m15x DIY cooling solution tests and results

We've all heard from AW representatives around here that the m15x needs no notebook coolers to function properly. Well, I decided to put this theory to the test.

Using my m15x (duh ), the max. performance power plan, and basically all the bells and whistles on, I measured my GPU temps in a variety of setups with RivaTuner. I was always doing light office work, playing music in iTunes, surfing. below are my findings.

1) m15x on desk, no cooler or stand > GPU temperature 72-75° C.

this worried me a bit, because it is somewhat hot for just light work. so I used some old LEGO blocks (hey, it's the most modular building material in the world ) to build a stand for my 15x. the stand raises the notebook about 2.5cm off the desk, improving airflow beneath it.

2) m15x, raised 2.5cm off desk > GPU temp 66-67° C.

not content with this improvement, i raised the m15x even further.

3) m15x, raised 4.25cm off desk > GPU temp 60-62° C.

now, to test the effects of a notebook cooler, i placed an 80mm fan (powered by a little battery pack) directly underneath the GPU.

4) m15x, raised 4.25cm, with 80mm fan under GPU > GPU temp 57-59° C.


so, what does this tell us? in my opinion, this tells us that while a notebook cooler does not seem to have much effect (on the GPU, at least), elevating the m15x to improve the airflow can yield significant results (GPU temps went down by 75 - 60 = 15° C, which is a 20% drop).
i'd like to say though that while gaming, my temps still do the 88°/80° cycle, regardless of which setup i'm using. However, using version 4), it usually takes much longer to reach the 88° mark.

anyway, these are my findings. now of course i don't know if they are representative, so i was hoping maybe some other users could make some test of their own with similar setups?


UPDATE: here's my post with the pictures of both stand versions.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=3647048#post3647048

 

U know what... I may get a mesh desk... ive seen them around the place... im sure they would make my M15x bloody cold. and im sick of clearly my table of dust lol + i already use a drawing board.

humm thanks for the info

 

Thanks for the info

I just want to ask, how hot is "too hot" for GPUs in a notebook?

 

well, i believe the 8800m-gtx in the m15x is rated to go up to 100°C, and 105°C is the maximum it'll take. not sure though. but naturally, the cooler it runs, the better.

 

have you bought a laptop yet heath?

 

very clever job.
do you mind sharing a few picture with us?

 

i could try this with a 120mm fan but i would need to find a way to build a stand. i tried cooling the m15x with the zalman nc1000 and i saw it makes no difference if i use the cooler.

 

i'll see what i can do for you

 

Hey Whizzo, thanks for your testing and time for this. That's exactly why I don't use a notebook cooler, instead I only elevated the back of the m15x.

 

does it work for you? because i believe some people said that if the m15x is angled, the cooling system isn't as effective anymore (something about convection i think).

 

Lego-bricks??? I guess that's much more innovative that what I did with my Acer for a few years - propped up on a couple of books. It shows people what you really think your laptop deserves and is much better than £30 on a cooler which only brings the temperature down by a few C's.
Also considered using an icepack. After thinking about it seriosuly it didn't seem that good an idea.

 

I want to make a water cooling solution for it, however of course it would severely reduce it's portability because once you've got all the tubes run and connected and such, you've still got to worry about the fact that now you have it sititng on this massive box that contains the radiator. Will it cool it better? HELL YES, but the m15x wasn't meant to be a DTR. The m17x on the other hand, is, which is why it's cooling is much better.

 

I have tired aluminum foil on the hinge by the GPU Exhaust. It keeps the hinge cool but it doesn't do any thing to the overall GPU temp.

 

well the hot air goes out the back anyways, doesn' it? so the hinge should't really get hot anyway...

 

I guess he was referring to reports that the constant heat 'cycles' the GPU goes through is causing some hinge problems, hence using some foil spoilers ( ) allows for better/quicker cooling
Right ? Or left ?

 

The hot air that comes out the back doesn't go straight out but rather just out and since heat rises it goes to the hinge. Making the hinge get hot during heavy gaming. Also the heat sink is right underneath it. The aluminum foil should prevent heat expansion in the hinge area. So yah your right Wraiters with my idea.
I only put one on the right side(GPU side) because my t8100 (2.1GHz) never get hot enough for the fan to turn on.

 

Wow, that foil idea is pretty clever!

 

nice info, but of course the more air space provided for use by the intake will result in better air management.
the issue with the book coolers is that they are trying to force more air into the intakes. but what is not taken into account is the fact that the output can not be exceeded just by forcing more air into the system.
not saying they do not help, but the overall effect is minimal at best.

note: remember to take a few lego blocks with laptop from now on....

 

lol is it really necessary to do that? people might think your heating food

You should also wrap the whole thing in foil (give it the whole alien conspiracy effect)

 

It works for me, actually MOST of the time I use my laptop on a flat surface and it's fine as it is. And, , I don't use lego blocks. I use old 9 volt batteries if I feel that my room doesn't have sufficient moving air.

 

I had suggested using a mesh of some sort to raise the laptop...people just told me it wouldnt work..but im sure it does after seeing this

 

haha LEGO blocks would be a good idea. There small and easy to fit in a bag. You just get some funny looks when you bring your laptop anywhere.

 

well you could paint the legos to match the color of the notebook....lol
or basic black....but then having like several different colors would be fun....

 

If you got some Technic LEGO, you could add a motor and put some fans powered by a gear box, underneath. You could even have two speeds using different ratio's (",)

It's a cool idea, what typs of LEGO are you using, "normal" or "Duplo" for more lift?

OB

 

nah, from my experience, you can't get the necessary RPM from LEGO motors, even with crazy gear ratios.

 

so i've gotten around to taking pictures of my little DIY stand.

here's the first version. it raises the notebook off the desk by about 2.5cm, improving airflow underneath. GPU temps drop about 7-8°C.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d91/whizzo91/IMG_2939.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d91/whizzo91/IMG_2942.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d91/whizzo91/IMG_2943.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d91/whizzo91/IMG_2941.jpg

version two raises the notebook 4.25cm off the desk, and includes an 80mm fan. temps go down 15-17°C, that's 20% . naturally the battery pack isn't underneath the lappie when it's on the stand.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d91/whizzo91/IMG_2948.jpg

the downside is that it's sorta uncomfortable to use because it's so high up.

 

wow that is a really creative stand. its a piece of art i guess the only other option to improve airflow other than lifting it is to cut a hole in your desk

 

very nice!

 

I like the design, simple but effective. As far as the height being a problem, i guess a wireless keyboard might help?

If you covered the lego in body filler (cars type) or plasticene or clay, you could make a vacuum formed mould, which would be lighter and stronger as it would not come apart... Maybe fit a 120mm fan standing up at the side with an air-vent forcing airflow up via a trumpet style assembly towards where it's needed.... If the fan was mains powered it could have a speed controller...

Just a thought...

OB

 

Hey there whizzo
Twas nice looking at your setup.. Had always wondered if something similar would work.. Glad to see if has a +ve effect

On a side note - I have the SAME speakers as you !!
Hehe.. Just had to tell you..
L8rs

 

While surfing, I fell heat come from palm rest (below it is the HDD - GPU&CPU is under normal temp). I apply your lego trick and it's working awesome (currently, it stays from 37-38. It used to be 43-50 degree.Nothing happen with CPU&GPU). Now it's really warm.
thanks whizzo. repped u.

 

do you know if this will help with the overheating found in the systems with the x9000? preferably the newer versions

thanks

 

maybe, but i wouldn't bet on it. imho, the X9000 is just too powerful for the m15x.