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.

    Cooling Pads, do they work?

    Discussion in 'Alienware M11x' started by Pme3214, May 24, 2012.

  1. Pme3214

    Pme3214 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    28
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    I currently use the Zalman NC-2000 whenever I use my M11x and I still feel massive amounts of heat rising from the left side of the keyboard (better out then in I suppose). It's super quiet at even the highest fan speeds. I purchased the Zalman online for about $65 including shipping and I've been pretty happy with it so far, I've never tried using my laptop without some sort of "cooling accessory" so I wanted to hear from you guys if and what kind of cooling pads you all use and were they worth the buy.

    I also have the Thermapak Heatshift that I've used once, not sure if that actually dropped the temps in my M11x.

    I'll try and use my M11xR1 without any type of cooling pad and see if there is a noticeable difference tonight, as it is my last day before I start my vacation :D
     
  2. GNandGS

    GNandGS Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    69
    Messages:
    1,247
    Likes Received:
    11
    Trophy Points:
    56
    I use a cheap plastic no brand thing... it has fans but the main method is to give space under the laptop. I think the cost for it broken down might have been 2 bucks.

    If using fans I have it "normal" if not using fans then I invert it so the legs point upward. This provides a smooth surface for my lap and gives a LOT of space under for the laptop to cool itself. Works well.

    Why? When working I have multiple externals screens and work the system harder. I get ever so slight improvement with cooler fans running. On my lap its light duty single screen... zero gain using cooler fans.

    http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x72/Gadgetista/coolpad/NOTE-PAD.jpg
    http://67.222.47.190/ldmedia/product/013099/013099_show1.jpg
    http://images.bidorbuy.co.za/user_images/271/1088271_111016143703_41Qu6WhfNcL.jpg

    Summary, "yes" they work. Might depend on how they are used and under what load.
     
  3. Intangble

    Intangble Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    205
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
  4. GNandGS

    GNandGS Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    69
    Messages:
    1,247
    Likes Received:
    11
    Trophy Points:
    56
    He is using R1 which likely runs cooler than yours with faster recovery time. There is still benefit but it will likely be different.
     
  5. Pme3214

    Pme3214 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    28
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    They work great as I tested I dropped 6 degrees celceius using the NC-2000 and I dropped about 2 degrees c using the heatshift. Though I was not running any programs that used a lot of the CPU off GPU. I did use D3 and L4D2 when I did the test on the Zalman. I was on Internet explorer, iTunes, and had steam running in the background when I used the Thermaltake Heatshift.
     
  6. clemenzina

    clemenzina Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    162
    Likes Received:
    4
    Trophy Points:
    31
    I received this Coolermaster yesterday: NotePal X-Lite - Cooler Master and I've almost never been so pleased with a purchase - I'm using it on my R1 whilst it is screen-recording 24/7, it's made a huge difference, I can now touch it without getting burnt ;) and I can hardly hear it.
     
  7. DHELL101

    DHELL101 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    42
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    i got that too on slickdeals for $10 (assuming the rebate comes :mad: )

    i'm fine with it. temps aren't a huge difference from cpu but the laptop feels a lot cooler
     
  8. clemenzina

    clemenzina Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    162
    Likes Received:
    4
    Trophy Points:
    31
    Mine was £13, so nearer $20 - but it was worth every penny, I am in love! ;)
     
  9. tomcannon

    tomcannon Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    63
    Messages:
    167
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    This pops up a lot! For UK users I purchased and would recommend this. It is a perfect size, sits perfectly underneath the m11x and there is little protrusion around the edges. It is also curved so allows for plenty of room underneath the laptop for air to move. Yes, it has one blade missing but as the listing says it doesn't make a difference. I tested without the belkin fan even running and the extra air space below reduces the temps alone with the fan on I saw a significant drop during gaming. So for £7, it is a bargain!