When you use your laptop for a long time, you may face the problem of overheating. This reduces the efficiency of the machine and can also harm the peripherals of the laptop.
Every laptop comes with cooling fans, which brings the heat down. People these days invest in laptop cooling pads, which are USB powered and are in high demand.
How Do Laptop Cooling Pads Work?
Laptop cooling pads are USB powered and very lightweight. The portability of the laptop cooling pads is one reason for its high demand. Made from aluminum mesh or lightweight plastic or sometimes even a combination of these, the cooling pad is a very economical option.
The size of the cooling pad would depend on the size and weight of your laptop. Cooling pads are generally very sturdy; hence they can bear the weight of any laptop. However, one thing to remember is that no matter how heavy a laptop is, it will not be anywhere near the weight of a desktop.
Depending on the model of the cooling fan you are choosing, the dimensions and fans would vary. Some cooling pads have two fans, while some have more. You will have to see the number of fans your laptop would require to stay at the normal temperature. This also depends on laptop usage and efficiency.
The mileage given by the cooling pad would vary depending on the cooling vents located at the laptop’s bottom. If your laptop has a sufficient number of vents, then it could be a very good thing. The laptop is placed on the pad with the tilted side towards the user so that the keyboard can be accessed.
The rubber pads on the corners of the laptops stop the laptop from slipping down. With the right-sized cooling pad, the fans will be placed directly below the laptop vents. The USB is connected to the laptop from which the cooling fan draws its Power. There is a magnet in the pad, and the fan speed can range from 600 RPM to 2300 RPM and sometimes even more.
The cost of the cooling pad would depend upon the quality and speed of the fan. If you are looking for cooling pads for your gaming laptop, then it is better to choose one with a faster speed.
More: Top 5 Advantages & Disadvantages Of Laptops
Who Needs A Cooling Pad?
The question of who needs a cooling pad may arise in your mind if you are looking into this for the first time. The effectiveness of the cooling pad may or may not be suitable for all people. Everyone doesn’t need to invest in a cooling pad since the usage for everyone is not similar.
If you own a laptop that is older and overheats in no time, then you may need to invest in a cooling pad. Some laptops overheat so much that it either switches off or reboots on its own. The heat may also make it hard for you to touch the laptop. This is when you may need a cooling pad so that the heat is regulated.
The problem with this is that the cooling pad is more of a short-term result and not a long-term one. If you see your laptop heating up within a few minutes, then you need to look for a more professional solution. There may be some issues with the laptop peripherals, which make it too hot to touch.
The most common reason for this can be accumulated dust in the internal hardware and fan vents. This could choke the cooling hardware and makes it unable to work efficiently. In such cases, the cooling pad would be an unwanted investment, which will not do the work it is supposed to do.
If your laptop heats the normal way and you place it mostly on your lap, bed, or such places, then the cooling pad is an added comfort. Many cooling pads are designed for lap usage. This way, you will not feel the heat and can also use your laptop for a long time without the fear of it being heated up after some time.
More: The Importance Of Laptops In Our Lives
Are Cooling Pads Bad For Laptops?
When a laptop overheats, then the way to stop this is to open it apart and repair the faulty parts. However, this option is not feasible for everybody since not everyone knows to do this, and some might not have immediate access to a good service center. This is the reason why most people invest in cooling pads.
The real question is – are cooling pads bad for laptops? This may not have a direct answer since you cannot term cooling pads as bad. They are more like a solution that is not for the long-term. Cooling pads can solve the overheating problem temporarily. However, for a more permanent solution, you will need to repair the core of the issue.
Two problems arise when you open the laptop. Firstly the warranty of your laptop is void, and secondly, you might not be able to bring it back to its original state unless you are a professional.
Laptops come with an in-built cooling system that should prevent overheating if it does the job properly. If you need an external cooling system, that means you have a problem with the in-built one. Therefore, even if you buy a cooling pad, it will not be an effective solution in the long run.
For gaming laptops, the inbuilt cooling system is much stronger as compared to other laptops. However, here you may need a cooling pad if you are an avid gamer. Even in this, if you feel that the in-built cooling system is not working as it should, then it is time to clean the fan vents of dust.
Wrapping Up
Like every other product, cooling pads also have their advantages and disadvantages. For people who are looking for an immediate solution to the overheating problem, a cooling pad is a good idea. You do have to rectify the actual problem if you want to run your laptop for the longest time.
To ensure that your cooling pad is of high-quality, you should only invest in good brands. The size of the pad should also match the size of your laptop.
