Alpenfohn Black Ridge vs Thermalright AXP90-X47

Verdict

Overall, the Alpenfohn Black Ridge is a good performing cooler with a great build quality, but it has limitations due to its peculiar shape and mounting system. It is best suited for small ITX systems housed in a Dan SFX case, and requires a compatible motherboard with smaller VR heatsinks and a riser cable for the graphics card. It has been found to perform better than taller options and is comparable to Noctua's NH-L12S. However, early V2 models require some modification and the combination AM3/AM4 mounting bracket interferes with some B550/X570 motherboards. Custom unsleeved silicon cables and silicon gaskets for the fan can be helpful in managing the cooler. It pairs well with the Dan A4 case and is a good option for cooling in height-restricted layouts.

Verdict

The Thermalright AXP90-X47 is a well-built and attractive cooler that performs well in small form factor PCs. It has some issues with the mounting system and can be noisy at higher speeds, but overall it is a solid choice for those looking for a compact cooling solution. It is particularly effective in cases with good airflow and can handle high TDP CPUs with the right configuration. However, users should be aware of potential QC issues and make sure to follow the instructions carefully during installation.