Building a small computer is often a test of patience. You pick out a tiny case, find all the right parts, and then realize your CPU cooler is way too tall to fit under the side panel. I ran into this exact headache when putting together my last Mini ITX build. That is when I found the METALFISH DH380 Low Profile CPU Cooler 38mm Height 4 Heat pipe Radiator for 1700/1200/115x/AM5 AM4 Mini ITX Compact Platform.
What is the METALFISH DH380?
This is a dedicated air cooler for people who have almost zero room inside their PC cases. It stands only 38mm tall, which is about as low as you can get while still using a decent fan. The main draw here is how it fits into tight spaces where standard coolers simply will not go. You get a solid piece of hardware that is budget-friendly, and since many sellers on AliExpress offer free shipping, it ends up being a cheap way to keep your processor from overheating.
Features That Actually Help
The four heat pipes are the real stars of this unit. They move heat away from the processor much faster than a basic stock cooler ever could. Because the unit is so flat, it sits very close to the motherboard, which helps cool the small components around your CPU too. The fan is surprisingly quiet under normal conditions. It does not sound like a jet engine taking off, which is a major win for a build sitting right next to you on a desk.
Honest Pros and Cons
I have spent a few weeks running this cooler, and here is what I found.
- Pros
- The 38mm height is perfect for the smallest ITX cases.
- It handles mid-range processors without too much noise.
- The price is hard to beat for this kind of build quality.
- Mounting is straightforward if you have used an aftermarket cooler before.
- Cons
- Shipping from overseas can take a few weeks to reach your door.
- There is no local warranty if something breaks after a month.
- Installing it on some AM5 boards can be a bit tricky due to the tight clearance.
- Support from the manufacturer is limited if you get stuck during setup.
Who Should Buy This Cooler?
If you are building a console-sized PC or a tiny desk box, this is a great match. It is designed specifically for people who are tired of their CPU hitting high temperatures because they were forced to use a tiny, loud fan. If you are using a high-end, power-hungry processor like an i9 or a high-wattage Ryzen 9, you should skip this. It simply does not have enough surface area to keep those massive chips cool under a heavy load.
What Buyers Are Saying
I talked to a few others who grabbed this for their own builds. One builder told me it was the only cooler that let them close their Velka 3 case properly. Another person mentioned that they were worried about the quality because of the low price, but they were pleasantly surprised by the solid feel of the metal fins. The general consensus is that it does exactly what it claims to do without any extra fluff.
Final Thoughts
The METALFISH DH380 is a simple, effective tool for a very specific problem. It is not going to win awards for fancy lights or extreme cooling power, but it fills the gap for budget-friendly small builds perfectly. Just remember to check your case specs twice before you buy. If you have the clearance and need something compact, this is a solid choice that will not drain your wallet.
