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    cooling pad for 680m and 7970m

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by holomen55, Oct 15, 2012.

  1. holomen55

    holomen55 Newbie

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    I plan to buy a M17x with graphics 680M or 7970M, but I do not know if I need cooling pad. Overheats your M17x without cooling pads? What brand cooling pad is the best for the M17x?
     
    holomen55, Oct 15, 2012
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  2. HyperionX

    HyperionX Notebook Consultant

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    I used this pad on my r1 since day 1:

    Antec Notebook Cooler 200: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

    It's expensive, yes, but it's 3 years now and the fan has yet to show any signs of rattling or anything. Plus, it fits nicely underneath the m17x and supports the airflow. It's one huge fan blade. A nice layer of unremovable dust has settled on the blade, but it doesn't affect it. I've not tried to dismantle the thing yet to clean it.

    Currently as my laptop is out of warranty and also my graphics card (260m) has died (I've defaulted to the onboard one) I've not monitored my temperatures. But I never hear my laptop fan go on unless I'm playing games.

    ---

    You probably don't need a pad. The m17x's design is all metal/and due to its massive grills at the bottom it actually pushes air out nicely.

    However, the reason I brought it along with my laptop was, because of the significant amount of investment I would be making (we're talking £2000+ here) I would think that spending a tiny bit more as an "insurance" would be a wise move. Plus, my previous laptops all suffered heating issues eventually. Me buying the pad from day 1 instead of "later when heating issues develop" is simply to buy the laptop more time overall.
     
    HyperionX, Oct 16, 2012
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  3. radji

    radji Farewell, Solenya...

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    I got a Notepal Cooler Master U3. Many users here have the same thing. It's reasonably priced and you can change the position of the fans so they blow air directly into the m17x's vents. I modified mine to use more powerful case fans (the U3 comes with 3 USB powered fans to begin with). Check around, you should find it for a good price.

    PS: The U3 is more for a flat, sturdy surface, not for sitting the notebook on your lap.
     
    radji, Oct 16, 2012
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  4. Alienware-Luis_Pardo

    Alienware-Luis_Pardo Guest

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    A cooling pad shouldn't be necessary, but it's always a nice addition for a gaming laptop as it would allow you to play for extended periods of time without having to worry about temperatures.

    Anyway, I think you should get the computer, monitor your temperatures and make a choice based on your results
     
    Alienware-Luis_Pardo, Oct 16, 2012
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  5. Theredninja

    Theredninja Notebook Consultant

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    I have the 7970m in my R2 and have no issues without a cooling pad. I have the old notepal U2 which isn't big enough to accommodate my m17x so it only drops it by a few degrees
     
    Theredninja, Oct 16, 2012
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