How laptop coolers may help protect against overheated parts and sweaty legs

The thinner and more compact laptops become, generally, the less amount of space is reserved for cooling internal components. Intel processors are becoming more power efficient too, and in less potent, more portable options this isn't too much of an issue. But when you start moving up the CPU chain, things start heating up rather quickly, especially if you happen to carry out heavy workloads with the laptop resting on your legs. This is where laptop coolers come into play.

A laptop cooler is essentially a pad of sorts that sits underneath the laptop, be it on a desk or on your lap. This accessory can make it more comfortable to use the laptop itself, as well as keeping it cool with a number of fans blowing underneath. Some solutions even come with additional connectivity to expand the number of ports available. Not only are these products useful for laptops with fans (to prevent them from sounding like jet engines) but they're also handy for less powerful units that kick out some heat without any blowers.

When looking at cooling pads, it's worth considering just where and how you'd use one as they're generally built for different situations. Some will better perform on a desk, while others may make use of more powerful fans to combat the lack of airflow when the laptop is laid down on a pair of sweaty legs in the sunshine. Others are portable so they can be packed away on trips.

It's also a requirement to take a quick look at how your laptop deals with heat, how its fans (if it has any) are configured and where the intake vents are located. A laptop with fans that draw air from underneath will make good use of the extra space offered by the laptop cooler, as well as additional airflow provided to keep both the CPU and GPU supplied with enough cool air.

Prices of laptop coolers can range from anywhere between $10 and $50, depending on build quality, the number of fans, cooling technologies used, and more. Doing a quick search on Amazon brings up a bunch of results. Here's a quick recap of what you should bear in mind when looking at listings:

  • Dimensions to match the laptop.
  • Fan configuration to hit intake vents.
  • Additional features like LCD screens, sensors, etc.
  • Whether they're best suited for flat surfaces or your lap.
  • How portable they are if you travel with your laptop.

Those of you who can comfortably use your laptop(s) without issue regarding heat, you shouldn't require one of these at all.

See at Amazon

CATEGORIES
Rich Edmonds
Senior Editor, PC Build

Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.

Latest in Accessories
UGreen x Genshin Impact charging accessories: image shows magnetic wireless charger, power bank, GaN charger and USB-C cable
UGreen drops a stunning Genshin Impact collection of charging accessories AND it's all on sale
A Crucial P310 m.2 2230 SSD for Steam Deck and ROG Ally in its retail box.
The SSD I upgraded my own gaming handheld with is now heavily discounted, and you should definitely get one
EA Sports College Football 25
College Football 25 now costs less than a single drink at a stadium
Alienware AW2725DF Baldur's Gate 3 Party.
Save $300 on Dell's amazing 27-inch, 360Hz, QD-OLED gaming monitor with this coupon code
Acer Predator X45 deal
This massive OLED ultrawide display is down to less than $1,000 for a limited time — Saving almost $700 for 240Hz gaming
Turtle Beach Stealth Pro
I thought this Xbox headset price was a mistake but no it really is this cheap
Latest in News
Professor Sir Roger Penrose, physicist, mathematician and cosmologist
Nobel laureate claims "AI will not be conscious" and shouldn't be considered intelligent — Until it develops its own ideas
UGreen x Genshin Impact charging accessories: image shows magnetic wireless charger, power bank, GaN charger and USB-C cable
UGreen drops a stunning Genshin Impact collection of charging accessories AND it's all on sale
Lies of P boss
Grab these must-play games at killer deal prices during the CDKeys Spring Festival
In this photo illustration OpenAI ChatGPT icon is displayed on a mobile phone screen in Ankara, Turkiye on August 13, 2024.
OpenAI says an excessive dependency on ChatGPT can lead to loneliness and a "loss of confidence" in decision-making
Alienware Area-51 laptops (2025)
Dell revives Alienware Area-51 with powerful new gaming PCs
The First Berserker: Khazan
The First Berserker: Khazan review and Metacritic score roundup — this stylish Soulslike sounds like a must-play action RPG