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    Looking for a reversible solution to raise your M17x for better air flow? *PICS*

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by [Cyanide], Nov 11, 2012.

  1. [Cyanide]

    [Cyanide] Notebook Consultant

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    I saw these on ThinkGeek.com, here is their product page: ThinkGeek :: Cool Feet Laptop Airspace Stands

    I was a little skeptical at first, but I figured at $5.99, why not, and I have to say they're the best $5.99 I've spent for my M17x R4.

    They easily attach using suction cups and are easily removable once you're done. I put them as far back as possible, right next to the exhaust vents and they're perfect. They're made out of rubber, so they don't move and they don't fall off unless you take them off yourselves.

    They come in 2 different heights, I've tried both, it even makes typing on the keyboard a little bit more enjoyable. I find the lowest height is great for my purposes. They come with adhesive pads as well, but if you have an M17x you don't need it. I think it might be for Apple iDevices since they're all a unibody aluminum construction it might not adhere properly just by suction alone.

    Cheap easy solution that's not permanent for anyone that's looking for a stand or something.

    Here's some pics:

    photo 1.JPG photo 2.JPG photo 3.jpg
     
  2. radji

    radji Farewell, Solenya...

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    Most users around here used bottle caps, wooden blocks, a book or two, etc. to raise the rear of their notebooks to get better airflow. I took it one step further. I got a Note Pal Cooler Master U3 and swapped it's USB fans out for some higher powered case fans. Now i get all sorts of good airflow as the fans blow air directly into the vents on the bottom. Here is a cheat sheet I made up of what I did: https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B9H5v9LnPfsTWkNOems5c2NQdXM

    For the record: those little feet right you got, its a great idea since sometimes the notebook can slide off of bottlecaps if one moves it around a little to much.
     
  3. [Cyanide]

    [Cyanide] Notebook Consultant

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    Yeah I didn't want to use bottle caps or a cooling pad, defeats the purpose of having a laptop. These removable suction cups are perfect. I can still set it on my lap comfortably, move it around where/whenever I want without worrying about extra bulk, cables, or things falling off.
     
  4. leeshjnn

    leeshjnn Notebook Evangelist

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    The thing about using a book is that the book will block the heat dissipation in the middle. So while the CPU and GPU may not get hot, the middle is extremely hot. Just like mine :D.

    Hey Radji, have you ever tried this? DC Fan Speed Controller 4pin Molex to 2X 3pin Fan Molex | eBay

    It also has another variation with 4 pin molex to 4 pin molex.
     
  5. [Cyanide]

    [Cyanide] Notebook Consultant

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    Yeah, that and it's hard to re-position with bottle caps, books etc, anything that isn't attached lol

    This makes the typing/keyboard position much better too
     
  6. leeshjnn

    leeshjnn Notebook Evangelist

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    Personally, I like active cooling more. They works well in term of blowing cool air and it's easy to replace 80mm or 120mm fans. Plus, you can get some LED fans for showy. That's why I just ordered a Cryo LX, already got some Cougar fans laying around :D.
     
  7. radji

    radji Farewell, Solenya...

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    Never seen this before, but definitely going to take a closer look. I just use a pair of cheap (make that REAL cheap) 80mm case fans from Frys adapted to my Notepal U3. I've been wanting to get a pair of vantec tornados but I need a better power adapter that can make 1.5 amps as the one I got can only do 1 amp. If I can get a generic 12v 1.5 amp adapter, I can put a single 4 pin molex plug on it and use this adapter to split the juice between two fans.
     
  8. leeshjnn

    leeshjnn Notebook Evangelist

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    You probably mean this? Amazon.com: Coolerguys 110v AC to 12 / 5v DC 4pin Molex 2A Power Adapter: Electronics

    This is the setup I'm planning for my Cryo LX. Still have no idea if it's gonna work since I'm not a science major LOL.
     
  9. tetsussaiga

    tetsussaiga Notebook Evangelist

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    You don't need that for the Cryo LX. I swapped the crappy stock fans with 3 Spectre Pros. As long as you have 12V fans it's just plug and play. Only use AC power and keep USB power unplugged or you'll fry it.
     
  10. radji

    radji Farewell, Solenya...

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    Naw, I am the one who needs the larger 12v PSU Just looked thru my electronics drawer and realized I still have the AC to 12v/5v molex/SATA PSU that came with the USB hard drive adapter I got. This PSU will put out 1.5 amps at 12v. I just need the adapter you posted and I can use those vantec tornados.

    :spinny:
     
  11. leeshjnn

    leeshjnn Notebook Evangelist

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    No idea. I still wait for my Cryo LX to ship. Probably use the included AC adapter first before buying that one. Do your fans get enough power though?
     
  12. tetsussaiga

    tetsussaiga Notebook Evangelist

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    Yep they run at full power. I also removed the metal mesh under the surface of the cooling pad for more airflow.

    I agree, these are probably a better long-term, travel-friendly solution than using bottlecaps. I used to use erasers to prop up my notebook, they would get stuck to the notebook's rubber feet and the next time I came back to my desk they were gone..

    Lol you are crazy, 55 dB each fan :eek: i hope you have a well insulated room and a nice pair of noise cancelling headphones :p
     
  13. radji

    radji Farewell, Solenya...

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    Yes, yes, and yes. I've been rethinking those vantec tornados. I may go with a pair of bgears b-Blasters. Only 39.1 dB. Plus they put out 62 CFM. Not as good as the Vantec's 89 CFM, but better than the 30 CFM that these cheapo fans I got right now.
     
  14. [Cyanide]

    [Cyanide] Notebook Consultant

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    You guys are crazy, how do you move your laptops? Lol
     
  15. radji

    radji Farewell, Solenya...

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    With a mobile truck crane.

    new-2012-liftmoore-crane-5080xp20-313-3943479-3-640.jpg