The main advantage of a laptop over full-scale personal computers is a high level of mobility. Hence the main drawback - the filling is so dense that it is not always possible to change failed or inappropriate parts. Laptops are supplied and used "as is", so you have to solve the problem of overheating using external devices. Special cooling coasters, which turned out to be very useful and convenient to use, will help in this.
But do not buy the first attractive model. The product may be of poor quality or may simply be inconvenient to use. The heroine of our review today is the cooling pad for a laptop. How to choose, types, features, advantages and disadvantages of various models - read all about this below.
When to use a cooling stand
The laptop stand, by and large, performs two functions: it supports the device in a convenient position for work, which reduces the load on the eyes, neck and shoulders, and extends the life of the device by cooling it.
A cooling device will come in handy when:
- the laptop is very hot, which is why it is working incorrectly or slowly and freezes;
- the temperature mode of operation of the device is exceeded (at high ambient temperatures);
- the laptop is more often on your lap or on the bed;
- the user works with demanding programs or launches "heavy" games;
- in the laptop, the graphics adapter was replaced or repaired;
- an AMD processor is installed: such laptops tend to heat up quickly.
In all these cases, it is desirable to use an additional cooling device. How to choose a laptop stand? Tips below.
Why does the laptop get very hot
A laptop can overheat for several reasons. First of all, these are design flaws: outdated thermal paste between the main modules of the system and the motherboard, weak coolers, mismatch between the maximum performance declared by the manufacturer and the available filling. Also, dust can provoke overheating, which inevitably gets into the device.
Buying a cooling pad in many cases is a necessity that can significantly extend the life of your laptop. But how to choose a suitable stand for a laptop?
How to choose a stand for a laptop with cooling
How to choose the right stand for a laptop with cooling so as not to waste your money, time and nerves? When buying, you need to pay attention to several parameters, including:
- type of stand (classic or table), its size and type of cooling;
- the material from which the laptop stand is made;
- the weight of the cooling device (especially if you often have to carry the laptop);
- power, diameter and number of fans, noise level;
- additional equipment and functions;
- the prevailing nature of user reviews;
- stand manufacturer, model and cost.
Most of the parameters depend on personal preferences, while others characterize the power and efficiency of the cooling device.
Types of stands with additional cooling for a laptop
Stands are in the form of a folding table with high legs or classic, lifting the laptop a few centimeters above the work surface.
A standard stand is a perforated platform that is quite mobile, inexpensive, but has limited functionality. Typically, such devices allow you to adjust only the level of tilt. A classic stand can be hard or soft: the first is mounted on a table, the second is equipped with a pillow of “breathing” material at the bottom and is designed to work on your knees.
Stands-tables have wide functionality (height, tilt angle can be adjusted) and are often equipped with additional amenities (a place for a mouse or even a small box is provided). Tables are not as mobile as platforms, they are heavier and larger, cost more than classic coasters, but are able to provide maximum convenience.
Types of cooling and fans
So, you need a laptop stand with cooling. How to choose the type and material, what should be the fans? There are two types of cooling mechanisms: passive and active.
Passive cooling is achieved by simultaneously absorbing heat from a laptop computer and improving air circulation between the laptop and the surface on which it is installed. This version of the stand is suitable for "preventive" purposes, if the laptop itself does not have problems with cooling.
Active cooling requires built-in fans. This is much more efficient, but such coasters are usually more expensive, they consume electricity and create noise. A device with an active type of cooling can reduce the temperature of the laptop by 5-15 degrees.
The quality of cooling depends on the fans: their number, diameter, speed of rotation of the blades and location. Not always a large number of coolers is the best option. So, for example, one fan of large diameter and with a high rotation speed (from 2000 rpm) is much more efficient than several small ones. As for the location of the coolers, it is desirable that they correspond to the openings of the laptop cooling system.
The number of fans, rotation speed and type of bearing depends on how noisy the device will work. The quietest are coasters with one cooler and hydrodynamic bearings. A fan with a low rotation speed will run quieter than others, but this negatively affects the main function of the stand - cooling.
Production material, weight and dimensions
How to choose a laptop stand with cooling correctly? We also determine the material. Workmanship is especially important for stands with passive cooling. Stands can be made of plastic, wood, aluminum or copper. The most effective are copper or aluminum coasters. The tree looks spectacular, it is possible to make supports of various shapes from plastic, but both materials do not conduct heat well.
If you need a laptop stand with cooling, how to choose the best size? The dimensions of the stand depend on the diagonal of the laptop. For ease of use, these indicators should correspond to each other. Weight determines the mobility and comfort of using a cooling device. It is advisable to try to find the perfect balance between lightness and stability.
Functions and equipment for laptop cooling systems
How to choose a cooling pad for a laptop in terms of functionality and equipment? These parameters are purely individual and depend on personal preferences. Some models of stands can allow you to turn on and off part of the coolers at your own discretion, adjust the tilt, height, fan speed and direction of blowing.
Special attention should be paid to the functions that the stand has. The main solutions that are used in modern cooling devices for laptops can be as follows:
- powered by mains or USB;
- various fixing inserts;
- removable fans;
- speakers that enhance the volume of the laptop;
- stand illumination or built-in lamps;
- convenient place for the mouse;
- small drawer;
- USB hub and more.
Additional equipment depends solely on the user's needs and the amount that he is willing to spend on the purchase of the stand.
The best models of cooling stands
Not sure how to choose a cooling stand for your laptop? Almost every brand has inexpensive models with a passive type of cooling, and classic stands of average quality are produced by Modecom, Gembird or DeTech. A great choice - stands manufacturers Logitech, Titan, Belkin, Maxxtro or Cooler Master. Choose cooling coasters-tables among the following models:
- Tsir Tech® TT-LD82 (the table is equipped with wheels, great for working in your favorite chair).
- Koolertron New Red Aluminum Nottable Laptop Stand (passive cooling, rack bends in three places).
- PAG 4 Wheels Laptop Desk (a very stable model that allows you to most comfortably configure not only the angle of the laptop, but also the mouse stands).
Checklist: Quick Choice of Laptop Stands
How to choose a stand for a laptop with cooling for those who are far from technical details? You can use the following checklist:
- Classic stand or table. Standard models are limited in their ability to adjust, but they are lighter and more mobile.
- Diagonal of a laptop. It will correspond to the dimensions of the stand.
- Passive or active heat dissipation. The parameter affects the cooling efficiency.
- The material of manufacture. Wood looks stylish, plastic is lighter, and metal is more efficient.
- Additional features. It increases not only the convenience of work, but also the cost of the device.
- Design. You can find quite interesting models.
The perfect stand fits your needs, personal preferences and budget. Modern manufacturers provide a choice for every taste and budget.