How to choose a laptop cooling pad. How to choose a laptop stand with cooling: types, features and recommendations

Today, a laptop is an indispensable thing in life. modern man Having a laptop, you will not be tied to your workplace at home or at work; you can easily take it with you to the country house or on a long trip. The laptop device is compact and does not take up much space; there is no need to purchase a computer desk, which is a big plus for owners of small apartments. A modern laptop has a huge number of advantages over its larger brother, the personal computer.

But there are also disadvantages to using a laptop, the most significant of which is its overheating, which can lead to expensive repairs. The main overheating problems occur due to improper use of the laptop, and dust that accumulates in the laptop also contributes to this. laptop cooling system. As a result, the laptop begins to work slowly, begins to freeze periodically, reboot spontaneously, or even shut down completely.

To avoid this it will help cooling stand for your laptop, which will provide additional air flow to your pet’s cooling system.

What is a laptop cooling pad? – universal device, which will significantly reduce the temperature of your pet’s devices and protect it from overheating.

There are several types of laptop cooling pads:

Laptop stand with passive cooling - a cooling stand that does not have coolers
- laptop stand with active cooling - stand with built-in coolers

Nowadays, any computer store has a large selection of cooling pads, and the buyer often cannot stop making his choice.

How to choose a cooling pad for a laptop or netbook, what parameters should you pay attention to when purchasing an accessory:

1.When choosing a cooling pad, you should decide on the type of cooling. If your laptop gets very hot, you should choose a stand with active cooling. Otherwise, you can purchase a stand with passive cooling.

2. An important factor when choosing a cooling pad is its size. The size of your future stand should match the size of your laptop.

3.You should also pay attention to the fan power, which will determine the cooling efficiency of your laptop. The higher the fan power, the better your laptop will cool.

4.Pay attention to such an important factor as noise level, which is measured in dB). The lower this parameter, the more comfortable your work on a laptop will be.

5.The cooling pad can contain multiple cooling fans in the case. Depending on the type of stand, their number can vary from one to four. Don't choose a cooling pad with a lot of fans, since their quantity does not mean quality. It is better to choose a stand with one but powerful fan than a stand with several fans, which in turn can increase the noise level.

6. Design. There are a huge number of cooling stands that will appeal to the buyer in terms of color, design, and there are those stands that can “hook” the buyer with their beauty LED backlight. Which stand to choose is up to you.

Result: The process of choosing a cooling pad should be approached carefully; if you have a powerful laptop that is used not only for office applications, then a laptop cooling pad is a necessary thing. There is no need to skimp on choosing a stand, laptop cooling stand price can vary from 500 to 2000 rubles depending on the manufacturer of the device and the originality of the design, because the consequences of fixing a breakdown of your laptop can cost much more than buying such a necessary thing.

P. S. In ours you can find a universal compact laptop stand - an indispensable thing when traveling. A standard laptop bag may not fit your stand, and universal compact stand Dimensions: 285x170x30 and can easily fit into the pocket of your laptop bag.

We test models from CoolerMaster, Logitech, Microsoft and Zalman

Cooling (more precisely, ventilating) pads for laptops are designed to help the standard cooling system cope with hot weather without blue screens and freezes. They are also often useful for owners of powerful gaming laptops, whose standard cooler can be very noisy under load. Fans in stands usually operate at low speeds and make unobtrusive noise, and if, with such support, the laptop’s own cooler reaches maximum speed less often, the overall noise level will be lower. Sometimes the stand can also serve as a docking station, although most often the matter is limited to a built-in USB splitter, but in some cases the user can install it inside the stand hard drive, as in one of the Zalman models in our review. And Logitech's stand distinguished itself even more in an original way: the manufacturer has built in speakers, and they sound very good. But first things first.

How did we test?

Since the testing involved stands of two size categories (for laptops 15-17 inches and 12-14 inches), two laptops were used. The temperature of the central processor was measured during the “warm-up” test in the AIDA 64 program for 10 minutes (or until the temperature stabilized), after which the FurMark test was launched and the temperature of the video card (discrete graphics processor) was measured.

Thus, we can say with confidence that the conditions were obviously more stringent than could arise in real operation; accordingly, the differences between the tested models should have been outlined as clearly as possible. On the other hand, the load in games, when the graphics processor is used to the maximum, and the central one is not idle, is close in “heat transfer” to the mode described above, so it can be considered quite viable. The same parameters were taken during idle time. All tests were carried out at a temperature of 27 °C, that is, slightly higher than the conventional “room temperature”, but typical for residential premises without air conditioning in the summer.

The rotation speed of the laptop's own fan was also recorded, as it depends on the temperature. And often the effect of using a cooling pad really was to reduce the speed of the laptop’s own cooler, while the heating of the components remained at the same level. Since the fan speed in used laptops changes in steps, to save space, in the table it is conventionally marked as 1, 2, 3 and 4 “speed”). Finally, the noise level of the fans built into the stands was measured (at an angle of 45 degrees at a distance of half a meter).

Specifications

Test results (t, °C at idle/under load, in brackets: conditional speed (1-4) of the standard laptop cooling system)

The dashes correspond to combinations that were not tested (the stand is too small or, conversely, too bulky or noisy for use with a compact laptop). It is clearly noticeable that the test results of different models have a lot in common (although there are exceptions that we will discuss later). The fact is that the very fact of the presence of an air gap plays a primary role in cooling; most laptops are usually raised above the table surface by only a few millimeters, so the standard cooling system experiences “air starvation”. Any stand eliminates this problem because the operation of the fan in the stand creates a “virtual” air gap of unlimited size. After which the cooling efficiency... depends on the capabilities of the standard laptop cooling system. After all, in order to “go further” and create excess air pressure, it is necessary not only to align the ventilation grilles, but also to seal the gap between the laptop and the stand, which, of course, no one will do.

However, there are differences in user impressions from different stands, so it is necessary to say a few words about each model.

CoolerMaster NotePal B2

This stand is quite compact, so it is more suitable for use with small laptops with a screen size of up to 14 inches. Although it definitely won't break even if you put a 17-inch gaming machine on it, since its body is made of a fairly thick aluminum profile.

Fans of techno style will probably like this design. The stand is connected to the laptop using the included USB cable; the second connector on the case can be used to connect external devices that will be available on the laptop in “desktop” mode. The user can only turn the fan on or off; there is no provision for adjusting the rotation speed, which is somewhat disappointing. Because the cooling system is by no means silent, and if you have a fairly quiet laptop, you will most likely want to use additional cooling only at maximum load, when the noise of the standard cooler will drown out the noise of the fans in the stand.

The stand should be handled carefully, since the “filling” is not covered by anything. Let's hope that inquisitive family members, if you have any, won't tear off any wires.

Microsoft Cooling Base

We did not place the “senior” laptop on the Microsoft-branded stand; only a 13-inch laptop could fit stably on it. Unlike the previous model, this plastic product does not give the impression of a robust construction, but the price of the Microsoft Cooling Base is the lowest among the models in this review.

The stand can be positioned either horizontally or at an angle of about 30 degrees, if it is more convenient for you to work in this position. In the “elevated” version, the efficiency of the fan in the stand also increases, which is noticeable in the test results.

There is only one drawback in this case, but a serious one: this is the noisiest stand in our review, despite the fact that the fan rotation speed in it is not only not adjustable, it cannot even be turned off. And considering that it cannot boast of particularly efficient cooling, we find it difficult to recommend it to anyone.

Logitech LapDesk N700

The most original stand, which, unlike others, the user can place on his lap; for even greater convenience, you can adjust the angle of the laptop using the additional stops included in the kit. Also built into the stand are 2-inch speakers that sound very nice, which will be very useful, especially for owners of compact, inexpensive laptops with primitive speakers. The width of a 13-inch laptop slightly does not reach the speaker area, and a 16-inch laptop slightly overlaps, but in both cases this combination looks quite appropriate, so the stand can be considered universal.

The polyurethane base is covered with mesh, also made of artificial material, so breathability is not ideal (although the fan will “ventilate” you to some extent). And its weight is comparable to that of another laptop (about 1.5 kg) and may seem too big to hold the stand with a laptop on your lap for a long time. Well, in any activity it is useful to sometimes be distracted and do a warm-up.

The fan makes quite a distinct noise, and if your laptop can reduce its speed to unobtrusive speeds when idle, you will most likely only use the fan in the stand when working under load.

Zalman ZM-NC1000F

And this stand can be primarily recommended to owners of compact laptops in the event that the standard cooling system in hot weather begins to work at high speeds even when idle. Or it switches from minimum speed to high speed and back again during the session, which is even more annoying. Since at minimum speed the fan in the stand creates noise within 25 dBA, that is, indistinguishable from background noise even in a very quiet room. And at the same time, it copes with its task quite well, allowing the standard laptop cooling system to operate at minimum speed. By the way, even at maximum speed the fan in this stand makes moderate noise, at least below the noise level emitted by the coolers of most laptops at maximum load. Therefore, the device may be useful to also reduce the overall noise level under load.

The stand has an original design that allows you to adjust the angle of inclination.

The stand itself has a mini-USB connector, but the kit includes a cable designed for a standard laptop USB port.

Zalman ZM-NC1500

This stand, on the contrary, does not make sense to consider in conjunction with a compact laptop; it is too large and even at minimum speed is noisy in order to hope for a reduction in the overall noise level when using it during idle time. Most likely, it will be useful only to owners of large laptops with powerful gaming hardware who want to play in hot weather. In other words, use additional cooling specifically to maintain a lower temperature of laptop components and, as a result, increase stability.

Interestingly, the fans are located above the ventilation grille on the front panel, so the air flow is fairly even across its entire area, and this design allows us to hope that the stand will be equally effective in cooling laptops with different configurations of ventilation holes on their case.

The stand is connected via a standard USB port with the included cable; another port can be used to connect an external device to the laptop.

Zalman ZM-NC2500Plus

Another large-sized device, similar in appearance to the previous one, but with its own characteristics. The noise level is noticeably lower, while the cooling efficiency of this model is practically not inferior to the previous one. The only thing that slightly spoiled the favorable impressions was the right rubber pad that came off (probably during unpacking), which kept the laptop from sliding on the stand. Self-adhesive parts are, of course, convenient, but I remember that they used to put rubber bands on “fungi” in such places. During assembly, this operation takes the same amount of time, and it is not difficult to provide a couple of additional holes in the lid.

The secret of the cooler's efficiency is that the fans are located on the rear panel, and do not look “at the table”, like other stands. Therefore, they make less noise and their performance approaches the maximum possible.

The original option of this stand is the presence of a compartment for a 2.5-inch hard drive. There is also a three-port USB hub.

Zalman ZM-NC3000S

The developers from Zalman do not please us with a variety of design solutions for the design of their stands, however, as we have already seen, they can differ quite significantly in design. This stand was pleased with the minimal noise level at low fan speeds, so it can be used with a compact laptop in all cases where there is a need to quiet the standard cooling system.

In this case, a 220 mm fan is used, located in the center of the base of the stand. Such a solution can indeed provide good cooling efficiency at low speeds, and therefore minimal noise.

Conclusions

Testing has confirmed the effectiveness of using cooling pads in two situations. Firstly, if the standard laptop system does not have a reserve in case of prolonged operation at elevated temperatures (and therefore, even during idle time, the fan accelerates to audible speed). In this case, it makes sense to pay attention to stands that demonstrated a noise level at low speeds within 30 dBA (we emphasize that in our test we measured the noise level in conditions close to reality at close range, since a rare user is located a meter from the laptop, like It is customary to measure noise levels according to a standard).

Secondly, as you would expect, stands with effective cooling systems help to reduce the maximum temperature quite well (and also often unload the standard laptop system) when working under maximum load. The main criterion here is maximum performance, since this mode usually occurs in games (and those rare applications that also load both the central and graphics processor at the same time). The noise level within acceptable limits can be neglected here, since the laptop itself will create a certain level (usually not lower than 35 dBA), and sound is usually present in games. On the other hand, a powerful “vacuum cleaner” in a stand is also not needed. So, as our tests confirmed, the spread in the results is small, since it depends on the performance of the standard laptop cooling system.

Some stands have useful options: the ability to adjust the angle, a built-in USB hub, and even the ability to install a hard drive or have built-in speakers. Many stands also come in different colors, so you can choose a color that matches your interior or laptop.

Content

Laptop computers are valued for their small size, portability, and ability to work without being plugged into an outlet. For the same reason, the components are located in close proximity to each other and become noticeably heated. A cooling pad for a laptop, which can also serve as a table, will help in this situation.

Why do you need a laptop stand?

The device performs two important functions: it lowers the temperature inside the computer due to additional airflow and maintains it in a position that will be comfortable for the user. The last point is especially important because the laptop is usually placed on the knees, and the person constantly looks down, creating a load on the neck, shoulders and back. A stand with a fan for a laptop reduces the temperature inside the case and extends the life of the gadget.

You should purchase it in the following cases:

• if you notice that the surface of the laptop is getting too hot for no obvious reason (a resource-intensive program or a modern game);
• freezing or slowing down of the computer during prolonged use;
• you often keep the laptop on a bed or sofa, which makes it difficult to ventilate the case;
• if there was a repair or problems with the graphics adapter (video card);
• The device runs on an AMD processor (high temperature).

A problem with overheating can arise for various reasons, for example, a problem with the design, the thermal paste has dried out (located between the cooling system and the processor or video card chip), weak coolers. Dust that is sucked inside by the cooling system fans can also cause an increase in temperature. In such cases, it is recommended to purchase a stand with additional active cooling.

How to choose a laptop cooling pad

Online stores offer a wide selection of devices for lowering the temperature of a laptop. Each laptop cooling pad has its own parameters, which directly affect the quality. When choosing a product, it is recommended to pay attention to the following parameters:

• Cooling type. There are two options: passive and active. For stands, only the second option is suitable, which implies the presence of fans. The passive system has heat-dissipating elements, but they don’t help much when overheating (it’s just a stand with holes so that your feet or sofa don’t cover the ventilation elements on the case).
• Number of coolers. This is an important parameter for an active cooling system. According to reviews, the most successful models are those with one large fan, while options with several small ones cope worse and are less efficient.
• Noise level. Each model has its own indicator in dB, choose the option where it is lower. The choice of cooling pads is large, so look for the one that will make the least noise, provided that it has 1 large fan.
• Cooler power. This parameter directly affects the noise level. A powerful fan that provides good cooling will make a lot of noise. Manufacturers are trying to achieve an optimal balance between these two indicators.
• Size. There are stands with different diagonals that correspond to the laptop parameters: 15.6, 17 or 14 inches for netbooks. You can take larger models, but it is highly recommended not to take smaller ones. There are options with additional space (tables) for cups with drinks, a mouse or speakers.
• Weight. The parameter depends on the material of the cooling pad, fans, design. If we're talking about For a simple model, you need to select it with minimal weight. If you want to buy floor units or tables, then it is better to take more massive options.
• Design. The stands differ in shape, color, and materials (wood, aluminum, plastic). The choice in this case depends on your budget and preferences.
• Additional features. Some stands are equipped with additional USB interfaces, card readers, speed controls, and backlighting.

You can order additional cooling for your laptop with delivery by mail; there are many options in the catalog, so it is recommended to rely on the parameters described above and customer reviews. Below are popular manufacturers that are widely represented in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Before purchasing, be sure to read the reviews for this product.

Buro

This is a company that has been represented on the Russian market for more than 10 years. Offers stationery, office equipment, laptop accessories. Among the popular models of cooling supplies are the following options:

• Name: Buro BU-LCP156-B114.
• Price: 489 rubles.
• Characteristics: 1 fan 140x140 mm, rotation speed – 1000 rpm, USB port – 1 pc., noise level: 20 dB, maximum laptop diagonal – 15.6 inches.
• Pros: the positive aspects include one large cooler that effectively removes heat, comfortable supports that prevent the laptop from moving. The mesh is made of metal, so it absorbs and removes heat well, and the body is made of plastic, which makes the structure lightweight.
• Cons: the cooler is noisy during cooling; at first impressions, the plastic is very unreliable.

The BURO company produces budget models that are accessible to most users. For example, here is a universal stand for cooling a laptop during active work:

• Name: Buro BU-LCP140-B214.
• Price: 540 rubles.
• Characteristics: active cooling, cooler size – 140 mm, number of fans – 2 pcs., case material – metal and plastic, rotation speed – 1000 rpm, noise level – 20 dB, backlight – yes, maximum diagonal – 14 inches .
• Pros: power supply via USB pass-through connector, compact model, easy connection, low noise level, there are convenient position locks that prevent the computer from falling
• Cons: some users noted spontaneous temporary shutdowns and that the stand is only suitable for netbooks.

Trust

This large company, which offers its customers accessories for computers, mobile devices and gadgets. Their models differ in cost depending on the design and additional functions. There are options for every budget. Below are the most popular ones from the rating:

• Name: TRUST Xstream.
• Price: 1899 rubles.
• Characteristics: active cooling, cooler diameter – 70 mm, number of fans – 2, material – aluminum, maximum diagonal – 17 inches.
• Pros: beautiful and stylish design, silent coolers, ability to adjust the tilt of the stand for comfortable work with a laptop.
• Cons: lack of perforation on the stand itself, the location of the fans does not provide ventilation in the center of the case, where the processor and video card are located (the main “hot” components).

Another model from this company, but much cheaper:

• Name: TRUST Ziva Laptop Cooling Stand.
• Price: 699 rubles.
• Characteristics: active cooling, number of coolers – 1 pc., fan size – 140 mm, backlight, maximum diagonal – 16 inches.
• Pros: a budget version of the stand, made of aluminum and plastic, which ensures a low weight of the structure, perforated surface for optimal heat dissipation from the body, does not block the ventilation elements, can be used on a table, bed, sofa.
• Cons: fragility of the design and insufficient power of the cooling element.

Canyon

This company also specializes in modern gadgets. The range includes mobile phones, accessories for personal computers and laptops, and gaming peripherals. On at the moment Their line of cooling tables is represented by only 1 option:

• Name: Canyon CNR-FNS01.
• Price: 1000 rubles.
• Characteristics: active cooling, number of coolers – 1 pc., fan diameter – 140 mm, power – 1000 rpm, noise level – 22 dB, maximum diagonal – up to 17 inches.
• Pros: a convenient stand for placing the laptop in the optimal position, helps to remove additional stress from the back and neck, the cooling system consumes a small amount of energy, the stand has comfortable handles for moving, and the design itself is lightweight.
• Cons: there is no tilt adjustment, so you can’t change the position.

Deepcool

A well-known company that specializes in components for computers and laptops. Produces good air and liquid cooling systems and PC cases. It is presented in several models of stands; the following models are popular:

• Name: DeepCool N400.
• Price: 790 rubles.
• Characteristics: active cooling, number of fans – 1 pc., cooler diameter – 140 mm, power – 1000 rpm, noise level – 21 dB, material – aluminum, plastic, laptop diagonal – up to 15.6 inches.
• Pros: perforated base, allows air to escape and lowers the temperature in the case by 5-6 degrees Celsius, connects via USB pass-through, so the connector will still be accessible, there is a special strip at the bottom that protects the computer from slipping.
• Cons: after closing the computer, the fan continues to spin; over time, the cooler starts to become louder.

If you are looking for a more reliable model, then you can check out the following option:

• Name: DeepCool WindWheel FS.
• Price: 1799 rubles.
• Characteristics: active cooling, number of fans – 1 pc., cooler diameter – 140 mm, power – 700 rpm, noise level – 23 dB, material – aluminum, plastic, laptop diagonal – up to 15.4 inches.
• Pros: the laptop cooling pad is lightweight, comfortable, can be raised on its legs by 20 degrees to make it more convenient to watch movies or play games, the perforated base ensures good removal of hot air.
• Cons: there is a possibility of the cord wrapping around the axial part and breaking, it is inconvenient to insert and remove the USB cable every time, it would be much easier with an on/off button.

Hama

A German company that specializes in the production of accessories for computers and laptops. Among the popular models are the following options:

• Name: Hama 00053065.
• Price: 1120 rubles.
• Characteristics: active cooling, number of fans – 2 pcs., cooler diameter – 120 mm, noise level – 23 dB, material – aluminum, plastic, laptop diagonal – up to 15.6 inches.
• Pros: a cooling pad for a laptop with a minimal level of energy consumption and noise generated, has a bright backlight, which is appreciated by many gaming enthusiasts to create an atmosphere, anti-slip coating for stability of the laptop, convenient stops for computer models of any thickness.
• Minuses: the weight of the stand itself, compared to other models it is a little heavier.

From the same company you can see the following model:

• Name: Hama 00053067.
• Price: 876 rubles.
• Characteristics: active cooling, number of fans – 1 pc., cooler diameter – 160 mm, noise level – 22 dB, material – aluminum, plastic, backlight – red, adjustable tilt.
• Pros: Large cooler in the center of the stand, provides good airflow to the central part of the case, where most of the “hot elements” are located, air is blown out freely and ensures cooling of the laptop, convenient angle adjustment, beautiful backlighting, comfortable stops, low noise level.
• Cons: thin cable for connection, fragile perforated grille.