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    Where should I be positioning laptop cooler fan?

    Discussion in 'Alienware M11x' started by BlazerMFT, May 29, 2012.

  1. BlazerMFT

    BlazerMFT Notebook Enthusiast

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    I bought a CoolerMaster Notepal U1 for my R3 when I noticed she starts heating up during extended Diablo III sessions.

    Regarding my question as the U1 allows you to position the fan wherever you want it, the first thought that comes to mind is directly under the fan vent on the upper right side of the bottom chassis.

    But after thinking about it a little while, that fan vent is just drawing air out through the vent at the back of the machine and not actually cooling something above it; so I was thinking putting the cooler fan below it would not actually contribute to anything and if any, clog up the vents with dust.

    Would it be better just putting it in the middle so the air flow is distributed properly?

    Sorry, very OCD question but I really want to take good care of my machine. (Oh and if someone can point me to a thread or directions how to clean out the vents on my R3 that would be great reference for future as well)

    Thanks again.
     
    BlazerMFT, May 29, 2012
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  2. tomcannon

    tomcannon Notebook Consultant

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    Regarding the coolpad I would say just have the fan centralised for good airflow. And I am also interested in some sort of explanation on how to clean the vents. I have heard people mainly using compressed air cans. Do you just spray it in the vent or is there any dissasembly prior to this?

    Tom.
     
    tomcannon, May 29, 2012
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  3. ejohnson

    ejohnson Is that lemon zest?

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    When I do my vent clean, I remove the heat sink from the motherboard and blast it with 120psi of air, I usually then clean the rest of the laptop with can air, then put it back together. I do this monthly.

    The hot spot on these laptops is going to be the left palm rest area. You could put the fan there to get some air blowing up into the holes in the bottom.
     
    ejohnson, May 29, 2012
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  4. tomcannon

    tomcannon Notebook Consultant

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    So it's not as simple as spraying it in the vent after all. Would you recommend repasting with artic silver or the likes at this point as well?
     
    tomcannon, May 29, 2012
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  5. ejohnson

    ejohnson Is that lemon zest?

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    Yeah, repasting is a good idea to do.
    You can just blow out your vents and it will clean most of the dust.

    I am just crazy when it comes to my computers being clean.... also, all my computers have to match :)
     
    ejohnson, May 29, 2012
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  6. BlazerMFT

    BlazerMFT Notebook Enthusiast

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    Ok guys, thanks. Center it is then.
     
    BlazerMFT, May 29, 2012
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