Notebook Coolers

Notebook Coolers Underneath The Hood

Both suppliers follow a similar technical procedure: you take a docking module (or "pad") that's simply placed under the notebook. Within this module are two (Vantec) or four fans that redirect any heat that forms to the underside and then sides of a notebook.

The question is, however: does this make sense? And if so: does it make a difference? In principle a notebook should be designed to do its job reliably anyway without requiring any additional cooling conatus. It's not for no reason that a lot of notebook fans go about their business practically inaudibly.

We see an advantage in such notebook coolers mainly for users who are interested in protecting their investments in these expensive, mobile companions as best they can. In fact, most hot spots occur on the bottom, caused by the hard drive and the battery (during fast charging) and exacerbated by a poor base. A plastic sheet, paper or simply a blanket on the sofa can lead to heat build-up and thus in fact reduce the life of many components.

Patrick Schmid
Editor-in-Chief (2005-2006)

Patrick Schmid was the editor-in-chief for Tom's Hardware from 2005 to 2006. He wrote numerous articles on a wide range of hardware topics, including storage, CPUs, and system builds.