The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Cooler Master NotePal X2 Notebook Cooler Review: Pics, Stats, etc

    Discussion in 'Accessories' started by X2P, Jul 4, 2009.

  1. X2P

    X2P COOLING | NBR Super Mod

    Reputations:
    3,179
    Messages:
    5,361
    Likes Received:
    4
    Trophy Points:
    206
    Cooler Master NotePal X2 Notebook Cooler Review


    THIS IS AN INDIVIDUAL REVIEW!





    After a short run with the X1 cooler, Cooler Master took a second shot at the X series by introducing the X2. Equipped with a larger sized fan, a blue LED and a newly designed chassis, Cooler Master has made improvements from its X1 predecessor and priced it at a competitive $25 price point.


    [​IMG]
    Specifications
    Cooler Master NotePal X2
    Dimensions: 375 x 290 x 42 mm
    Weight: 900g
    Material: Plastic, Metal
    Noise: 15dBA (Min)
    Input Voltage 5V/500 mA (Connects with Notebook USB Port)
    Color Black w/Blue LED
    Supported Size: 12-17” (Recommended ~15.4” ;)

    Fan
    Type: Rifle Bearing
    Fan Quantity: One
    Individual Fan Size: 140mm
    RPM: 700 ~ 1400 RPM

    First Impressions
    The packaging was neither disappointing nor anything to write home about. The X2 was held in place by two styrofoam blocks on each side. Other items and accessories include a USB A to A cable and a basic instruction manual.













    [​IMG] [​IMG]
    [​IMG] [​IMG]
    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    At first I had mixed feelings about the cooler; the outer plastic was a bit weak though the metal surface was far stronger than we expected. When I powered on the unit, the fan was on the loud end of the spectrum. The subtle blue LED embedded inside the fan gave the whole cooler a nice aesthetically cool aura.

    The Cooling Surface and Cooling System
    The cooling surface is built out of aluminum mesh which adds nice modern appeal yet provides good resistance to any bending with the pressure by hand. The mesh is painted black which may cause heavier notebooks such as our Clevo M860TU to slip off if the feet are raised. The redesign of the cooling surface for the second generation X series is quite favorable. Overall I was satisfied with the choice of sticking with a metallic material.






    >
    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    As for the cooling system, the fan intakes air from the base, the front and the rear of the cooler. The air is distributed to the metallic surface and although a larger fan is used in the X2, air flow is not evenly distributed to the cooling surface. The air outputted by the cooler is focused mainly at the center area of the cooler while the sides have limited airflow. When a notebook is set on the cooler airflow from the center area moves out in all directions making the airflow a little more even.

    [​IMG]


    The fan was a bit on the noisy side at the highest RPM but does tone done when the RPM is lowered. As stated earlier the LED gave the cooler a nice aesthetically cool aura. When a notebook is placed on the cooler, the light emitted out of the rear behind the screen which prevents distractions for the user.

    The Sides

    Like most coolers on the market, one side is blank; in this case the left side of the X2 is bare. On the right, a dial that adjusts the fan speed can be found. The user adjustable fan speed ranges from 700 to 1400 RPM.

    The angle at which the cooler tilts the notebook provides a modest comfort level while typing, despite having the feet propped up or not.









    [​IMG] [​IMG]
    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    The Bottom and the Back
    On the bottom the plastic is firm. The large rubber feet are a feature I enjoy due to the great amount of grip it provides. The prop up feet gave us some concern at first but I was rather surprised by just how much force these feet can take before losing grip.









    [​IMG] [​IMG]
    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    Located on the back of the cooler are the power button and two USB ports. Both ports experience a little wobble when a cable is plugged in, though it’s not too much of a concern since most coolers tend to stay stationary when in use.

    Benchmarks






    [​IMG]

    If the test was continued the hard drive temperatures would have continuously dropped.


    [​IMG]

    If the test was continued the hard drive temperatures would have continuously dropped.




    Portability

    The X2 is not designed to be portable; it is designed to stay rested on a desk.

    Statistics







    Conclusion
    In conclusion, we found the X2 to be an improvement over the old X1 model. Though noise and build are not the greatest, we were impressed by the cooling performance. We recommend anyone who is on a budget take this cooler into consideration


    [​IMG]

    Pros:
    • Metal cooling surface
    • Speed control
    • Good feet
    • Cooling Ability

    Cons:
    • Plastic body

    Also Special Thanks to ATG helping out with the coding!

    Please ignore address in images
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 12, 2015
  2. ATG

    ATG 2x4 Super Moderator

    Reputations:
    3,306
    Messages:
    4,461
    Likes Received:
    344
    Trophy Points:
    151
    Looking good ;)

    Oh and very nice review :)
     
  3. TeeJay 44

    TeeJay 44 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    1,020
    Messages:
    1,048
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Very professional guys. Looks great with spot on coding.
     
  4. Razor2

    Razor2 Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    107
    Messages:
    914
    Likes Received:
    8
    Trophy Points:
    31
    Just bought a Notepal B2. Its a cooler for 15" wide notebooks built from one sheet of aluminum with 2 fans encased.
    It seems quite effective with my 1520.

    I can create a review for your site, just PM me.
     
  5. David

    David NBR Random Reviewer NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    7,515
    Messages:
    8,733
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    206
    Nice review X2P. The pictures look great :)
     
  6. Zswickliffe

    Zswickliffe Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    231
    Messages:
    654
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    hey guys! i don't mean to bother you but i seem to be having the hardest time finding a place to buy this! i've been looking all over but no one seems to have it, just the infinite.
     
  7. Xtt

    Xtt Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    15
    Messages:
    155
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Same here :(
     
  8. Zswickliffe

    Zswickliffe Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    231
    Messages:
    654
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    anyone have anywhere to buy this bad boy?
     
  9. DarkWingedOmen

    DarkWingedOmen Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    27
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    How do you think it would work on a XPS m1530?
    I'm looking for a good cooling pad for my notebook and i can't decide between the notepal X2 and the notepal Infinite...

    Could the X2 cool the same even if i use it on my bed or a sofa?, because i kind of like the X2 better

    Any feedback would be appreciated...
     
  10. DarkWingedOmen

    DarkWingedOmen Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    27
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    So, nothing? no one?

    Bump... :(
     
  11. X2P

    X2P COOLING | NBR Super Mod

    Reputations:
    3,179
    Messages:
    5,361
    Likes Received:
    4
    Trophy Points:
    206
    Sorry for the late response, I have deleted your other post as cross posting is not allowed on NBR.

    Anyways, I would recommend the X2 over the Infinite for your XPS 1530 due to airflow positioning.
     
  12. DarkWingedOmen

    DarkWingedOmen Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    27
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Thanks for the advice X2P, and sorry for the cross posting, i had no idea :p
    Now i kown what to get... :D
     
  13. joelfonzie

    joelfonzie Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    40
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Nice cooling pad and review. For me the design is quite neat and simple, but functionality wise it looks good. Thanks for bringing this up.
     
  14. ZoeyOs

    ZoeyOs Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    7
    Messages:
    203
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Well, I think this one sealed the deal for me. After a month of cooler seeking I went ahead and ordered the NotePal X2. Thanks for the review. :)
     
  15. X2P

    X2P COOLING | NBR Super Mod

    Reputations:
    3,179
    Messages:
    5,361
    Likes Received:
    4
    Trophy Points:
    206
    Thanks guys!
     
  16. K-TRON

    K-TRON Hi, I'm Jimmy Diesel ^_^

    Reputations:
    4,412
    Messages:
    8,077
    Likes Received:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    205
    Oh, and nothing about the fan?
    You can see it has like 100 small blades on it.

    Do you know what that means?

    That means that the fan is designed to push air at a high air volume, but at a very low air pressure.
    These fans are looked down upon, as they cannot effectively push air.
    Fans with fewer larger blades generate a larger air pressure difference, and thus generate more of a push to the air going through the fans. These fans will produce more pressure, which is better for cooling.
    I love how people never mention this, as it is probably the most important characteristic of a fan.

    Obviously the cooler market is geared towards aesthetics to make sales rather than quality.


    K-TRON
     
  17. montormabur

    montormabur Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    compare to infinite, which one is better?
     
  18. Ayle

    Ayle Trailblazer

    Reputations:
    877
    Messages:
    3,707
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    106
    Does it work on a bed, couch or carpet like the infinite?
     
  19. Zswickliffe

    Zswickliffe Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    231
    Messages:
    654
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Still no news on where to buy one of these??
     
  20. spypap1

    spypap1 Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    PROS: Excellent cooling… Powerful fan… Adjustable fan speed... Extra USB Port...

    CONS:
    1) noise at Low fan Speed…(15 dbs? NO WAY!)
    2) N O I S E at High fan Speed … No wonder the manufacturer does not state noise level at High Speed… Want a quite cooler, although less effective? See Enermax Aeolus…
    3) the leds are a waste of energy... should have a switch to turn off...
     
  21. X2P

    X2P COOLING | NBR Super Mod

    Reputations:
    3,179
    Messages:
    5,361
    Likes Received:
    4
    Trophy Points:
    206
    Sorry for not responding, IMO I believe it sort of works since it can draw air from the rear of the cooler, though it is less effective.

    EXACTLY! :D I still consider it a decent cooler considering its 25$ (average) price tag.
     
  22. spypap1

    spypap1 Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    I agree... The cooling is even across the unit's surface since the fan has no blind spot in its center (Enermax Aeolus has one) and spreads air inside the whole cooler's box... I do not care if its made of plastic or paper... It has almost the perfect angle for positioning your NB and thus your hands on it (no need to adjust it to "taller") and the fan is powerful and REALLY DOES THE JOB!

    My only and strong objection is about the noise, which you might not hear when the cooler works at low speed with no NB on it, but you will hear it in a more or less silent place (your room) with your NB on it and it will give you a headache if you increase your speed to the top (sounds like a scooter)! The unit' s plastic body is partially responsible for noise transfer...

    If the manufacturer had placed a more sophisticated and silent fan motor (like the one Enermax Aeolus is using) with rubber "feet" we would now be talking about the almost perfect cooler = nobody would mind about the lack of leds' switch and the somewhat increased cost...

    Merry Christmas to ya all!
     
  23. balmung123

    balmung123 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    26
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    is this cooler allright for a 17 inch hp dv7?
     
  24. spypap1

    spypap1 Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    5
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    Specifications
    Material Plastic and Metal mesh

    Dimensions 375 x 290 x 42 mm; 14.7 x 11.4 x 1.6 inches

    Weight 900g

    Operation degree 7.5 degree and 10 degree

    Rated Voltage 5 VDC

    USB Port USB2.0/1.1 x 2 (input x 1; output x 1)

    Compatibility Supports all 12" ~ 15.4" Notebook, up to 17"

    Fan Dimension 140 x140 x15 mm

    Fan Speed 700~1400 RPM

    Bearing Type Rifle bearing

    Fan Noise Level (dB-A) 15 dBA (Min.) NOT TRUE!

    Fan Life Expectancy 40,000 hours

    Cable Length 600 mm