Laptop Bottom Question

Does anybody run their laptop without the plates on that are under the CPU and HDDs to let the heat escape better? I'd love to drill holes out directly under the CPU and across both HDDs but I'm sure that voids the warranty.

 

Cooling is usually designed to work best when air is flowing.
So keeping those panels off may actually hinder the laptop's ability to cool itself.

Most desktops will have thermal issues if the case sides are left open, the same applies here.

 

Thanks, Hep! I probably should have mentioned that I would be using a cooling pad. Direct airflow (by either removing the plates or drilling holes) over the essentials (CPU, HDDs) would be better correct?

 

I never even thought about that. I'll try it soon on my NC2000 and see if the temps drop.

My desktop pc has a huge hole in the side for the giant intake.

 

Thanks - Let us know how that works. I'm probably going to go ahead and modify the pieces on the bottom. Now I just have to decide which way to direct the fans and over what....

 

Yep you are correct I tested it this weekend. Didn't make much of a difference at all, maybe 1-2 degrees celsius higher with the cores.

Pros: None, don't remove your CPU/GPU cover.
Cons: Runs slightly hotter and laptop isn't really "portable" with the covers removed, you risk damaging the hardware.

Testing was done on a Zalman NC2000 cooler with the back lifted.

You MAY be able to improve cooling by enlarging certain vents and simply increasing the airflow, while still allowing the cooling to work the way it was designed from the factory. I will not be testing this, IMO it is not worth it.

 

Thanks for posting the results of your test, I now how something specific to reference when I make this claim.