worth using a notebook cooler?

[jiffry1017]

Hey,

I just bought a new MBP and I have been running SMC Fan Control. My MBP idles around 55-60 degrees celsius at 2551 RPM so is that normal?

My main question is I have a notebook cooler (three fans), is it worth using it on my MBP? Doesn't seem like there's really any vents on the MBP. I think the vents are where the screen hinge is?

thanks

 

[thegoldenmackid]

The main vent is in the back, I have found that using a notebook cooler is pretty worthless.

 

[ayeying]

The only system that benefit with a notebook cooler is the MacBook Air. The lower panel is used as a heat spreader and therefore cooling it would greatly decrease the temps.

55-60 deg C is NOT hot. The system can reach a maximum temperature of 105 deg C before any damage is incurred.

 

[Shake 'n' Bake]

How does a laptop cooler work? My mom got a Studio 1537 last month and it gets pretty warm. I'd like to know if a laptop cooler is worth the ~$20.

 

[ayeying]

How does a laptop cooler work? My mom got a Studio 1537 last month and it gets pretty warm. I'd like to know if a laptop cooler is worth the ~$20.

blows air onto the lower panel. PCs usually have vent holes on the bottom, if so that would help with cooling. Macs generally have no holes on the bottom so a laptop cooler is generally useless unless the lower panel is used for passive cooling

 

[rgarjr]

I use my MB on top of my bed most of the time and I tried out a cooling mat and I didn't like it.

 

[Andrew Henry]

Use software called CoolBook, I was skeptical and bought it today, and WOW does it make a difference!

 

[Shake 'n' Bake]

blows air onto the lower panel. PCs usually have vent holes on the bottom, if so that would help with cooling. Macs generally have no holes on the bottom so a laptop cooler is generally useless unless the lower panel is used for passive cooling

I see. Do these need to be plugged in or do they use batteries or do they not require power?

 

[rgarjr]

I see. Do these need to be plugged in or do they use batteries or do they not require power?

They get their 5V power from the USB port.

 

[Shake 'n' Bake]

They get their 5V power from the USB port.

Nifty.

Is there any brand that is better than others, or is it safe to get the cheap one at Target?

 

[SchneiderMan]

using my Zalman aluminum cooler i get about 10c off my overall temp.. it makes it easy on the inner fans, when i use hulu and i dont turn on the zalman the inner fans go crazy and when i turn it back on they ease up and the temp comes back down. so yes it does help my mbp a lot.

 

[rgarjr]

using my Zalman aluminum cooler i get about 10c off my overall temp..

Can you test that Zalman out on top of your bed and see if the fans do push air up on it? Those pads looks pretty sick being made out of Silver Aluminum.

 

[SchneiderMan]

Can you test that Zalman out on top of your bed and see if the fans do push air up on it? Those pads looks pretty sick being made out of Silver Aluminum.

no it would not work on a bed only on a desk. i have the black version.