Does 2017 13" MBP cool better closed or open?

[exe163]

I have a base model 13" Macbook Pro from the current generation. I was wondering if it would help with cooling to close my laptop when using it with an external monitor vs normal opened position. For my last gen retina MBP close, doesn't work at all since the hing would block most of the airflow from the vents. But the new model vents seemed more exposed closed than open because in either position the hot air exhaust from the bottom. Plus the vents would be pointing up to help hot air rise. My main use case is gaming where the I could feel the effects of thermal throttling. I plan is if it works better closed, I would get a vertical stand and external keyboard to complete the setup.

 

[maflynn]

I believe the consensus is that it runs cooler with the lid open