Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Question

cool a laptop being used like a desktop

Apr 27, 2014 11:57PM PDT

I have a decent laptop with vertical lines in the screen that I'm using like a desktop with an external monitor keyboard and mouse so the pc itself is out of sight. It can start to get hot after a couple hours of WoW and fps start lagging. I was wondering if anyone knew of a way to keep it cooler. I don't want to use a chill pad. I've had 2 and both ended up breaking eventually, and since the laptop is out of sight I figured there would be a more efficient way to cool it. I do occasionally use it as a laptop so deconstructing it isn't an option but i have considered it. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Clarification Request
(NT) So why not point a fan at it?
Apr 28, 2014 1:30AM PDT
- Collapse -
I have
Apr 28, 2014 5:27AM PDT

I figured I couldn't be the only person to use a laptop like this and want to cool it in another way. I'd hoped there were some unique solutions

- Collapse -
(NT) Given the old fashioned fan works so well, why not do it?
Apr 28, 2014 6:14AM PDT
- Collapse -
Answer
Creative out of box
Apr 29, 2014 1:07AM PDT

You've done the laptop cooler pad and mentioned you do use a fan, well you covered the typical cooling methods. This is a laptop even a decent one when put into demanding usage will want better cooling. Which is why "gaming laptops" that say they are usually have build-in better cooling and top line video, etc. to help maintain it all. If yours isn't so stated, you see the results.

Want unique then place laptop in refrigerated area or "hot box", cool box??? with build in fans or take apart to access hi-temps areas for direct cooling. Of course, ease to re-use as a plain laptop may not do, but if you plan to keep using as gamer laptop that's going to take a toll. Check "gamer website" and post there or see what others have done. Peltier gadgets may work too if you can apply them.

http://www.amazon.com/TEC1-12706-Thermoelectric-Peltier-Cooler-Volt/dp/B002UQQ3Q2

tada -----Willy Happy

- Collapse -
Answer
A passive method
Apr 29, 2014 11:12PM PDT

This is quick and easy and it works.

Remove the bottom cover(s) that cover the hard drive(s) and memory. Elevate the laptop about an inch off the surface with a couple of strips of whatever material you have handy (wood, plastic, etc) or use four corner pads, again of whatever material you choose. Just don't re-cover what you've just uncovered in the process.

A little less passive method.

You can also situate a small cooling fan or two, such that it/they suck out the hot air from underneath the laptop.These don't need to be fully under the laptop, if you place them properly. You could also use one of those USB fans or a small desk fan to blow air under the laptop. Experiment.

Hope this helps.