Elevate the back of your rMBP and if you're feeling a little more daring, replace the thermal paste for an extra ~5 C of cooling.
i feel ya brotha my rmbp gets sizzling skillet hot in bf3
If he feels like voiding his warranty...
I don't think replacing the paste voids the warranty.
If you damage something or crack the board putting the screws back in you will void the warranty. But this is a very common practice and part of a good annual maintenance routine. It will be the first thing I do when I get my new rMBP.
If he feels like voiding his warranty...
Look at the zalman laptop coolers. I would say essential for gaming on a MBP or rMBP :
http://www.zalman.com/eng/product/CategorySecond_Pic.php
Look at the zalman laptop coolers. I would say essential for gaming on a MBP or rMBP :
http://www.zalman.com/eng/product/CategorySecond_Pic.php
Have you had 1st hand experience with the Zalman and the MBP? Honestly I'm curious because I have an Antec and it does nothing for the temps of my rMBP. I'm sure it has to do with the fan placement, size of fans, etc. My Antec does doesn't even drop the temp 2-3 degrees.
I really need a good recommendation for a cooling pad. Or is a stand that lifts the back of the NB good enough?
Yes I have the ZM-NC3000S http://www.zalman.com/eng/product/Product_Read.php?Idx=398
I have never actually tried to test before and after temps. But the internal fans do spin down when I turn the zalman fan on (in normal non gaming use).
It has a huge 220mm fan, its quiet at 17-23db (fan speed adjustable) and most importantly the vents cover the entire bottom of the laptop. Vents towards the front of the laptop aren't any good for MBP as the heat is all at the back. The fan is usb powered so you don't need to carry an extra power brick.
You can use it with the fan off or on.