m17x R3 - Laptop Coolers

Putting this on the table - I haven't received my machine yet, but should be getting it next week.

Now, my past experience with a home laptop (HP Pavilion dv5) cemented the idea in my mind that I absolutely NEED a laptop cooler. That thing would get so hot, I'd fry eggs, cook bacon, and boil the water for instant coffee in the morning. However, the HP business class laptops I use at work are completely different, where they rarely heat up to an uncomfortable level.

What about the m17x R3? The biggest driving force to me buying an Alienware was hearing that their cooling systems is one of the greatest in the market for laptops. Will I need one at all? Is it a "nice-to-have" or sorta a necessity? I plan on doing everything with this machine, from surfing the net to gaming and virtualization.

 

Interesting question, I too would like to know any info. on this. Bump

 

Based on the design of the bottom of the laptop it looks like the CPU and gpu are just fine. Even more so if you have the 460. A repaste and you can drop the temps by another 5.

 

You probably would get great boosts from just raising the back of your laptop so the vents are not blocked. Also, as noted, a repaste and cleaning out the fans would be plenty. If you are truly ambitious, or have a fetish for overclocking, then get a cooler.

The m17x is reputed to have fantastic cooling, so I don't think it'll be too much of a problem.

 

I'm not an overclocker... yet. That's a thought for the future, when I can purchase an i7-2920XM at a reasonable price, which at that point I'll experiment with it.

Thanks for the advice KillerBunny! I'll stick with that method.

 

My R3 gets hot when gaming even when I fired it up fresh out of the box.

Most of the time at home I use the CoolerMaster Storm and it definitely lowers the temps and makes resting it on my lap quite comfortable.

 

I'm absolutely in love with the NZXT Cryo LX cooler. The design is just flawless and just compliments your Alienware so well. With that on the bottom of your AW, it's like your saying "Yeah that's right, I can afford both a nice looking laptop AND a beautiful cooler as well. Sup." You're going to be feeling this soon, but when you take your AW m17x out from the box you notice a really cool (as in chilly) touch to it; that's what I felt when I took out the Cryo LX from its box. The quality in aluminum is always reassuring You can get the white (which I have) to contrast with your R3 or get a black one to blend in well with it. Either way, it's nice and lighter to carry around than your R3 that's for sure lol.

The Cooler Master is cool for sure, and it matches with your AlienFX but the thing is just so huge imo. That's the only reason I didn't get it. However, I heard it has usb 3.0 ports, so you might want to look into that.

 

what about the Cool Master SF19 what do you guys think of that? It has USB 3.0 on it.
Cooler Master SF-19 Strike Force USB 3.0 Notebook Cooler SGA-6000-KKYF1 Cooler Master Cooling Stand for All 19in Gaming Laptops and Beyond-Best Computer Online Store Houston Buy Discount Prices Texas-Directron.com

 

My M15x with a repaste doesn't usually go above 68c load on the GPU and 52c load CPU, and it's just sitting on a lap desk with no cooling underneath.

Honestly, unless you're running an AMD CPU you probably aren't going to need a laptop cooler, just a flat, stable surface to run it on for both airflow, and for your lap.

 

While we are on the topic of repasting, howmich of an improvement will one see using the diamond compound vs as5?

 

Just because it wasn't so expensive and got great reviews, I decided to go with this:

Amazon.com: Cooler Master Notepal U2 Notebook Cooler with Two Fans R9-NBC-8PBK-GP: Electronics

 

That's the one I'm using. I like it quite a bit, but with one small caveat. I was using the the NZXT Cryo with my last laptop and that one would actually spin up the fans from just the USB power. The CoolerMaster requires AC power to cool, unfortunately. Other than that, I like the CoolerMaster better as the NZXT isn't the most comfortable for use on laps, but the CM is very much so.

 

I bet you need the extra power because of all the USB 3.0 ports. thanks for letting me know I am going to get this one to. Looks sweet and will match the Alienware with all the LED lights on it to.

 

I'm interested in seeing answers to this as well.

 

i have bought macally ecofanpro and i am very satisfied with it !!

 

Anybody have the new coolermaster infinite evo? Looks pretty good especially for cooling the CPU since airflow is concentrated in the center cos of the U shaped design.

Can't see any reviews of it yet though. Maybe cos its still new?

 

The NZXT cooler had 4 USB 2.0 ports also, and needed the AC adapter definitely to run those, but would power the fans alone with just a USB connection between laptop and cooler.

 

I've been using AS5 for years, and decided to pick up some IC-7 when I ordered my M15x. The IC-7 seems to make about 2-3c difference, from my experience on both my G50 and the M15x.

I remember reading up on the IC-7 and it sounds like it's a bit more suited for application in laptops. It handles higher temperatures for longer periods of time a little better than an AS5 would, as it's significantly thicker. When you get the IC-7 you actually have to soak the tube in a glass of hot water for about 5 minutes so it's pliable enough to apply.

When I run out, I plan on getting IC-7 again. Definitely a believer.

 

Are there any good thermal pastes available at Frys? I know that ICD7 isn't sold there, that's why...

Also, back on topic, I'm thinking of getting a single fanned cooler for just the base, cuz it gets fairly hot there (prolly cuz the ram is located towards the center of the base, and the nameplate gets hot too). Would the Thermaltake Massive23: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834991042, be suitable to cool that location? Or is it simply ineffective because the R3s don't have vents in the center of the base?

 

Me and the OP are in the exact same boat...i am upgrading the DV5T to the M17X R3...first Dell,first AW....and man am i excited....i have a CM notepal which has been a constant companion of the DV5T (whenever it wasn't mobile).

So does it/ will it be ok for a gargantuan 17" frame.....Did very well for the DV5T

(and i am not an OC'er, i do not intend to overclock the GPU either....all i might do is disable the RAID (if it can be done) and install the OS on one HDD only, not spanning over 02.)

PS... i live in Rural Australia....all those after market cooler parts aren't very readily available/ have premium that is not worth it...)