Keeping a dv5t cool?

Im planning on getting a ~$1200 dv5t soon. (upgrading gpu/cpu/ram for gaming) and im worried about overheating. This will be my first laptop so I have no experience with coolers or anything.

Can anyone direct me to a cheap cooler that wont be much of a hassle? Newegg.com would be best.

Say if I bring my laptop somewhere and I dont have my cooler, would it be ok to game? Im mainly planning on playing warhammer.

Thanks

 

For nwn2 i've maxed at 72 for cpu, 82 gpu, and 51 hdd after like 3+ hrs of game play at high graphics. This is with undervolting, without cooler. Should be similar for warhammer, gpu would prob be around 90-95 though.

On newegg, your best bet is nzxt cryo or zalman nc2000 for about 60-70 bucks with shipping. Cheaper coolers don't line up very well. Best way to reduce temps is via undervolting, so assuming u undervolt, and get -10 C, and about another -5 C from cooler, you should be fine. As for gaming without cooler, u'd def still need to have the laptop raised about 2 inches in back.

 

Consider also:
- cleaning the laptop out for dust and debris
- applying higher grade thermal compound to the CPU, GPU and chipset (ex, Arctic Silver 5)

Also, what are your temps? You have stated that your computer is overheating, but to what extent?

 

Bog, he doesn't have one yet. He is considering it but is wondering about the heat issue. Anyway, the dv5t will do fine, it will be ok without a cooler, but don't try gaming with the vents covered. Check out my sig to see how I cooled down my temps. Also, about the thermal compound Bog suggested, it does help, but since you are opening your laptop and messing with those things, it will void your warranty.

 

Yeah im not going to do anything that would void the warranty.

And like I said, I have no experience with laptops so does raising it an inch or two bother anyone at all?

What are the downsides to undervolting?

Thanks guys.

EDIT: Awesome guide, but when do temps become dangerous? What can the dv5t handle?

I also wanted to know, there will probably be some times when I want to game for an hour or two between classes or whatever and I dont have my cooler, and maybe I cant raise the back for whatever reason. Would it be safe?

 

Undervolting will affect OS stability if not done properly; instability as a result of undervolting is usually a problem between the monitor and chair, so to speak. If you lower the voltages slowly and test thoroughly, undervolting can yield very good results when it comes to maximum temperatures (~10C decrease).

 

What do you mean bother anyone?

There are no downsides to undervolting, you just have to have some time to test the stable voltage. Look at the undervolt guide in the aftermarket upgrade forums for morer info about undervolting.

It can handle temps up to 105C on the CPU, GPU is higher. I don't think anyone has reached such high temps under any conditions so far, so not something to worry about.

Yeah it will be safe to game, just don't cover the vents as I said before. I'm sure raising the back won't be too difficult, just stick 2 erasers or a stack of stickynotes back there and it will help a bit. But if you can't, it will be fine. Over and over I have said this, DON'T COVER THE VENTS! so don't try playing games on this on your bed or any thing that might trap heat in there.

 

Zalman nc2000 is fabulous. I highly recommend it. My gpu temperate dropped ~20 degrees celcius after running 3dMark06 with and without the cooler. I haven't done undervolting yet but plan too.

 

Does anyone know what the next best cooler is for dv5t's if you can't get the Zalman nc2000?

 

CoolerMaster Notebook Pal Infinite or a Cryo? Really any that can line up with the dv5t's back left vents that will last some time. Even better create a custom built one. Cost less and works better usually since it will be built to line up with your own vents, not a general one for all laptops.

 

Thanks guys im going to go with a Zalman nc2000.

And when you said never keep it on your lap/cover up the vents is that only while gaming for a while? Could I have it on my lap and use the internet or maybe hop on a game for only a few minutes?

 

Yeah, only gaming... or well, anything that might cause some extensive heat to build up. Normal browsing is fine on lap.