Big Laptops with Big Heat Problems

[Jay]

I heard a lot of issues with these really large and even regular size, laptops producing major heat to a point that it shuts down the laptop. I found a product that is at a good price and cools these units really well. First, I start with the Big laptops and recommend the "Big Brian Laptop Cooler", which has dual fans, rubber tips to keep the laptop from sliding around and a usb hub buit in. Not a bad unit for $35.00. For the standard size laptops you have the "Quadcooler" which has 4 fans to keep ya cool. Both of these unit do not require batteries. They run right off the power from your laptops USB port. I hope one of these product will help with the hot laps.

[Karen Webster]

I wish these cooling pads were made for the 17" widescreen laptops. I do have a cooling pad, as Jay recommends, and it is a BIG help. But the problem goes beyond that.

My laptop, or rather portable computer, has an Intel processor with only 2 little fans underneath to keep it cool. I have that same processor (I think) in the computer Jay built for me, and he installed 6 fans! Top and 3 sides!

I think these manufacturers made a mistake in putting such heat producing processors in a small space. I've noticed Toshiba is no longer installing them.

Another problem is dust around the cpu. Dust just finds its way inside portables. Once the cpu gets clogged, no matter how many fans you have, the puter will overheat and shut down. I've gotten used to taking mine to a tech every 9 months or so to clean it out.

The cooling pads Jay is recommending are a great idea and do help. But I suggest if you are in the market for a laptop, choose one that doesn't run so hot. Unless, of course, you WANT to be a hottie!

[Jay]

My dear Karen..You asked and I shall provide... The Cooler Master Aluminum NotePal W1 (R9-NBC-AWAK) Black Notebook/ Laptop Cooler- For 15 and 17 inches widescreen NB not only does it have the aluminum to dissipate the heat better, but it comes with two 70mm fans for even better heat extraction. Hope this will solve your problems,,

[Karen Webster]

This looks great. I like the angle, and that it can plug into my usb port. Doesn't weigh much either. Thanks Jay!

[Karen Webster]

Another question, do you how I can monitor the cpu and hd temp? I'm using xp on my laptop. Is there an alarm that can go off before it get too hot and turns off? If not, do you know of any programs that can monitor and sound the alarm?

Thanks! Great site!

[Jay]

Well Karen, the software I found that I like is Hardware Monitoring. With it's addition plugins that give optional displays and a alarm sound plugin, seems to be the best deal.