Very functional cooling pad I made for my p-7805u FX

My FX runs a little warmer than I like, not bad, I just want things cooler. I undervolted, added good thermal compound and copper shims to the CPU/GPU/NB and GPU memory where needed. I noticed it ran especially hot when I sat it on my bed or on my lap with a blanket over my lap. I looked at professionally made cooling pads but they were too bulky, cumbersome and complicated for my tastes. I just wanted something to help with unrestricted airflow to the fans. This is what I came up with. A custom platform that meets my personal criteria; As thin as can be, unflexible, light weight and only making contact with the bottom of the notebook where the foot pegs are.

I started with a 1/2" thick piece of quality wood, I picked it because it felt more firm than any of the other woods at the store. Then I marked off where I wanted the foot rest platforms to be and routed out 1/4" of the wood everywhere else. I applied black, vinyl tape to cover the wood and glued thin copper over the platforms. (I just had the copper laying around, if I didn't I would just use black felt there.) On the bottom I covered the wood with felt and glued/stapled it down.

The results are beyond my expectations. My temps dropped several degrees across the board, the fan seems more quiet, the thickness and weight quickly disappear and the fan intake grills have an unobstructed space in which to draw their air.

I've included photos in case you'd like to try and make your own. It fits easily in my laptop bag and I take it everywhere my computer goes.

 

I really like your cooling pad! The copper looks great with the accents on the FX.

Just out of curiosity, how does your GPU do under load temperature wise? Personally I level off about 85C after 30 mins of Furmark and about 90C with an overclock.

 

I got 78 C after 30 mins. what are your overclocks?

Edit: should have mentioned, mine has a 9800M GTS 1GB card in it, might make a difference. Running 257.15 drivers

 

Wow proper airflow really made a difference! Congratulations!

As per my clocks, I like to run 600 core 855 mem and 1425 shader. I couldn't tell you what drivers I ran that last bench on but right now I'm stable with the 167 drivers from gateway with those clocks. (I know I'm a loser for using stock drivers but hopefully I'll get more adventurous if I manage to get a new laptop soon.)

 

Poor man's cooling pad? It suits the "budget" phrase of the Gateway FX line.

 

Those temperatures are hot. My GPU (stock) runs at 76C load when playing Mass Effect and other demanding games. Your vents must either be affected by dust or your laptop on a poor heat dissipating surface.

 

haha, it actually cost me more in parts than I'd like to admit. Probably about what a cheap fanned unit might cost.

 

I came across an amazing cooling pad that fits the FX and costs only $35.

Cooler Master NotePal

 

I got a NotePal U2 that barely fits the computer but is really effective and only $15.

 

That is very nice and the price is amazing too. It's just a little thicker than what I was after. I definitely like the USB ports on it, what a great idea.