NBR Cooling Central

[X2P]

We are the NBR Cooling Team. We are a group of NBR members who are dedicated to the reduction of temperatures in notebooks to allow higher overclocks and longevity. We have established our selves to help YOU keep your notebook running cool.

(display pictures to be added shortly as well as team sigs)

X2P: For X2P he was never a notebook guy but a desktop fanboy until he received his Vostro 1500. Although he never got the hang of overclocking he was still pursuing a way to give his notebook extra cooling after noticing objects such as water bottles were melting within a foot of his fan. After attempting a few methods he settled on a cooler and has developed a passion for notebook coolers.


Johnny　T: It all started when his Compaq B3800 “beeped’’ at him (believed to be caused by Pentium M CPUs reaching 90C). Since then he has used every single notebook cooling technique that can be thought of. Ranging from notebook coolers to putting a frozen gel mat underneath his notebook. Loves his notebook, hate its cooling system. If you have a question regarding notebook cooling, he is everywhere on NBR, literally.

Gophn: He has never been a notebook owner before his Clevo D900K. He researched and invested his money of the world's first dual core notebook, which also happened to be the highest-end gaming notebook at the time. He ran into an issue with the GPU downclocking after a few months of use. He realized that it was overheating and decided to make a thread about it, then another thread to help others monitor their notebook's temps, as well as become an advocate of notebook cooling... especially for performance/gaming notebooks that need more care than a typical use notebook. You can find is "Copy-Paste" of his tips to clean out the dust from a notebook all over NBR. So you better read that before you post yet another "My notebook is overheating.." thread (or he will eat you …. “X2P”).

Flipfire: A Master of undervolting, Flipfire is our resident UV expert. He will be spreading his majestic UV’ing techniques. From Pentium Ms to Core 2 Duos, he has done them all! He is situated in the HP forum or the Dell forum, and also is the creator of the undervolting guide. He has always had a slight craving in keeping his notebook cool but unlike many of us he has an unknown past and an unknown reason as to why he does it.




Monitoring Temperatures

Idle temperatures are varied in most notebooks. The reasoning behind this is due to their different thermal designs and low-level programming for fans.

Danger zone (high) temperatures are pretty standard due to manufactures low-level specifications of usage. Danger temps are set to downclock the component such as the CPU or GPU in order to cool the component down enough to prevent overheating

Here are temperatures for specific components when they enter the danger zone.:

CPU danger temperature is around 75-85C (check the CPU's tech specs)
GPU danger temperature is around 90-95C
HDD danger temperature is around 60-65C

Threshold temperatures are also pretty standard once again due to the reasons specified under the danger zone temperatures. These temperatures are the most dangerous to a system, in which permanent hardware damage can be incurred if the user does not remedy the heat issue during which time the user is experiencing temperatures within the danger zone. Systems that have a component that reaches threshold temperatures will usually crash or shutdown when the temperature peaks.

CPU threshold temperature is around 90-100C (and above)
GPU threshold temperature is around 100-105C (and above)
HDD threshold temperature is varied, but above 65C is bad

Safe temperatures are temperatures are basically any temperature below the danger zone temperatures. Even a 5C-10C difference is ok as long as it stays below the danger zone temperatures.

If it is not a new system when a it enters the danger zone, it is a red flag to do some serious cleaning of dust from the vents and fans (guide below) or to be aware that you may be blocking vents on the bottom or side, which is restricting the airflow. Only use notebooks on hard, flat, clean surfaces. Never use a notebook on a lap, couch, bed, or other soft surfaces.

If it is a new notebook and it is reaching danger zone or threshold temperatures it is recommended you contact the vendor of your notebook.

There are a few systems that may be close to danger zone temperatures, due to their thermal design (or lack of). These systems will benefit with any extra cooling, for example a cooler like the Zalman ZM-NC1000/NC2000
.... check out the: Notebook Coolers : A Buyers Guide

This section was brought to you by Gophn.






There are three main approaches to cooling a notebook. The easiest being accessories followed by software and hardware. We will provide links with guides on how you can apply these methods but please note that we are not responsible for any damage to your notebook including if you overclock too high although your temperatures are ok.

We will be posting out tips in the following format:

TITLE OF TIP: Description of tip, description of tip, etc…
^if the title appears like this text (underlined and blue) it is linked to a guide

Difficulty: Beginner*/Intermediate**/Expert***
Effect: Measured in units of C (for cool)

Cost: $ (US+Canadian)
Software Required: All required software will be here linked to the official site


Alternative Software: All alternative software will be here linked to the official site
Tools Required: If any tools are required they will be posted here

* never really used/opened up a onotebook before
** has experience with computing and is comfortable with fiddling about with their notebook
*** done it all before...






Software is crucial in several regards. It is used to first diagnose if your notebook has a heat issue or not while detecting the temperature of your notebook’s components such as the hard drive, processor and graphics card. That is why we consider this the first step to keeping your notebook cool. Software can also allow you to tune your component(s) so that they produce less heat and even speed up your notebooks fan when you would like to on specific models.


Monitoring Temperatures:
As stated above temperatures are quite evidently very important to cooling down your notebook as you will not be able to calculate any changes in temperature with your components if this step is not taken. This is a MUST step in order to cool your notebook and is expected you use it to apply all methods of cooling although it will not be written down as required software.

Difficulty: Beginner
Effect: CCCCC

Cost: $0
Software Required: Riva Tuner, Notebook Hardware Control.
Alternative Software: HDTune, RMClock, I8Kfan (Dell only see below)


Drivers and Bios:
”The drivers guide is designed to help you update your laptop's video card drivers. Why update your drivers? Newer drivers can improve 3D performance, fix bugs and other graphical glitches in certain games, support new features, and use your hardware more efficiently”. It is best to try out drivers and test temperatures and performance and find the right driver for your graphics card as video card drivers can affect the amount of heat output of your video card. Bios also play a factor as newer Bios are released for your system some may show slight improvement in temperature.

Difficulty: Beginner
Effect: C

Cost: $0
Software Required: Drivers (ATI / Nvidia), Bios from your manufacturer’s site.
Alternative Software: N/A


Undervolting:
Undervolting is a process which reduces the excess "voltage" given to the CPU using a software. This is widely used as a cooling solution and in my opinion more effective than any other cooling solution available (thermal paste, cooling pad, etc) at NO cost. Results can vary from 5c up to 20c drop in temperature, most will achieve an average of 10c.

Undervolting will NOT compromise performance at all. Underclocking and Overclocking (clock speeds) is whats responsible in regards to performance. Benchmarks will also prove that performance remains the same. Most beginners usually think and assume undervolting will sacrifice performance but they are wrong.

Difficulty: Intermediate
Effect: CCCC

Cost: $0
Software Required: RMclock, ORTHOS CPU loader, HWmonitor
Alternative Software: N/A


Fan Control:
Many believe that notebook fans cannot be controlled but that is a false statement. Notebook fans can be controlled, infact using HWmonitor you could code with its ACPI BUT it is complicated and useless to the average user and we do not recommend you attempted it. We recommend if your notebook isn’t a Dell or a Thinkpad you let your fans be and find an alternative method to cool your notebook.

Difficulty: Beginner
Effect: CCC

Cost: $0
Software Required: I8Kfan (Dell (XPS Support Pending)), ThinkPad Fan Control (Thinkpad T4X also a tad complicated recommended fore mroe advanced users)
Alternative Software: Speed fan (It is rumored to work on some notebooks not confirmed)

Unnecessary Processes:
A great way to keep your laptop cool is to lower its load. By lowering the load on your components it lowers heat production. Although this has only a minor affect to some it may have a larger affect and may even boost game performance. To do this just press and hold CTRL + ALT + DEL and choose processes. With the list infront of you type the process such as "acrotray.exe" into google and you will find many resources on what this process is and you can decide if you would like to disable it. Note:some of these can be even stopped from starting up via msconfig.

Difficulty: Beginner
Effect: 1/2C

Cost: $0
Software Required: Windows OS
Alternative Software: N/A





Hardware is what runs your system whether it is your processor or hard drive it is anything “physical” that operates your system. It is quite obvious that it plays a major role in the heat output of your system since hardware is what produces the heat. Although there is not much you can do about modifying the hardware there are some methods to help control the heat output of your hardware.


Clean your Fans:
We cannot stress this enough that this is probably the most important and easiest things you can do to keep your notebook cool. Dust does get stuck in fans regardless if your room is clean or not it is a matter of time. It is recommended you do this regularly, as in every 3-6 months should be sufficient. The difficulty level of this varies from notebook to notebook but take your time and avoid frustration.

Difficulty: Beginner/Intermediate
Effect: CCCCC

Cost: $7+ (depends on tools already acquired)
Software Required: N/A
Alternative Software: N/A
Tools Required: Compressed air (they now have tilt able cans as well), flashlight, screwdriver set, Qtips, cotton swabs.


Thermal Paste:
First off it is very important to note that this may void your warranty and we are not responsible. A recent trend in notebook cooling is the application of thermal paste to notebook processors and video cards. There are different types of thermal pastes and not all methods are applied the same way so learn the basics from the link provided. Here is a link to a guide for one of the more popular thermal paste's, arctic silver 5(
Difficulty: Beginner
Effect: CCCC

Cost: $5+ (depends on the paste chosen and tools already acquired)
Software Required: N/A
Alternative Software: N/A
Tools Required: Refer to the guide


Notebook Cooling mods:
There are cooling mods to notebooks that exist including modding heat pipes and drilling holes etc but we highly do not recommend you attempt these or let alone even think about attempting these unless your are qualified and do not care about damage to your notebook.

Difficulty: Expert
Effect: ?

Cost: ?
Software Required: ?
Alternative Software: ?
Tools Required: ?






Notebook Coolers:
Although notebook coolers have often been referred to as a “fancy” accessory such as a gaming mouse pad its adoption has been recently booming here on NBR and on other sites. They are a simple tool that will help keep your notebook cool. There are many coolers out there and there is no need to be fooled, follow the guide.(best viewed in 1440x900 (to be lowered soon))

Difficulty: N/A
Effect: CCCC

Cost: $20-$75
Software Required: N/A


Homemade Notebook Coolers:
These are a great summer project if you have the tools the money and the time and patience. They allow you to customize where you would like the air to come out to better fit your notebook’s vents. There are different types of home made coolers and it is up to you which you would like to create. Good luck.

Difficulty: Intermediate/Expert
Effect: CCCC

Cost: ??? (Varies by materials, time etc)
Software Required: N/A
Alternative Software: N/A
Tools Required: Depends on the build


Cable ties and an Organized Desk:
Many people never take into consideration that a messy desk can affect their notebooks operating temperatures. A clean work space around your notebook is note just handy and nice to have but if the space around your notebook is insolated with clutter it can block off good air circulation with your notebook. It is also recommended that you use cable ties for mice with long cords and other cables that may be in the way.

Difficulty: N/A
Effect: 0.5C

Cost: $1+
Software Required: N/A
Alternative Software: N/A
Tools Required: N/A




If you would like our assistance in cooling down or keeping your current and/or future notebook please fill in the FAQ so that we can help you to our fullest extent and to reduce wait times.

Start Copy
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1. What notebook do you own/going to own (Make and Model)?

2. Specs of the notebook (List Details Please)

3. Maximum and minimum temperature of CPU/GPU/HDD in Celsius and if possible idle and load times (see software guide)

4. What sort of cooling solutions are you looking for? (active solutions (fan coolers/passive, thermal paste...etc) )

5. Budget for cooling solutions?

6. Your general computer knowledge (Beginner to Expert)

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End Copy

Last update: 08/06/24 by X2P, addition of Stopping processes, editing spacing/


Did you like this Post? Did you learn something from it? Then vote for it in the NBR Amazing Content Contest

[The_Observer]

Thanks guys.I am indebted to you pioneers.

[Azone]

This is really nice. When someone I knew saw my ZM-NC2000, he said "Yeah, I thought about getting a cooler, but then I realized it was a complete waste of money". Other people have told me I'm addicted to cooling. Well, most of their laptops are showing problems, and one of them did die due to overheating.

So yeah, this is really good. Glad you guys put this together. This is sure to help many.

Oh, just on a side note. I was thinking about building my own notebook cooler, but I didn't get the time, and at this point I'm sort of glad I didn't. I bought the Zalman and it was way better than I have previously expected. I figured that if I was going to build a USB powered one like I had planned, I probably couldn't match the Zalman. Now, if I went with a 120 V power supply, then I could probably beat it.

Thanks for putting this together.

[Johnny T]

Checking in...

[K-TRON]

hmm, where is the upgrade your fans to high performance EBM PAPST's?
I didnt see it there.
I have upgraded all of my fans to ebm system blowers on my laptop, and it runs much cooler, with its high quality german manufactured fans

K-TRON

[powerpack]

When I get my new notebook in the next month or two this stop will be on my list. If the cooling team needs a spokesmodel I am available.

[Leon]

Alright, I guess I'll just fill out the FAQ !

1. What notebook do you own/going to own (Make and Model)?
Dell Inspiron 1520

2. Specs of the notebook (List Details Please)
Specs are in Signature.

3. Maximum and minimum temperature of CPU/GPU/HDD in Celsius and if possible idle and load times (see software guide)
Maximum would be around 60-70 C.
Minimum would be around 40 C.

4. What sort of cooling solutions are you looking for? (active solutions (fan coolers/passive, thermal paste...etc) )
Both types... I have undervolted my CPU already.

5. Budget for cooling solutions?
Around $20.

6. Your general computer knowledge (Beginner to Expert)
Intermediate to Expert.

Thanks, guys!

[Johnny T]

hmm, where is the upgrade your fans to high performance EBM PAPST's?
I didnt see it there.
I have upgraded all of my fans to ebm system blowers on my laptop, and it runs much cooler, with its high quality german manufactured fans

K-TRON

hehe...i'll have to learn abit about fans sometimes...

Alright, I guess I'll just fill out the FAQ !

1. What notebook do you own/going to own (Make and Model)?
Dell Inspiron 1520

2. Specs of the notebook (List Details Please)
Specs are in Signature.

3. Maximum and minimum temperature of CPU/GPU/HDD in Celsius and if possible idle and load times (see software guide)
Maximum would be around 60-70 C.
Minimum would be around 40 C.

4. What sort of cooling solutions are you looking for? (active solutions (fan coolers/passive, thermal paste...etc) )
Both types... I have undervolted my CPU already.

5. Budget for cooling solutions?
Around $20.

6. Your general computer knowledge (Beginner to Expert)
Intermediate to Expert.

Thanks, guys!

Thermal paste could be a possibility, but of course that will most probably void your warranty...unless you can get access to the CPU without breaking any seals...(like my notebook). You temps are looking pretty good to me...

[Gophn]

looks nice guys.

We have an auto-link for this thread yet?

[Johnny T]

ooo good idea! I am gona go ask now. Also that sig is just something tempory...X2P is goona fix something up for us.


EDIT: we have auto link now! test-> Cooling Central