Heatsink low
Table of contents:
- What is a low profile heatsink?
- Do they give a performance similar to normal ones?
- Are there only low-profile heatsinks for small form factors?
- Are they a good option? Recommended for overclocking?
- 5 examples of low-profile heatsinks
- Noctua NH-L9
- ARTIC Freezer 11 LP
- Cooler Master MasterAir G100M
- be quiet! SHadow Rock LP BK002
- Raijintek Pallas 140mm
Do you have little money and an insufficient stock heatsink? This is where the low-profile or low-profile heatsink comes in.
As with any component, we find different ranges in the heatsinks that offer different benefits. I have always heard the following statement: "for a good heatsink, minimum € 30". The truth is that there are prejudices about low-profile heatsinks, when we can find products of the same type in higher ranges.
What is a low profile heatsink?
They are heat sinks that draw heat up, not to the side, as is the case with normal heatsinks. To give you a quick example, the stock heatsinks from Intel and AMD are low-key. They have always been associated with the low range of this type of component, being the last desired option.
However, they have made a dent in computers whose form factor is Mini-ITX, because regular heatsinks often require an ATX form factor. Surely many of you have seen heatsinks installed in equipment whose case was not large enough, which has resulted in not being able to close the left cover.
Therefore, buyers of these types of heatsinks usually have two main reasons why they buy them: smaller form factor and low budget, when they do not have dimensions problems in the box or equipment.
Do they give a performance similar to normal ones?
Surely many of you are asking yourself this question, but don't worry because the answer is simple: it depends on the range. The low-profile heatsink can be low- end, mid- range, or high-end, so it depends on which heatsink we compare it to.
We find solutions for € 20-30 that greatly improve the cooling of stock heatsinks. When I say enough, I mean up to 15 degrees temperature difference. There are very attractive solutions for equipment that does not have large dimensions in the cabinet.
As for performance, they find an important limitation: space. Being low profile, they can only incorporate one fan, greatly reducing their cooling capacity. We say this because normal heatsinks can equip two fans, so heat is removed much faster and better.
It is true that some heatsinks of this type incorporate a 140mm fan to try to cover this limitation. This can cause certain incompatibilities with the motherboard, as there are 20 millimeters of difference.
In IDLE (idle) we are not going to see noticeable differences between a low profile heatsink and a stock one, for example. But, when we put the processor to work hard, yes, leaving the stock well below.
Are there only low-profile heatsinks for small form factors?
No, there are also some normal heatsinks prepared for Mini-ITX, whose dimensions are smaller. However, we get into much higher prices compared to low-key ones. In addition, there are not many models that we can choose from, the majority being Noctua. This brand is one of the best, no doubt about that, but also one of the most expensive.
Are they a good option? Recommended for overclocking?
Of course! Although there are not many options, we have to say that the different ranges are present, as the most powerful brands also have a presence.
Regarding overclocking, it depends on the heatsink you buy. If you choose one of the Noctua, yes, you can easily overclock, as long as you keep in mind the limitations of air dissipation.
5 examples of low-profile heatsinks
To finish the article, we have thought about collecting 5 low-profile heatsinks that you can buy. Since we know that you can have very different budgets, we will show you options for all budgets.
Before you buy any, we recommend that you take into account the measurements of your PC case, such as the space left by the socket. We say this for the low-profile heatsink options with 140mm fan. The usual thing is to see it in itx boxes or media center, for very specific tasks. Now with AMD Ryzen heatsinks, we meet almost the bare minimum: reasonable temperatures.
Noctua NH-L9
- Low profile compact heatsink with a total height of just 65mm - suitable for HTPC, ITX and small form factor constructions Does not protrude above RAM or PCIe slots on most motherboards NF-A9x14 optimized fan with reduced thickness and 92mm, with PWM mount and noise reduction adapter allowing automatic speed control and very quiet operation SecuFirm2 multi-socket mounting system, very simple to install and compatible with Intel LGA1150, LGA1151, LGA1155, LGA1156, LGA2011, LGA2066 & AMD AM2 (+), AM3 (+) FM1, FM2 (+) AM4Includes award-winning thermal compound NT-H1. Noctua's renowned quality is backed by a 6-year manufacturing warranty "
It is one of the best low-profile heatsinks you can find on the market. It has a well-established reputation and a large part of the community recommends it. It gives spectacular performance, so it's a perfect purchase for Mini-ITX or even HTPC form factors. In addition, it is compatible with many Intel and AMD sockets.
Finally, to say that it is quite silent and that you will always have the 6-year Noctua guarantee.
ARTIC Freezer 11 LP
- EXCELLENT COOLING PERFORMANCE and improved heat transfer from the CPU thanks to the 92mm fan, 50 blades, 2 copper heatpipes, and MX-4 thermal caulk. PRACTICALLY SILENT. With PWM control, the fan speed adapts to the CPU temperature and noise is minimal. 16 dBA lower than the second best freezer on the market. SLIM AND LIGHT. At just 55 cm, it draws air in from the side and fits all HTPCs and low-profile computers. Its low weight limits the stress on the motherboard and makes it safe to transport. WIDE COMPATIBILITY. Compatible with Intel Socket 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156, 775, its simple mounting system is designed to fit most current CPU platforms. QUICK INSTALLATION. The unique mounting system offers excellent stability in a few minutes. MX-4 Thermal Putty ensures a quick and clean installation.
On the other hand, we have this magnificent low-profile heatsink that can offer us a significant change. It only costs € 18.99 and has a slightly higher performance than the stock. In the event that you want to overclock, it is a lightweight solution, but don't expect to get spectacular dissipation.
Mention that it is quite silent or that its dimensions will not be a problem for any team. Say it is compatible only for Intel sockets. As a curious fact, it supports the LGA 775 socket.
Cooler Master MasterAir G100M
- 74.5mm Low Profile CPU Cooler Uses Cooler Masters Heat Column Technology 92mm fan that ensures maximum cooling from top to bottom Tool-free mounting
Thirdly, we have a manufacturer that is synonymous with quality in the heatsinks sector. Lovers of RGB are in luck because this low-profile heatsink incorporates this technology in the shape of a ring and on top. It is another proven option and we recommend it for its high compatibility of sockets, valid for AM4, as for LGA 2011 or LGA 1151.
It is priced at € 38.42 and its cooling is really good, so it's a great buy.
be quiet! SHadow Rock LP BK002
- Depth: 12.2 cm Height: 7.54 cm Weight: 390 g Width: 13.4 cm Product Type: Processor heatsink
Another option that you must take into account is this great heatsink, whose performance is fabulous. The German brand was right with this heatsink that is only compatible with Intel and AM3 sockets. It is surprising its low sound at full operation
It has a price of € 45.65, which can be over budget, but it is really good, despite the fact that it does not have the latest RGB technology.
Raijintek Pallas 140mm
- Improved airflow and surface area for heat dissipation 28 dBAM noise level Thermal dissipation material: Aluminum with copper base Nominal voltage 12V
Be careful with the dimensions of this low profile heatsink because we have a 140mm fan, which means that we will need space in the socket. Compare the dimensions you have with those of the same heatsink to avoid scares. As for its quality, it is more than certified and its compatibility reaches up to AM3, so Ryzen is left out.
It competes with the mid-range, having a price of € 46.45.
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So far this entry on this type of heatsinks, if you have any questions let us know below. Do you have this type of heatsink on your PC? What performance does it offer you?
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