be quiet! Pure Rock Pro 3 Black CPU Air Cooler | 6 vs Thermalright AXP90 X36 Low Profile ITX CPU Cooler,

Overview of CPU Coolers

When selecting a CPU cooler, the be quiet! Pure Rock Pro 3 Black and the Thermalright AXP90 X36 are two noteworthy options. The former is priced at $54.90, while the latter comes in significantly lower at $20.39, making it about 63% cheaper. Both coolers cater to different needs, with the Pure Rock Pro 3 designed for high-performance setups and the AXP90 X36 focusing on compact, low-profile designs suitable for small form factor builds.

Design and Build Quality

The be quiet! Pure Rock Pro 3 Black boasts a robust design with its double-tower structure featuring six high-performance copper heat pipes, emphasizing its capacity for high thermal loads. This cooler is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, with a sleek black finish that complements any PC setup. In contrast, the Thermalright AXP90 X36 is designed with space efficiency in mind, measuring just 36mm in height. Its all-metal platform and nickel plating contribute to a durable construction, ensuring resistance to corrosion, acid, and alkali.

Cooling Performance

The cooling capabilities of the be quiet! Pure Rock Pro 3 are enhanced by its six heat pipes and a 120mm PWM fan, which is engineered for optimal airflow and pressure. This design allows it to maintain peak CPU performance, even under overclocked conditions. On the other hand, the Thermalright AXP90 X36 employs four heat pipes and a slim PWM fan, offering a noise level of just 22.4 dBA. While it may not match the cooling performance of the Pure Rock Pro 3, it is more than adequate for standard use cases, particularly in low-profile builds.

Compatibility

When it comes to compatibility, the be quiet! Pure Rock Pro 3 supports a wide range of sockets, including AMD AM4 and AM5, as well as Intel LGA 1700, 1150, 1151, and 1200. Its compact offset design also enhances RAM and VRM cooler compatibility, making it a versatile choice for various builds. The Thermalright AXP90 X36, while also compatible with AMD AM4 and AM5 and Intel LGA 115X/1200, is specifically tailored for smaller ITX cases. This makes it an excellent option for users prioritizing space-saving solutions.

Installation Process

The installation process of the be quiet! Pure Rock Pro 3 is designed to be user-friendly, featuring a self-explanatory mounting kit that simplifies setup. This ease of installation is particularly beneficial for users who may not be very experienced in PC building. In contrast, the Thermalright AXP90 X36, while also straightforward to install, may require a bit more care due to its low-profile design. Users need to ensure that they have adequate clearance in their cases, which can be a consideration in ITX builds.

Noise Levels

Noise levels are an essential factor when considering CPU coolers. The be quiet! Pure Rock Pro 3 is designed to operate quietly, thanks to its optimized fan blade design, ensuring a balance between performance and noise. While specific dBA ratings are not mentioned, its design suggests minimal noise during operation. The Thermalright AXP90 X36 explicitly states a noise level of 22.4 dBA, making it one of the quieter options available, particularly appealing for users who value a silent computing environment.

Price Comparison

The price difference between the be quiet! Pure Rock Pro 3 and the Thermalright AXP90 X36 is significant. At $54.90, the Pure Rock Pro 3 offers advanced cooling capabilities, but at a higher cost compared to the AXP90 X36, which is priced at $20.39. This makes the AXP90 X36 about 63% more affordable, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers or those who do not require extreme cooling performance.

Which should you buy?

Ultimately, the choice between the be quiet! Pure Rock Pro 3 and the Thermalright AXP90 X36 depends on your specific needs. If you're seeking top-tier cooling performance and have the budget for it, the Pure Rock Pro 3 is an excellent choice, offering superior cooling capabilities and compatibility with a wide range of systems. However, if you're building a compact ITX system or are on a tighter budget, the Thermalright AXP90 X36 stands out as a fantastic low-profile option that doesn’t compromise significantly on performance.