The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Is a cooler worth it?

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by columbus, Aug 3, 2007.

  1. columbus

    columbus Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    1
    Messages:
    54
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    I'm going to college soon, and I need a effective, yet cheap cooling solution for my 15.4' laptop. Would a cooler be more effective than propping it up on a book? What are some good cheap coolers out there?
     
  2. baddogboxer

    baddogboxer Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    144
    Messages:
    1,092
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    A cooler always helps and it is never a "bad idea" but unless you monitor your temps and see a problem or do certain very demanding tasks why do you think you need a cooler? I agree they are cheap and might extend life but everyone does not "need" one. I use a book and monitor temps, I think less bulky. Coolers do work better than a book. Best buy has most I think $20 to $40. Good luck
     
  3. knightingmagic

    knightingmagic Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    144
    Messages:
    1,194
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    It really depends on how hot your laptop gets.
     
  4. usapatriot

    usapatriot Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    3,266
    Messages:
    7,360
    Likes Received:
    14
    Trophy Points:
    206
    Depends which cooler you get, the cheap targus ones make too much noise, break quickly, and aren't very efficient.
     
  5. pennpaper

    pennpaper Notebook Geek

    Reputations:
    2
    Messages:
    84
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    just an off topic, but quick, question: what are "safe" CPU temps for notebooks? How hot is too hot and what should 'idle' CPU temps generally be?
     
  6. who8mahrice

    who8mahrice Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    11
    Messages:
    375
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I'd say average CPU temps are around 50-60 degrees Celsius. Mine's currently at 51 C. My HD is at 33 C.
     
  7. mujtaba

    mujtaba ZzzZzz Super Moderator

    Reputations:
    4,242
    Messages:
    3,088
    Likes Received:
    510
    Trophy Points:
    181
    If you want to put it on your lap, you might want to consider thermaltake IXoft.
     
  8. imhungry29

    imhungry29 Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    19
    Messages:
    473
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I've always thought that the Ixoft was a bad idea. yeah it might take heat away from the notebook but it seems like it would also block the intake for ur fan. and that doesnt make sense to me. :/