Cooler Master NotePal Infinite vs. Zalman NC2000 for HP dv5t

Ok, should be my last thread before I choose.

1st, do you guys think I do need a cooler? I do occasional gaming, but my time with gaming fluctuates, but i'll just say occasional gaming. The HP dv5t is said to run quite hot, specially with the 9600 GT GPU.

The vent is located on the back left corner of the dv5t. I'll be using the laptop on a hard surface most of the time, but occasionally I might get lazy and spend about 2 hours max at night on my bed, and then a few times i might have it on my lap.

Which one lowers temperature better (considering where the vent on the dv5t is located)?

This seems to be the only place to get the notepal? http://www.expansys-usa.com/p.aspx?i=154090

Where might I be able to get the cheapest available NC2000?

 

If your exhaust vent is in the back left corner you might not want to get the notepal infinite. It takes in air from the back so some of your hot air might be pulled in.

 

I'm interested in this discussion myself. Would love to hear some feedback from you NBR-ers.

Also, does a $50 cooler make a big difference compared to a $25 cooler? I would love to save some money if I can, but there really is a difference I'm willing to shell out a bit more for a quality product.

 

In my experience, with my notebook, a $20 belkin cooled just as well as a zalman nc2000, which goes for ~65 shipped from newegg. But the belkin was much much more loud then the nc2000. And the build quality of the zalman? x1000 better then the belkin.

I have a notepal infinite on order...ill see how well that goes.

 

So a nice $50 cooler is a lot better than going cheap and getting a $25 cooler?

 

get a cooler that lines up the airflow with the fans/vents of the notebook's bottom.

Generally, the Zalman, Infinite, and Cryo LX will work great on most systems overall.

but if a cheap cooler lines up its fans with the notebook's fans, then it should be fine.

Note: most notebook coolers need to be used on a hard flat clean surface.

Only the Cooler Master Infinite was designed to be used on laps and semi-soft surfaces (laps, beds, etc..).. just do not block the back of the cooler (where it draws the air).

 

Gophn, do you think it's true what Lakjin stated? Since the vent is in the back left the Infinite might pick up the hot air exiting from there?

 

It is a possibility depending how crowded the ahread behind your notebook is with objects and cables if they are in the middle area of the back of the notebook.

 

A cheaper cooler might do just as effective cooling as a more expensive one, but it will definitely lack in build quality and sound(lack of).

 

Please post your thoughts once the NotePal Infinite comes in
I'm exhausted looking at all the different coolers for my Dell m1530, but I need one that will provide enough airflow and be comfy enough to use in my lap or on the bed. Sounds like your laptop vents are similar to mine... intake vent is at the back left corner on the bottom, out vent is at the back on the left.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=264531