Laptop Cooling

ApexMirage

I've been playing some graphics intensive FPS lately, and I've had the feeling that my gpu has been under some significant heat. I've got it idling at 75c, and 98c coming out of 3 hours worth of L4D. Is there anything I can do to help keep my laptop cool(er)?

I'm already propping up the back with a book so that air can flow more freely but I cant think of anything else.

It's a Compaq Presario CQ50 but not quite the same model.

Quid

You're essentially looking for one of these.

Dunadan019

specifically, my friend has this one and it workes well

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834999850

blakfeld

Keep in mind that any of those big USB fan laptop coolers draw power from your laptop, in turn causing it to generate more heat.

ApexMirage

blakfeld wrote: »

Keep in mind that any of those big USB fan laptop coolers draw power from your laptop, in turn causing it to generate more heat.

So what the hell is the point? does the cooling offset the extra heat? are there any that use regular power instead of usb?

proXimity

blakfeld wrote: »

Keep in mind that any of those big USB fan laptop coolers draw power from your laptop, in turn causing it to generate more heat.

The extra heat caused by the increased power draw is negligible. The added airflow of a cooler should definitely help

truck-a-sauras

I have that Antec cooler posted earlier. It keeps your laptop much cooler. Granted I'm not playing intense FPS here, but it helps majorly. That statement about the cooler causing more heat generation is exactly what the next poster said.....negligible.

I've had issue with the quality of that Antec where the power cable fits loosely and constantly had issues. I had to crack it open and make some fixes. So I wouldn't exactly suggest that model, but any cooler will certainly help.

ApexMirage

Thanks, I'll look into it as soon as i can spare some coin

zhen_rogue

Step 1: CLEAN OUT YOUR NOTEBOOK.

Dust and dirt can seriously reduce cooling airflow and caked-on stuff can "insulate" the GPU/CPU elements which will also prevent them from losing heat through radiation.

Find your users guide, or email the manufacturer of the chassis for a disassembly guide.
Open the case element(s) over your GPU, heatsink, and CPU components (or open all of them to be thorough).
Use a can of compressed air (any electronics store has them) and blast out the dust.
Do NOT blast the air over a recently used system - let the system cool down overnight to room temperature, or you might damage your heatsink from the sudden blast of cold air.
Look through the heatsink to make sure there aren't dust bunnies wedged in between the blades.
Use a tweezers if necessary to remove big stubborn bunnies (make sure you're grounded first).

If you have never done this, you will be amazed at what has built-up inside your notebook system.
Before you spend cash on additional peripherals, make sure the crux of your overheating issue isn't simply dust build-up.

If you're uncomfortable opening and cleaning your notebook, call around to local repair shops/computer stores and find one that's inexpensive.