Overview

Thermalright is a Taiwanese cooling specialist known for CPU coolers, case fans and thermal pads, and the AXP90 X53 Black is its take on a low-profile down-draft cooler for compact builds. The headline figure is the 53mm overall height, which keeps the heatsink inside slim HTPC and Mini-ITX chassis where tower coolers simply will not fit.
Cooling comes from four 6mm heat pipes built with the company's AGHP design, which is intended to reduce the effect of gravity whether the board sits vertically or horizontally. The pipes and fins are joined with a secondary welding process so heat spreads across the fin stack rather than concentrating at the base.
A 92mm TL-9015B fan handles airflow, running on 4-pin PWM for automatic temperature control. Published figures list 2700RPM±10%, 72m³/h, 1.33mmH2O static pressure and 22.4dB(A) noise, a balance that suits small enclosures. It will not match a large tower or an AIO loop, but it is a sensible mid-tier pick for space-constrained systems.

Compatibility Guide

The mounting list covers Intel LGA1700, 1150, 1151, 1155, 1156 and 1200, plus AMD AM4. Metal mounting fasteners for each platform are included, and installation follows the printed manual or the vendor's setup video.
Because the cooler stands only 53mm tall, it is aimed at Mini-ITX cases and slim HTPC bodies with tight CPU clearance. Down-draft airflow also washes over the VRM and memory area, though unusually tall memory heat spreaders can interfere with the fan, so check clearance before assembly.
The fan connects through a 4-pin PWM header, letting the motherboard's fan curve manage speed. Bundled thermal paste means you can complete the install without buying compound separately.

Product Info

Check the retailer's page for the latest price. The heatsink measures 94.5 x 95 x 53mm and pairs an aluminium fin stack with four heat pipes and a 92mm fan.
Its market position is a practical choice for small-form-factor builders who prioritise chassis size over maximum cooling headroom. The blacked-out finish blends into dark case interiors.

Best Use Cases

  • Small-form-factor gamers building a Mini-ITX rig: the 53mm height fits cases with limited CPU clearance, but anyone chasing maximum cooling for a flagship CPU should look elsewhere.
  • HTPC and secondary-system owners who want quiet operation: the 92mm PWM fan can be tuned down, and the published 22.4dB(A) figure suits low-noise living-room builds, though sustained heavy loads are not its strength.
  • Budget builders cooling an LGA1700 or AM4 chip: four heat pipes and a PWM fan for a low price, with paste included, while mid-tower owners with room to spare may prefer a cheaper tower design.

Things to Consider

A slim down-draft cooler is not built for sustained high-power loads, so pairing it with a power-hungry CPU under long renders is asking too much. Mid-range chips are the realistic match, and if you run something hotter, weigh case height limits against a larger cooler.
The published socket list stops at LGA1700 and AM4, so confirm your platform appears before buying. Tall memory heat spreaders are another thing to measure, since the fan sits close to the DIMM slots.

FAQ

Q: What kind of case suits a 53mm cooler?
A: Mini-ITX and slim HTPC chassis where CPU clearance is tight. If your mid-tower has plenty of height, a taller tower cooler offers more cooling for similar money.
Q: Can the fan be replaced?
A: It is a 92mm unit on a 4-pin PWM header. Check the product's installation documentation for fan replacement details before buying.
Q: Is the included thermal paste usable?
A: Yes, paste is bundled to help transfer heat from the CPU. Enthusiasts who want a specific compound can swap it out.

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

  • Manufacturer: THERMALRIGHT
  • Model: AXP90 X53 Black-ri
  • ASIN: B09PHHD38P
  • Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.