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    Laptop Coolers

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by FrozenWaltDisney, Mar 3, 2011.

  1. FrozenWaltDisney

    FrozenWaltDisney Notebook Consultant

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    Hey All,

    So I was looking around for accessories for my upcoming ordered R3. Realizing however that I don't have much experience in the alienware systems, does the laptop series suffers from heat... THAT can be corrected by a laptop cooler?

    I understand that putting it on a surface like a bed is probably not the best idea. However, I am unfamiliar with the cooling system, and if their is plates that would deal with heat dispersion from the bottom, that also won't hamper the vents.

    Let me know what you guys think. Atm I am looking at the Zalman 2000

    Newegg.com - ZALMAN Notebook Cooler Model ZM-NC2000 Black
     
    FrozenWaltDisney, Mar 3, 2011
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  2. balinor17

    balinor17 Notebook Enthusiast

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    This is the one I have for my M1710,had it for three years.I think this is the best Laptop cooler out there and it's ultra quiet.
     
    balinor17, Mar 4, 2011
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  3. rawhide85

    rawhide85 Notebook Consultant

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    rawhide85, Mar 4, 2011
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  4. FrozenWaltDisney

    FrozenWaltDisney Notebook Consultant

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    FrozenWaltDisney, Mar 4, 2011
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  5. tyranus7

    tyranus7 Notebook Evangelist

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    I own the cooler master u3, and it does help only at idle, at full load it is worthless
     
    tyranus7, Mar 4, 2011
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  6. francinep7

    francinep7 Notebook Guru

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    Hi FrozenWaltDisney,

    I am using Coolermaster NotePal U3 recommended by my friend Stevie (Stevie, good choice mate :D). So far I am happy with this cooler. It's running so quiet I thought I forgot to plug it into my USB port. :p The three fans are removable and can be easily relocated just to the below of laptop's bottom ventilation. It provides me more bang for the buck.

    You might want to check this as your alternative choice:
    NotePal U3 - Cooler Master - Leading Provider of Computer Case | Cooler | Power Supply

    AFAIK most of gaming laptops including Alienware are using cooling fans which sucks in fresh air from its bottom chassis and blow the hot air out thru the laptop's rear ventilation. In this case ensure to get a laptop cooler which blows the fresh air INTO your laptop, not the other way round.

    And oh, IMHO the cooling system in Alienware laptop is one of the best. There's a good reason this brick is using metal chassis, eh? So don't worry too much. :)
     
    francinep7, Mar 4, 2011
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  7. FrozenWaltDisney

    FrozenWaltDisney Notebook Consultant

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    Definitely nice to know that its very modular, and you can put the fans going the right way for ventilation.
     
    FrozenWaltDisney, Mar 4, 2011
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  8. DaneGRClose

    DaneGRClose Notebook Virtuoso

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    Depending on the gpu/cpu you get with the R3 you may not need one. With mine a cooler lowers the temps a few degrees at idle but does nothing at full load and the max temps I've seen, even overclocked, are 70's so nothing you need a cooler for anyways.
     
    DaneGRClose, Mar 4, 2011
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  9. FrozenWaltDisney

    FrozenWaltDisney Notebook Consultant

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    I got the 2720, and the 6970, which both take a bit more heat then yours I believe. However, thats why I asked!

    It does surprise me that it doesn't get cooler at hotter temps, unless you get no more airflow
     
    FrozenWaltDisney, Mar 4, 2011
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  10. steviejones133

    steviejones133 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Coolermaster Notepal U3 all the way.....great bit of kit for the price!
     
    steviejones133, Mar 4, 2011
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  11. jywang

    jywang Notebook Evangelist

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    I would wait. With my previous R3, there was no need for a cooler. The HP Envy 17 on the other hand absolutely required a cooler even while web browsing.
     
    jywang, Mar 4, 2011
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  12. TheProphetofDoom

    TheProphetofDoom Notebook Consultant

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    TheProphetofDoom, Mar 4, 2011
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  13. jywang

    jywang Notebook Evangelist

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    Yes. I have one. It works for a little while and then it stops. I don't think the crystals really melt. They just absorb heat until they can't anymore. Its kinda like sitting on a cold toilet seat. It cold for a while but if you stay long enough, it starts to warm up.

    The problem with these pads is that it could block the fan. They work better with Macbook Pros which are solid underneath.
     
    jywang, Mar 4, 2011
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  14. TheProphetofDoom

    TheProphetofDoom Notebook Consultant

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    Blocking the fans was one of my concerns. Thanks for the info.
     
    TheProphetofDoom, Mar 4, 2011
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  15. Harryboiyeye

    Harryboiyeye Notebook Deity

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    I also use the Notepsal U3. GREAT cooling pad.
     
    Harryboiyeye, Mar 4, 2011
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  16. Typecast

    Typecast NBR's Tamed Zombie

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    Typecast, Mar 4, 2011
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  17. Raziel66

    Raziel66 The Reaver

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    I had the NZXT Cryo and the Zalman NC2000. Both worked well but the first stopped working for me (the usb ports in seem to have come loose) and the little rubber feet on it popped off. The edge on it is somewhat sharp so it digs into your legs if you use it on your lap.

    The NC2000 has been great and certainly has held up. It's more comfortable to use, puts out a good volume of air, and keeps the laptop at a comfortable angle. This one has either died on me too though, or possibly the cable for it is messed up. Not sure yet.

    I have the Cooler Master SF-19 Strike coming in today. Not sure if it's new or not... I just saw an ad for it for the first time a couple of days ago!
     
    Raziel66, Mar 4, 2011
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  18. Typecast

    Typecast NBR's Tamed Zombie

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    How much did you get it. I watched a few reviews of it and it would be cool with a r3 on top of that! :)
     
    Typecast, Mar 4, 2011
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  19. Raziel66

    Raziel66 The Reaver

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    Paid $79.99 for it on Amazon with free shipping and no tax.

    I have my M17X R1 with me here at work so I can take some pics when it gets here.

    I figure this cooler should last me a good while and should work (hopefully) with the 18 inch Avenger laptop that Alienware is coming out with in a few months.

    URL="http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-Storm-Laptop-SGA-6000-KKYF1/dp/B004C5MVBK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1299256806&sr=8-1"]http://www.amazon.com/Cooler-Master-Storm-Laptop-SGA-6000-KKYF1/dp/B004C5MVBK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1299256806&sr=8-1[/URL]
     
    Raziel66, Mar 4, 2011
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  20. Typecast

    Typecast NBR's Tamed Zombie

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    Cool, Post 360 deg pictures of it with your m17x on. :D
     
    Typecast, Mar 4, 2011
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  21. FrozenWaltDisney

    FrozenWaltDisney Notebook Consultant

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    looks pretty bulky :p
     
    FrozenWaltDisney, Mar 4, 2011
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  22. Raziel66

    Raziel66 The Reaver

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    Have it in hand now! It is bulky! Lol. Will post pics soon. First impressions: Cheaper build quality than expected to some extent, but not horrible. Fans do not run off of USB, looks like the DC adapter is required. The rubber is VERY thick... my laptop doesn't slide at all! It has has notches cut into it for you to run your cables through... nice touch.
     
    Raziel66, Mar 4, 2011
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  23. Typecast

    Typecast NBR's Tamed Zombie

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    Nice! Does it look cheap? Will be waiting for the pics! :D
     
    Typecast, Mar 4, 2011
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  24. Raziel66

    Raziel66 The Reaver

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    Doesn't really look cheap, no. Once you pick it up the plastic feels a little lightweight and the grille on it has a bit of flex on it. It doesn't feel fragile though. Just a change from what I am used to with the Cryo and the Zalman. Both of those were metal....

    Pics are still coming! I took them with my iPhone but unfortunately the wifi at work is too slow for me to even be able to get them uploaded. As soon as I get home I will have them up.
     
    Raziel66, Mar 4, 2011
    #24