Heat is a major problem for laptops. Not only it high temperatures can be very uncomfortable when using a laptop, but also the electric parts lifetime depends heavily on their temperatures (1/x^2 factor) – the higher the temperature, the shorter life they will have. We are talking about things like capacitors on the motherboard and other such parts that exist in every laptop (or a desktop pc). Therefore, keeping your laptop’s temperature down is important and even vital.
Also note that lowering the temperatures is beneficial also for idle scenarios. Having 3-4 degrees less when surfing the web is as important as while gaming or doing some other intensive task. Remember, you even be idling or doing light work more than you’re gaming.
This short article will list some of the more known and recommended cooling pads that you can find on the web. If you are going to get a gaming laptop, I suggest that you also purchase a cooling pad – even a basic one and even if you buy some laptop with a very efficient cooling system, like the Asus G55VW or G75VW.
How to choose a cooling pad?
This guide on notebookreview explains a lot and packs loads of info. But some important points, just in case:
1. The first rule is to choose a cooler that fits your laptops fans /wholes placement. Selecting the right cooler has high impact on the cooling effectiveness – it’s not enough to read reviews, because reviews checks only specific laptop or two, usually.
One option is to choose a cooling pad with a mesh and movable fans so you can place them as you wish.
2. Choose a cooler that is known to be efficient in case rule number one exists. Some are just better than others.
There are a lot of cooling pads. I’m only going to recommend some cooling pads that seem to be more appreciated in the forums. This is an always updating list.
Partial list (updated over time):
| Model | Cooling | More | Review(s) |
| NZXT Cryo E40 (25-30$) | Good | Movable fans | 1, 2 |
| NZXT Cryo LX (70$) | Very Good | 1, 2, 3 | |
| Cooler Master CF-19 (50$) | Very good for high performance laptops | Metal | 1, 2, 3 |
| Zalman ZM-NC2000 (55$) | Can be Very Good | 1, 2 | |
| Cooler Master NotePal X3 (33$) | Good | One big fan | 1, 2 |
| Cooler Master NotePal U3 (31$) | Good | 3 movable Fans | 2, 3 |
It is important to remember that the performance of the cooling pads also depends on the laptop itself. The CF-19 and NC2000 seem to be very efficient overall. The X3 and E40 are cheaper and provide good cooling solution. Hard to compare between them, as they weren’t tested with the same system, environment and all, but in that case, the higher priced seem to be more efficient.
Personally, I’d go for one of the cheaper.
Hi, Is Cooler Master NotePal L1 better for my MSI GE 60 laptop ? Any other suggestions?
it should be ok, but I don’t know how it will compare to the others. Other suggestions other than those above?
I need a cheap one $20 that I can use on a desk. I won’t be using anywhere else, so mobility is not an issue.
get the first one
Do you know of any good cooling pads that are comfortable to place on your lap?
you’ll have to look into these models and check out what people say – I still haven’t investigated this.
Plus, this is your taste, I think
I found the Logitech cooling pad N200 that has cushions on the bottom.
I’ll probably get the U3 for my desk; those movable fans are so cool! Thanks for compiling a list.
great! thanks for commenting!