Best Notebook Coolers for 18" Alienware Laptops

I personally use the U3 without the fans. They make barely any difference and the USB connector is a huge, ugly POS. Found dust build up is much higher with the 3 fans underneath as well.

 

You're right, BrickTop. The fans make hardly any difference on any cooler.

OK guys... it's time to come out of the closet. Don't open the spoiler unless you want to know...

Spoiler

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Hilarious and awesome! love the music choice.

 

Gracias, amigo

 

Thats Brilliant !! lol

 

I know its the wrong thread, But
I was checking the thread out looking for a m17x's cooler, and well the only thing i found that i actually liked was the CM sf19, Which happens to be really hard to find in full black and usb 3.0,

Would anyone recommend me a cooler with the same wow factor, Usb ports, lights, and well durability, Also AC adapter is a big plus.

 

What is the Notepal U3 like if its on the bed or on my legs/lap? Is it comfortable enough and does it elevate it enough to make it good cooling even on bed?

 

I have no problems with it, I use it on my lap while sitting in my gravity chair, very comfy, lots of room under the fans for airflow.

 

Mr. Fox has done it again!!! He got the best 'cooling pad' or should I say cooling system I could ever imagine.

I own most of the cooling pads out there including all the thermaltake. Many months back (maybe about 6 months) I found the U3 was the best as recommended by Mr. Fox.

The only issue that any of you will face with this cooling pad (please remember that this is the best pad for m18x):

1. Fans on or off - does not make any difference in cooling;

2. Within no time the system will 'slipper' down and you have to watch that so that you do not scratch your system while the frame of the cooling pad is touching the bottom of your system. Probably you will have to make some changes on the cooling pad, like some rubber stickers that will hold the system into the place.

 

I have the m17x, So do you think it will fit without moving in that one?

 

I too have an m17xR3 and with it are no issues. I do not know why the m18x slides down in time, maybe because of the weight. Anyhow, to solve the problem I added 2 rubber feet under the front side to raise it a bit and the problem is solved. You do not have to glue them or stick them to the cooler, just place them under the front side. You can buy those feet in home depot for like a $1.

 

NZXT :: Unique. Unprecendented. Inspired - Cryo LX Product Detail

i have this cooler and it does the job
i guess the 3 fans are in the right position directly under the vents of my m18x.
i would highly recommend it to anyone with the 18" laptops
i email nzxt and they were nice enough to send me an AC adapter for it because i lost the usb to 5vdc connector. i was planning on changing the fans to something with higher flow.

 

Juliant, I resolved both the issues you brought up. My m17x does not slide down anymore since I glued down the light gray rubber piece that sits in the front. The notebook is supposed to rest against that and keep from slidin but I found it wasn't glued at all to the U3's frame. I also roughened up the rubber a bit so the bottom of the m17x doesn't just slide over it.

I agree, the USB powered fans that come with the U3 aren't all that good. So I bought a pair of 80mm case fans (along with an AC to 12v molex power adapter) and secured the case fans to the U3's fan holders. The downside is these new fans are much louder and they have no speed control, but they do provide way better airflow thru the vents. I wrote this for some of the guys in the m17x forum so you all can mod your own U3 to add any 80mm fans....VERY SIMPLE, trust me.
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B9H5v9LnPfsTWkNOems5c2NQdXM

 

radji - I did the same thing with the fan for my CPU and it works better. I posted it earlier in this thread. It's a very good idea and as you say, it is very easy. I did not do it with the GPU fans because they really don't need any extra cooling and it doesn't justify the extra noise.

Newegg.com - Vantec Tornado 80mm Double Ball Bearing High Air Flow Case Fan - Model TD8038H

It still doesn't make a huge improvement in cooling, but it's a fun mod and doing stuff like this "overkill" just adds to the awesomeness of any mod.

You can also use a simple AC to USB power adapter to plug in the existing U3 fan cables to AC power. They are dirt cheap and easy to find... as close as the nearest Walmart. [ Example]

 

Good to see someone else took the leap and had the same results. I was using a 1000mA USB wall adapter for the U3 stock fans, but they still didn't seem to blow enough air. I put a laser photo tachometer on the U3 fans and they were only going at 1100 RPMs. And given that my area is in the hottest time of the year, I knew it would be cheaper to mod a couple of case fans rather than replace internal parts that got damaged from the heat.

I ended up putting a modded fan under my GPU vent since my 5870m card is terminal and I'm hoping the added airflow will help keep the card alive long enough until I can afford a 680m. I will definitely look at those Vantech Tornados, though. I went with a pair of basic $5, 80mm case fans from Frys. One of them is already starting to give imbalance noises, so I will have to replace it.

 

Anyone have these or know if they are a good fit? Ie. Fan placement on pad and vent placement on m18x r2.


Targus HD3 Gaming Chill Mat

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m17x/586490-ultimate-cooling-mod-end-all-cooling-mods.html

Best cooling mod, environmentally friendly, readily available, portable and compatible with any laptop. The thread above was in reference to my M17x R2 but I have done the same, with the same results with my M18x R2. Don't waste your money on an expensive, clunky, complex cooler made by slaves in China that will be sitting in a landfill in a decade.

Be intelligent.

 

^^^Agree with that approach, Brother Vulcan... your technique is just as effective as any expensive cooler. (Not counting my Über Cüler, of course.)

I found something equally effective and inexpensive that worked for me. Free is a very good price.

I also referenced it in this thread at one point.

Nothing wrong with having a "cooler" if you want it for aesthetics and ergonomics, but for "cooling" it's a waste of money.

 

I think this is a good thread for your question about this.


Does not look like it would be very effective to me. Most laptop coolers make very little difference in temps. The are useful for purposes other than cooling.

 

Just so everyone knows my HD3 chill mat fan placement is PERFECT for the M18x R2. All three fans line up perfect with three vents on the bottom. Computer fits well on the mat and it moves quite a bit of air. My fans in the computer never even come on. Even after gaming I turn off the mat and cant hear the fans in the computer running. My temps are always low. I havent done any testing with the mat on and off but I might later. The mat makes a bit of fan noise when turned all the way up but I dont care one bit about fan noise if it works. It also take up two USB ports but that not an issue for me either and Ill be getting a wall USB for this anyways.

 

So far the best cooling technique I've found for cooling the M18x is elevating the back end a inch or two. I've had measurable results doing so. I've tested half a dozen cooling pads and none have lived up to the hype. I'm talking from cheap $10 placement fans to $140 super coolers. However I would be happy to see someone post some screen shots that prove otherwise.

To the gent who posted above stating the fans NEVER came on, no offense but I don't even know how that could even be possible ad the fans are going to run while under pressure even at low temps. I might be missing something here though and if so my apologies. Sent from my Android using Tapatalk 2

 

I noticed this going on a NewEgg Shell Shocker deal later today for $14.99. Fans are not optimally placed, but they never make much difference on a cooler anyway. Looks like a nice product. The pop-out storage is a good idea as long as it is made well. Nice place to store a couple of USB cables, thumb drives, etc. I think I will grab one to see how it compares to the U3. If I don't like it, I'll give it to another member of the family.

Rosewill 15.6" Notebook Cooler with Dural 80mm Vertical Adjustable Fans Model RLCP-11001



The M18x will overhang the sides of this a little bit, (roughly 1/2" on each side,) as the platform is 15.7" wide. This is about 1/4" wider than the rear rubber feet on the base of the M18x. The U3 is about 0.8" wider than this Rosewill cooler.

 

I purchased the HD3 chill mat when I actually got the R2, the fans are lined up pretty optimally, I haven't been monitoring the temps with a monitor. However even with the HD3 at full bore the fans on the laptop at full speed are louder, and I rarely hear the fans on the laptop spin all the way up even playing games at 5760x1080 on maxed settings. I caved in recently and got the SF-19 since I use so many USB ports the hub on the side actually appealed to me, I may have to get some temp monitors going see the difference between all of them.

 

I'd recommend you guys check this out: http://forum.notebookreview.com/accessories/703124-my-ultimate-cooling-pad-build-2.html#post9054513. The temperatures may not be 100% accurate (the ones I mentioned during game-play), but the results are true.

 

Now I am just down to using one larger fan on the U3. Don't really need any extra fans for the GPUs since they are always running cool. I used chassis fan screws instead of the cheap clips on the U3 brackets. With a tapered hole, the screw heads are flush with the surface so the hooks on the brackets still engage the holes in the U3 platform fine.



For those powering their laptop coolers with USB...

 

right had a u3 form coolermaster and in just over a year the cable snapped.

i am looking for a laptop cooler that will cover gpu as the fan sometimes comes on (duel 6990m fan makes noise 60c)

and gaming its like a tornado(in my view )

is there any cooler with similar performance to the u3?

if not looks like i will have to buy fans at £20 on the bay.

 

I've had this for about a year now.Works great.You have to plug it into an ac outlet,cools very well. Amazon.com: CM Storm SF-19 Gaming Laptop Cooling Pad with Two 140mm Turbine Fans (SGA-4000-KKNF1): Computers & Accessories

 

sadly its impossible to get in the uk, well without paying silly money £100 or £55 used.

 

I'll merge this with the thread we already have for this discussion. Please remember to browse for an existing thread or use search to find one before creating a new one. There is a ton of stuff that is not on the first page, and you're really missing out if you don't look at older threads with excellent information.

The U3 is as good as any. And, I've had a couple of different brands. None of them do an effective job of cooling in my view, but they do help by elevating the laptop and letting it breathe. You idle temps will likely drop a little bit, but don't expect anything special with load temps. They will be about the same.

Edit: Misread you post and see you already have a U3. You think the fans are too loud? I can't hear mine, and that's part of the problem. They don't move enough air to be of any value. They need to push as much or more high velocity air as the stock fans forced full blast... and that will not be very quiet.

 

no my u3 were fantastic, until the cable snapped for the u3s fans. now my cpu is running at 60c idle 2920xm and my 6990m cf is also at 60c idle. is there anything better than the u3? as i thought the fan/cables were cheap and poorly made.

 

A lot of people like the SF-19. It looks very nice. I had one before I purchased the U3 and returned it within 48 hours because I did not like it. It lowered my idle temps, but increased my load temps. My M18x ran cooler under load sitting on a table with the back end elevated than it did sitting on the SF-19. It is also made of plastic and vibrated a little bit at full fan speed. I did not like either of those things. I think the SF-19 and the U3 are the best coolers. I don't believe you will get amazing results with any cooler... at least not the way I define amazing.

I don't use the stock U3 fan for the CPU. I am using a desktop chassis fan for the CPU. I have it mounted in the U3 fan bracket. Go back in this thread and you can find photos I posted. Depening on where your wire snapped, you can possibly fix what you have instead of buying something new. Even with the more powerful fan, it doesn't make a huge difference. With any cooler you have two things blocking air flow. The cooler itself, and the bottom cover on the laptop. Air has to pass through both surfaces. This creates turbulence and slows down the velocity of the air being moved. The most effective thing (which is not available) would be higher CFM and RPM fans for the M18x. That would make some people mad because it would not be as quiet. Having the internal fans pull air through the bottom vents is more effective than an external fan trying to shove the air past two surfaces that block the air movement.

 

Intresting in a german Alienware forum someone did some benchmarking with FurMark comparing flat on table, proped up with u3 and with external fans running on the u3.

In all 3 cases the GPUs reached the same end tempreture, however with the external Fans running the internal Fans never reached the max RPM. Whilst when the laptop was flat on the table they where running at full speed very quickly, propping the laptop up only prolonged the time it took for the FANs to reach max speed.

So the conclusion would be that the external Fans just take load of the internal fans - does this agree with your experience?

I haven't done any tests with my U3, however I am still very happy with it, it props up the laptop nicely and I hope that it aids the cooling during stressful gaming sessions. Especially since summer is approaching fast, I am worreid that the increased ambient tempreatures will have a neagtive effect on my laptop.

@Mr. Fox - would you recommmend keeping the external Fans running or taking them off, to allow for less turbulent Airflow?

 

Hello dngfng. I do not believe the turbulence is great enough to cause any sort of problem. Some of the people here in our forum have experiences with coolers similar to what you mention reading on a German forum. Others find no difference to write home about. My recommendation would be to do your own testing and decide what works best in your situation. I haven't ever found my system to run hotter while sitting on the U3, so there is no harm to be done. I really like the U3 for reasons other than cooling. I don't think you can go the wrong direction wrong with it.

 

To be completely real, notebook coolers don't seem to make a difference in temps. I've ran multiple tests while gaming under heavy loads (that is when it is most important) for 1 hour intervals under the exact same ambient temps with no significant change, I use the Cryo X60 BTW. The most efficient use from it is keeping it elevated, which prevents as much dust intake, requiring less preventive maintenance on my machine, other than it looking cool that is.

 

Okay, i know this may sound crazy but hear me out. What if you filled a 14x8 Tupperware container and filled it with water then froze it in the freezer. then placed it underneath a cooling fan pad. then put your notebook on top? the fans would suck up the cold air and it would go into the pc and cool it down. good idea or do you think as the frozen water evaporated it would end up in the notebook?

 

I dont think it would end up inside your notebook, then going to all that trouble you might as well shut your laptop in the freezer. Id say if you were so keen as to reduce temperatures you might as well get a portable aircon.

 

Not sure why this is but I have an U3 cooling my M18x with the fans positioned to blow cool air straight into the vents, and I see a drop of 10°c at idle on the GPU... havent done tests while gaming as I sit at 75°c with a fairly hectic overclocked 7970m which is on the warmer side for my liking but so far for the price ive paid, very happy.

 

I bought a coolermaster sf-19 usb 2.0 a few years ago and only used it once with my alienware m18x R1...the reason for this is that, when used with the fans on (with them at maximum or minimum), the keyboard of the laptop would just heat up immensly, and now the same thing happens with my M18X R2....you guys know any reason for this?

 

Whats your m18x specs?

A notebook cooler should not have any diff on temperature to keyboard itself, especially raising the keyboard temp.

 

The specs are the ones on my signature.

And they do raise the keyboard temp, i have been playing games where the WASD keys are quite warm, and the whole top left section of the laptop is very hot.

 

Thats normal if you know anything about placement of the cards in the unit the WASD keys is the same are as the master video card, and the the top left of the laptop is the location for the heatsink, totally normal operation for these rigs. High power rigs give off heat, specially with a 680m you can expect some heat while gaming but nothing that would make it too warm to tough. I have found better results from the fans being on light than being on full speed with the sf-19, plus placement is key as well, pop the bottom of the sf-19 out and put the fans up to the furthest notch and you should experience better cooling. but the warmth is actually pretty normal.

 

Somebody tried to mod it with higher RPM fan like 3600-4200?

 

Congrats on the new kit. Mine works very well too. I do believe I recall someone modding it so that it took larger fans - can't recall who right now....

 

So you guys think u3 is better than nzxt cryo lx in terms of cooling?

 

I personally found it was. I had a Cryo LX just before the U3 - sent it back because it didn't have much impact on temps. It was also quite loud in comparison.

 

What temp difference u had with nzxt and U3?

 

You guys tried Targus HD3 cooling pad?

 

Best to just elevate the back of the laptop, let the on-board fans have access to cool air, testing shows no difference between elevating and using a stand/pad. If your'e mobile just improvise, I use any book that is thicker than 2 inches. which is much easier to set up than messing with a bulky stand/pad especially with removable fans.

Just want to put this out there for anyone reading this who either wanted a stand/pad for cooling before or wants one now. Save your money.

Do some independent testing yourself!

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m17x/586490-ultimate-cooling-mod-end-all-cooling-mods.html

Sometimes I wonder, and not to accuse anyone in this thread of this, but I wonder if manufacturers of these stands/pads pay people to go around to the various laptop forums and periodically post threads EXACTLY like this one, a kind of pseudo-commercial. They may get as elaborate as having multiple users, who all do nothing but pass positive praise of one particular stand/pad, even noting where they are sold in some cases.

But I mean, if there really isn't an improvement over a method that currently exists that is completely free and doesn't introduce more electronic waste into the environment (yes your pad is going there, along with our laptops within a decade or less) with high amounts of embodied energy (smelted aluminum to say nothing of the fan assemblies and associated electronics) why are we doing this to ourselves?

Is industrial activity a means to an end or the end itself? Is Industrial activity/economic growth the independent variable to which nature/"the environment" is dependent or is it the other way around?

Is creating as much waste as possible and destroying our planet as quickly as possible the highest expression of human potential and creativity?

We can do way way better than this.

 

So I just elevated the laptop and ran arma 3 at around 73 degrees then 30 mins later with my U3 at 68-69. Soo yea it works well enough

 

Now you make me feel guilty every time i'll switch on my U3...

Well let me tell my story about the U3. I have it since the day i had my R2. I travel a lot, and quite far from home, and i use to carry my U3 always. I've just come back to work last week and probably it will be my last shift in this forsaken place...(somewhere in the sahara) So i decided to leave the U3 at home to reduce the things to bring back home.

Well without cooler my overall temperatures are about 3 - 4 degrees higher. I keep the back rised with a 3 inch mech manual and it actually improve things a lot, but the U3 fans seems to help a bit more in temperature control. At least that's my experience.