The Ultimate Laptop Cooling Guide for Gamers width

The 13 best laptop cooling pads for gaming and more in 2024

Laptops are built with stronger hardware than ever. But the more powerful a laptop is, the hotter it'll get. Top models can hit temperatures of 170 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, especially when gaming. Hot laptops feel awful to hold, and heat can wear down your components over time. If you don't want your laptop to double as a space heater, consider investing in one of the best laptop cooling pads.

Our favorite laptop cooling pads for gaming include the TopMate C11, which has its own detachable phone stand. We also recommend the Thermaltake Massive TM, which features two 120mm fans and a temperature sensor. Either one will cool your laptop and help guard your thighs from burns.

Below, you can find all of our picks for the best laptop cooling pads on the market. We've also included information on how well cooling pads work and what you should expect from a typical purchase.

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• The TopMate C11 features six fans, RGB lighting, two USB ports, and a detachable phone stand.

• This premium metal cooling pad has two adjustable fans and an automatic temperature sensor.

• The GT500's 5,000 RPM fan makes it one of the most powerful cooling pads on the market.

• This binder-shaped cooling pad has two fans, a slight tilt, and an open design to help disperse heat.

• This stylish RGB cooling pad can cool your laptop without making too much extra noise.

• The Massive 20 is lined with customizable RGB lights and can support bigger 18-inch laptops.

• The TopMate C5 isn't the biggest pad around, but it's a powerful option with five fans and up to 2,500 RPM.

• Rather than a typical pad, the Klim Cool is a "vacuum" fan that hooks directly onto your laptop and pulls the hot air out.

• This affordable Kootek pad features five fans and lets you choose which ones are running.

• The NotePal X3 features a large 200mm fan that's rated for just 23 dB.

• This Havit pad comes in three different colors, and each one has three fans and a slim design.

• This is a cooling stand that lets you lift your laptop up to eye level, which is better for posture.

• This butterfly-shaped cooler comes in a variety of colors, but they're all powerful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do laptop cooling pads actually work?

Yes, but it depends on what you're looking for. Testing shows that the best laptop cooling pads can cool down laptops, usually by about five to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on strength. That's not huge, but can make a difference over time. And if you tend to use your laptop directly on your lap, putting a pad underneath can protect your thighs from discomfort.

On the other hand, there's not much evidence that cooling pads actually help laptops run faster. The few-degree difference isn't enough to noticeably improve CPU or GPU performance. And if your laptop already has overheating issues maybe because the vents are damaged or dusty a cooling pad is just a temporary fix.

Laptop cooling pads can make you more comfortable when gaming, but don't expect them to improve your laptop's performance. For better performance, you'll need to invest in better laptop hardware. Check out our guides to the best gaming laptops and best budget gaming laptops to see our top recommendations.

How loud are laptop cooling pads?

Most cooling pads range from about 20dB to 50dB in volume. An output of 50dB is about as loud as a typical conversation between two people or the hum of a refrigerator. The stronger a cooling pad's fans are, the louder it'll be.

Remember that a cooling pad won't replace your laptop's internal fans. So, if your laptop's internal fans are running at the same time as the cooling pad, you'll have two sets of fans making noise, which means double the volume.

How heavy are laptop cooling pads?

The weight of a cooling pad depends on its size and the material it's made of, typically plastic or metal. However, cooling pads generally weigh between 1.5 and 3.5 pounds.

For reference, gaming laptops tend to weigh about four to five pounds, and a gaming laptop charger adds at least a half-pound more. This means that in total with the laptop, charger, and cooling pad you're looking at about seven to nine pounds of weight.

What size cooling pad should I buy?

Any cooling pad you buy needs to be at least big enough to fit the base of your laptop comfortably. Your laptop shouldn't be hanging off the sides or the back and should be able to sit flat without any wobbling. In other words, a bigger cooling pad will work with smaller laptops, but not the other way around.

Cooling pads work best when the pad's fans can line up with your laptop's vents. This will usually mean keeping your laptop in the center of the pad, an even distance away from each fan and/or directly above the center fan.

Gamer Blueprint

Why Gaming PC Fans are Essential for Enthusiasts

As an avid PC gaming enthusiast, I have experienced the exhilaration of intense gaming sessions and the joy of building and customizing gaming rigs. One aspect that often gets overlooked in PC building discussions is the importance of cooling. Efficient cooling is the unsung hero that ensures our gaming PCs perform at their best and last longer. In this guide, I will share my passion for gaming PC fans, discuss their significance, and offer helpful suggestions for choosing and optimizing these cooling components.

My Passion for Gaming PC Fans

Before diving into the technicalities, let me share my passion for gaming PC fans. As a gamer and PC builder, Ive come to appreciate the role of cooling in unleashing the full potential of gaming hardware. Proper cooling not only improves performance but also protects the expensive components inside our gaming rigs. Its like having a loyal companion that keeps your gaming experience smooth and glitch-free.

Understanding Gaming PC Fans

What are Gaming PC Fans?

Gaming PC fans are specialized cooling components designed to dissipate the heat generated by your PCs hardware during intensive gaming sessions. They play a crucial role in maintaining stable operating temperatures, which directly impact your systems performance and longevity.

The Role of Cooling in Gaming PCs

Gaming PCs are powerhouses, equipped with cutting-edge processors, high-end graphics cards, and other performance-driven components. All this power generates substantial heat, which, if not handled properly, can lead to thermal throttling, performance drops, and even hardware damage.

Different Types of Fans in a Gaming PC

In a gaming PC, youll find various types of fans that work together to keep your system cool. The primary fan types include case fans, CPU cooler fans, GPU cooler fans, and PSU fans. Each has its specific role and importance in maintaining optimal temperatures.

Importance of Proper Cooling

Avoiding Thermal Throttling

One of the biggest enemies of gaming performance is thermal throttling. When your hardware gets too hot, it starts reducing its performance to protect itself from damage. This can result in sudden frame rate drops, lag, and a frustrating gaming experience. Effective cooling prevents thermal throttling and allows your hardware to consistently deliver peak performance.

Extending Hardware Lifespan

Gaming PC components are expensive investments. Proper cooling ensures that these components operate within safe temperature ranges, reducing wear and tear and extending their lifespan. Cooler components also experience less stress, leading to fewer hardware failures and costly repairs.

Exploring Different Types of Gaming PC Fans

Case fans are the backbone of any gaming PC cooling setup. They are responsible for maintaining overall airflow within the PC case, ensuring that cool air reaches vital components and hot air is expelled.

Intake and Exhaust Fans

Case fans come in two main types: intake fans and exhaust fans. Intake fans bring fresh air into the case, while exhaust fans expel hot air out. A balanced combination of intake and exhaust fans creates a positive airflow, ensuring a constant flow of cool air throughout the case.

Optimal Placement for Efficient Airflow

Proper placement of case fans is crucial for effective cooling. Typically, youll want to position intake fans at the front or bottom of the case and exhaust fans at the rear or top. This setup allows cool air to enter from the front and bottom, while hot air is pushed out from the rear and top.

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the brain of your gaming PC and one of the most heat-intensive components. CPU cooler fans, also known as heatsink fans, are responsible for dissipating the heat generated by the CPU.

Air vs. Liquid Cooling Solutions

CPU coolers come in two main types: air-based and liquid-based. Air coolers use heatsinks and fans to draw heat away from the CPU, while liquid coolers use a pump and radiator to transfer heat away.

Overclocking and Cooling

Overclocking is a popular practice among gaming enthusiasts, where they push their hardware to run at higher clock speeds for improved performance. However, overclocking generates more heat, and a capable CPU cooler is essential to handle the increased thermal output.

Graphics cards are power-hungry components, especially during gaming, and they require effective cooling to deliver peak performance.

Balancing Performance and Temperature

Graphics cards come with dedicated GPU cooler fans designed to keep the GPU temperature in check. High-performance GPUs often come with more fans to handle the increased heat generated during demanding gaming sessions.

Preventing GPU Throttling

Just like CPUs, GPUs can also experience thermal throttling if they get too hot. This can lead to drops in frame rates and hinder the gaming experience. Effective GPU cooling prevents thermal throttling and ensures smooth gaming performance.

The Power Supply Unit (PSU) is often an overlooked component, but it plays a vital role in powering your gaming PC and keeping it stable.

The Role of PSU Fans in System Stability

PSU fans help keep the power supply unit cool during operation. A stable PSU ensures consistent power delivery to all components, preventing system crashes and damage.

Choosing an Efficient PSU

When selecting a PSU, consider one with efficient and quiet fans. An efficient PSU not only reduces energy consumption but also produces less heat, contributing to a cooler overall system.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Gaming PC Fans

Airflow and Static Pressure: The Cooling Combo

Understanding the concepts of airflow and static pressure is crucial when choosing the right gaming PC fans.

Understanding Airflow Direction

Proper airflow direction ensures that cool air reaches all the vital components in your gaming PC. Intake fans bring cool air into the case, while exhaust fans expel hot air out.

Static Pressure for Restricted Spaces

Static pressure fans are designed to work well in cases with restricted airflow, such as those with radiators or dense air filters. These fans can push air through tight spaces more effectively, ensuring efficient cooling.

Noise Level and RPM: Finding the Sweet Spot

Gaming PC fans produce noise during operation, and its essential to strike a balance between performance and silence.

The Decibel Dilemma

Some high-performance fans can produce significant noise levels at maximum RPM. Consider fans with low noise levels while maintaining decent RPM for efficient cooling.

RPM and Its Impact on Performance

Higher RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) generally means more cooling performance but at the cost of increased noise. Choose fans with adjustable RPM or fan curves in your BIOS to tailor performance to your needs.

RGB and Aesthetics: Blending Performance and Style

RGB fans have become increasingly popular among gamers for their ability to add a stylish touch to their gaming setups.

The Rise of RGB Fans

RGB fans come with built-in LED lighting, which can be customized to match your setups theme and colors. These fans create an eye-catching spectacle that enhances the gaming experience.

Creating the Perfect Lighting Setup

Consider the placement and coordination of RGB fans with other RGB components, such as RGB RAM, RGB CPU coolers, and RGB peripherals. A well-coordinated RGB setup creates a visually stunning gaming environment.

Fan Bearing Types: Silent and Durable

Gaming PC fans utilize different bearing types, each with its advantages and disadvantages.

Sleeve Bearings

Sleeve bearings are cost-effective and commonly found in entry-level fans. While they offer decent performance, they might not last as long as other bearing types.

Ball Bearings

Ball bearings provide smoother and quieter operation, making them ideal for those seeking a quieter gaming experience. They also tend to last longer than sleeve bearings.

Fluid Dynamic Bearings

Fluid dynamic bearings combine the advantages of sleeve and ball bearings, offering both durability and reduced noise levels. These bearings are often found in higher-end fans.

Fan Control and Software: Mastering Your Fans

Controlling fan speeds and profiles is crucial for tailoring your gaming PCs cooling to your specific needs.

PWM vs. Voltage Control

Fans come with different control methods: PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) and voltage control. PWM fans are more precise in controlling fan speeds and are preferred for automatic fan control.

Unleashing Fan Control Software

Modern motherboards and fan controllers come with software that allows you to control fan speeds and create custom fan curves. Use this software to optimize your cooling setup and achieve the perfect balance between performance and noise.

Tips for Optimizing Gaming PC Fan Setup

Positive vs. Negative Air Pressure: The Battle for Balance

Creating the right air pressure inside your gaming PC case is vital for effective cooling.

Understanding Air Pressure Configurations

Positive air pressure occurs when there is more intake airflow than exhaust airflow, while negative air pressure is the opposite. Each configuration has its advantages and disadvantages.

Achieving the Ideal Setup

For most gaming PCs, a slightly positive air pressure configuration is recommended. This setup helps prevent dust from entering through unfiltered gaps and provides better cooling for vital components.

Cable Management and Clearance: Clear Path to Cooler Performance

Keeping your gaming PCs interior tidy and well-organized can significantly impact cooling performance.

Taming the Cable Chaos

Messy cables can obstruct airflow and lead to higher temperatures. Use cable ties and routing channels to keep cables neatly organized and away from critical airflow paths.

Providing Ample Clearance

Ensure that there is enough space between components, especially between the GPU and other parts, to allow for unobstructed airflow. Avoid blocking intake or exhaust vents with cables or components.

Regular Cleaning and Maintenance: Dusting Off the Heat

Dust accumulation is a common issue that affects cooling efficiency.

The Importance of Cleaning

Dust can clog fans, heatsinks, and radiators, reducing cooling performance. Regular cleaning prevents dust buildup and helps maintain optimal cooling.

Maintaining Peak Performance

Use compressed air, a soft brush, or an anti-static vacuum cleaner to remove dust from fan blades, heatsinks, and other cooling components. Be gentle to avoid damaging sensitive parts.

Conclusion

Gaming PC fans are the unsung heroes that keep your system cool, stable, and performing at its best during intense gaming sessions. Choosing the right fans, optimizing their setup, and performing regular maintenance are key to achieving the ideal gaming experience. As a passionate gaming PC enthusiast, Ive experienced the benefits of proper cooling firsthand, and I hope this guide has provided valuable insights into the world of gaming PC fans.

Remember, efficient cooling not only enhances gaming performance but also protects your valuable gaming hardware, ensuring that your gaming rig continues to be a reliable companion on your gaming adventures.

FAQs

How many case fans do I need for my gaming PC?

The number of case fans depends on your PCs components, case size, and desired airflow. Generally, two intake and one exhaust fan are a good starting point.

Are liquid cooling solutions better for gaming Pcs?

Liquid cooling can offer better cooling performance, especially for high-end gaming PCs and overclocked systems, but its not always necessary for average setups.

Do RGB fans impact gaming performance?

RGB fans do not directly impact gaming performance, but they add a stylish touch to your setup, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Can I use any fan control software for my PC?

Fan control software compatibility depends on your motherboard and the fans interface (PWM or voltage-controlled). Ensure they are compatible before using any software.

How often should I clean my gaming PC fans?

Its recommended to clean your gaming PC fans every 3 to 6 months, depending on your environment and dust accumulation. Regular cleaning ensures optimal cooling and performance.