides some flexibility in positioning the cooler within a case, though this may be a challenge in very tight spaces.
Compatibility and installation process
Compatibility with different motherboard socket types is a key feature of the AXP90-X47 Full, as noted by manuals.plus. The cooler supports Intel LGA 1200/1700 and AMD AM4/AM5 sockets, making it versatile for a wide range of systems. However, the installation process varies depending on the socket type, requiring users to replace brackets accordingly. The manual provides detailed instructions for each socket type, including the need to remove pre-installed components and install new brackets. This process, while straightforward, requires careful attention to ensure correct orientation and installation, especially when dealing with backplate and insulation sheet placement.
The installation process for the AXP90-X47 Full is detailed in the manual provided by manuals.plus, which outlines the steps for both Intel and AMD socket types. For AMD AM4/AM5 users, the process involves removing the original backplate and support brackets, installing new ones, and applying thermal paste. The manual also specifies that if power supply interference occurs, the backplane must be installed in reverse, which adds an extra step to the installation. Despite these complexities, the cooler's design allows for relatively easy mounting, particularly with the use of retention clips that simplify the installation process. The cooler's compact size and all-copper construction make it a suitable choice for users building in small form factor cases.
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
How it compares
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.
Rating sources
“Thermalrights AXP90-X47 Full like its bigger brother is one of the best low profile coolers currently available in both motherboard compatibility and cooling performance in the 47mm height class.”
“I like it I like it I think this is kind of what I expected uh this is very similar to a lot of other people on sff PC as well but yeah that's the stress test I don't want to I probably shouldn't run this too long cuz this is not my PC this is my my friends so I'll stop that now”
Our 4.5 score is the average of the 2 scored reviews above; 1 more reviewed it without printing a score and is not in the average. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
