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    M14x Laptop tray and Cooler

    Discussion in 'Alienware 14 and M14x' started by cbrbiker13, Sep 30, 2011.

  1. cbrbiker13

    cbrbiker13 Notebook Geek

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    OK, I know the M14X has heat issues and I currently have a little £5.99 2 x USB fan that sits under my Y series VAIO, however it's cheap and cheerful, but does the job... In a 11.6" not demanding netbook...

    So, beaing in mind it need to go on my knees and be comfy, but also do the job and take the entire base of the laptop, suggestions would be appreciated.
    I have looked at the following
    Cooler Master LapAir
    Cooler Master Infinite EVO
    Belkin Notebook Cooler
    Notepal X Slim

    Thoughts and comments would be appreciated, I figure it's defo needed, so was hoping for helpful comments and suggestions :D

    Thanks
     
    cbrbiker13, Sep 30, 2011
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  2. NforceRaid

    NforceRaid Notebook Consultant

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    Hi, I use the Cooler Master NotePal E1 and I feel good and is silent, others prefer Cooler Master NotePal U2.

    Ciao : Cool:
     
    NforceRaid, Oct 1, 2011
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  3. smokingjam

    smokingjam Notebook Evangelist

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    i use cooler master u3. brill so far. more suited for bigger laptops but 3 adjustable fans on it. keeps m14x in 60ish temps. plus helps bein in the uk with our weather
     
    smokingjam, Oct 1, 2011
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  4. creagan1

    creagan1 Notebook Geek

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    How much does the u3 cooler hang off from the m14? I guess how much bigger is the cooling pad then the actual laptop?
     
    creagan1, Oct 1, 2011
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  5. smokingjam

    smokingjam Notebook Evangelist

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    the u3 is ideal for up to 19 inch laptop i think. the m14x is 14inch
     
    smokingjam, Oct 1, 2011
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  6. creagan1

    creagan1 Notebook Geek

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    Right, but I'm asking does it look awkward? With that much room underneath of the laptop? Or not really?
     
    creagan1, Oct 1, 2011
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  7. Nintendofan2004

    Nintendofan2004 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I saw the U3 and U2 at the store. I think U3 will have 1.5 inch on each side hanging off m14. U2 is the perfect size for m14.
     
    Nintendofan2004, Oct 1, 2011
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  8. creagan1

    creagan1 Notebook Geek

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    Does u2 have a usb port? Or only the u3? What store were you at where they had them?
     
    creagan1, Oct 1, 2011
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  9. xavorod

    xavorod Notebook Guru

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    Anyone knows which one between the U2 and U3 works better at reducing the heat on the m14x?
     
    xavorod, Oct 1, 2011
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  10. cbrbiker13

    cbrbiker13 Notebook Geek

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    Yeah the issue I have is that neither will sit in my lap, due to the placement of the fans, however I have bought the X2, it runs silent, has good reviews and hopefully will do the job, i'll let you know how good/bad when I get it :)
     
    cbrbiker13, Oct 1, 2011
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  11. smokingjam

    smokingjam Notebook Evangelist

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    it is bigger than the laptop. doesnt look funny to me. got it for the 3 fans instead of the two plus you can control the speed of them
     
    smokingjam, Oct 1, 2011
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  12. shifttab

    shifttab Notebook Geek

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    Where do you guys put the fans? just all on the right side?
     
    shifttab, Oct 1, 2011
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  13. smokingjam

    smokingjam Notebook Evangelist

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    2 fans one on left and one on right.
    then on e at the bottom of the laptop theres a small vent there too
     
    smokingjam, Oct 2, 2011
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  14. NforceRaid

    NforceRaid Notebook Consultant

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    a small vent there too, is where the heat comes out of hd right?

    ciao :cool:
     
    NforceRaid, Oct 2, 2011
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  15. shifttab

    shifttab Notebook Geek

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    i don't understand why you are putting a fan on the left side. Isn't that where the air is blowing out so would you want that side to be free from hot air blowing back inside?
     
    shifttab, Oct 3, 2011
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  16. Kristofer

    Kristofer Notebook Guru

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    Anyone tried the Zalman? Looks good and gets great reviews. Not sure how well it would fit under the M14x though. The EVO looks awesome but it's fairly new with not many reviews and I'm not sure it will fit the M14x either.
     
    Kristofer, Oct 3, 2011
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  17. fred2028

    fred2028 Sexy member

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    I use the Zalman NC2000, it's pretty cool
     
    fred2028, Oct 3, 2011
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  18. shifttab

    shifttab Notebook Geek

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    Anyone also noticing that the cool master doesn't power off after the laptop is shut down (AC adapter Plugged in)
    I have to unplug ac adapter or unplug the usb to stop the fans from running. Can I adjust this somewhere?
     
    shifttab, Oct 3, 2011
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  19. Stain

    Stain Notebook Consultant

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    One of the USB ports is powered even when the power is off. Use a different USB port or I am sure you can turn off that feature in the BIOS
     
    Stain, Oct 4, 2011
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  20. dragonx254

    dragonx254 Notebook Geek

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    I just ordered the U2 cooler, but I noticed the Cooler Master Notepal X2 as well.

    Which is better? The X2 looks cooler (no pun intended), but I bought the U2 as I saw a lot of people had one here
     
    dragonx254, Oct 4, 2011
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  21. xavorod

    xavorod Notebook Guru

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    I was thinking about buying a Cooler Master U3 for my m14x, but do you guys know if the Notepal X2 will have a better performance?
     
    xavorod, Oct 4, 2011
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  22. Mysta

    Mysta Newbie

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    After looking around all day I went with that one. I was trying to decide between U2, U3, E1, E3000, and one other I forget. But ultimately decided on the X2 since it seemed to be the best price to performance ratio on all the sites I found. And it was definitely the best for actual use in your lap from what I could tell. All the others look like leg murders. Should have it in today, will try and let you know what I think!
     
    Mysta, Oct 4, 2011
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  23. Kristofer

    Kristofer Notebook Guru

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    Yes, please let us know. I'm in the process of deciding on a laptop cooler and still haven't decided. If you dont mind, please post your results in this thread so we have a comprehensive list of this kind of stuff.
     
    Kristofer, Oct 4, 2011
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  24. creagan1

    creagan1 Notebook Geek

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    I'm contemplating either the u2 or u3. I wanna know how much overhang there would be on the m14x with the u3! Let us know!
     
    creagan1, Oct 4, 2011
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  25. creagan1

    creagan1 Notebook Geek

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    I just bought coolermaster u2 thru Amazon w/ Shipping for 25$. It was thru tiger direct and it shipped for under $5. I would recommend going thru amazon :D
     
    creagan1, Oct 4, 2011
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  26. cbrbiker13

    cbrbiker13 Notebook Geek

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    I chose the X2 for 3 reasons,
    Firstly, the U series cannot be uses on your lap, like the X series can due to the fitment underneath the fan "technically" it can, but not flush or comfortably
    Secondly, price to cooling, the X2 was considerably cheaper than the U2/U3 (U3 is designed for a larger laptop though as some on here have pointed out)
    Lastly, Style and design, the X2 has a cool Blue LED, lol, it's the kid in me, looks nicer and will sit comfortably on my lap whilst keeping all the cables flush and needs no external AC adapter, if you're worried about the fans slowing down, then plug it onto a USB 3 for extra power :D

    However, if you aren't using it on your lap and aren't that fussed about style, the U2 is probably the better of the 2, certainly more versatile, however I didn't want fans spinning on my lap lol :D
     
    cbrbiker13, Oct 4, 2011
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  27. Mazzacre

    Mazzacre Notebook Guru

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    I would like to pose a few questions for all of you NBR users complaining of high heat issues on your computer.

    First of all, how many of you have actually FIRST-HAND experienced "high temperatures issues" with your m14x? If you haven't and are just repeating what other users have said, congrats, YOU are the problem.

    Second. What do you people consider "high temperature issues". Give me an exact temperature range.

    Third, and this one is for only people who are playing games on their lap/bed/soft surface. If you are so concerned about airflow and temperatures, enough to the point of buying something for this problem, why do you think it is a good idea to block the airflow in the first place.

    Answer me those.
     
    Mazzacre, Oct 4, 2011
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  28. TwelveV

    TwelveV Notebook Guru

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    It probably depends on your usage. The X2 would likely be better for an actual "laptop" situation, but the U2 has movable fans for directing airflow where you need it, and would work better in desktop/tabletop situations.
     
    TwelveV, Oct 4, 2011
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  29. sulliboys

    sulliboys Guest

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    I'm ordering the thermaltake massive23 LX tonight. $15 after rebate on amazon. Anybody have this and have reassuring thoughts? or why i should not get it? Was looking at the u2 for a while but feel as if the thermaltake will give better cooling, with the 200 mm fan covering most of the bottom (of the notebook)
     
    sulliboys, Oct 4, 2011
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  30. shifttab

    shifttab Notebook Geek

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    I'm curious to know, why are people putting the fans on the left side when that's where the air is supposed to be blowing out?
     
    shifttab, Oct 4, 2011
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  31. /Drakk_

    /Drakk_ Notebook Consultant

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    Doesn't it exhaust through the rear left side vent, not the left underside vent?
     
    /Drakk_, Oct 5, 2011
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  32. cbrbiker13

    cbrbiker13 Notebook Geek

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    The X2 is great, running fine, the only issue I can see is the laptop moving eg. sliding forwards if the rear is lifted, due to the mesh, poor rubber combination. Keeps it cool though and the fans on the M14X don't kick in as much/often :)
     
    cbrbiker13, Oct 7, 2011
    #32