Depending on how you are with heat, you’re probably revelling or wilting in the high temperatures we’ve been having recently. But something that, without a doubt, never fares well in molten conditions? Your tech.
You can’t have failed to notice that when extreme temperatures hit, common household tech tends to flounder. Phone batteries ping out, cameras forget how to function, and laptops overheat before giving up the ghost.
Why do laptops overheat?
Your portable computer uses a lot of energy and as such requires cooling systems to keep the internal temperatures steady. Overheating happens if there is a hardware error with these fans or if the air vents become obstructed and unable to dissipate all that hot air effectively. While heat is inevitable in all electricals, it can damage the tech long-term if not handled quickly and effectively.
How to keep your laptop cool
The good news is that most heat factors are in your control. Keeping your tech elevated and out of direct sunlight will help things, as will making sure your software is up to date so your laptop isn’t working harder than it has to by overcoming glitches.
Try not to use too many demanding apps at the same time, and close them when you’ve finished to stop the device eating up memory and energy.
Another option is to up the chill factor by getting a laptop cooling pad to support your laptop’s fans.
What is a laptop cooling pad?
Perfectly named, it does exactly what is says on the tin. Essentially it’s a stand with fan attachments (around 1 - 6) that will help cool your device and improve its performance. You can find frills-free options, but on the fancier end of the scale, there are fans with adjustable speeds and ultra-quiet operation so you’re undisturbed whether you’re working, streaming or gaming as well as other pads or stands with USB chargers.
If you’re tired of walking on eggshells around tech that always seems to run too hot, investing in a cooling pad could be a wise decision.
We’ve rounded up the best options to help you decide if they’re for you.
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TopMate C12 Laptop Cooling Pad
Using a mix of fan sizes, this is a far showier design that could appeal to teens and tech addicts. As well as keeping tech up to 17.3-inches cool, it will arguably also help it look cool with RGB light strips on all sides illuminating while the fans do their thing.
The fan can work in a variety of modes and six speeds, so you can customise your cooling to the situation each time. It’s height-adjustable and comes with a phone stand that can be positioned on either the right or the left-hand side.
Buy now £30.77, Amazon
Trust GXT1125 QUNO Laptop Cooling Stand
Long gaming sessions can really take it out of your laptop. Keep going for a longer with this cooling stand which uses five fans to keep components at an agreeable temperature. The stand is made from lightweight aluminium and can accommodate laptops up to 17.3 inches. This option comes with a phone stand so you can see important messages even when you’re in the midst of a game or work project.
Buy now £49.99, Argos
KLIM Cool Metal Laptop Cooler Fan
If you haven’t got the space to set up a pad or want to take something less cumbersome on trips away, this option could help.
It’s an external air vacuum that keeps things cool by extracting warm air. This maximises the laptop’s lifespan and can see internal temperatures drop by some 20 degrees - you can supervise your temperatures easily through the digital display on the top of the unit.
The pocket-sized device is compatible with most laptop models and as your tech isn’t resting on it, there’s no need to worry about sizing. As long as your laptop has side or rear vents, it should work with the rubber adapters provided.
Buy now £25.97, Amazon
Currys SUREFIRE 48818 Bora Laptop Cooling Stand - Black & Green
Keep cool and carry on working, watching or gaming when you’ve got this cooling stand to keep your laptop in good health. There are four powerful fans to cool things down all running off a USB, so you can plug it straight into your device eliminating the need for another messy cable. The stand is height adjustable too, so you can always find the best angle for you no matter what you’re doing.
Buy now £26.99, Currys
LIANGSTAR Laptop Cooling Pad
No, it’s not a cyclone weather forecast, but an illustration of the wonderful cooling you can expect if you buy this pad. Adjustable through seven angles, it uses six ultra-quiet fans to help your laptop keep as cool as a cucumber. There’s also a phone holder and two USB ports to plug in other tech. It’s a great option if you’re looking for an inexpensive solution and use a 12 - 17 inch device.
Buy now £22.99, Amazon
The Tech Bar Momax adjustable laptop stand
Lightweight and easy to transport, this stand promotes fresh air circulating around the laptop, aiding the device’s own cooling systems in working how they should. It’s made from a mix of aluminimum alloy and silicone and can support laptops up to 17-inches from a 0 to 80 degree angle range.
Buy now £89.95, Selfridges
Kensington SmartFit Easy Riser Laptop Cooling Stand
No energy-guzzling tech here, just a robust stand that promotes air circulation around your tech and the laptop’s vents. The strong and durable stand is easily adjustable and simple to set up and use, while also being portable for business trips overseas (and no plugs means no adaptor to remember to pack). Suitable for a range of laptop sizes from 12 - 17-inches.
Buy now £19.99, Currys
Surefire Bora X1 Gaming Laptop Cooling Pad With RGB Black
With cool lights and plenty of lift to give your laptop’s air vents space to breathe, Surefire’s cooling pad makes a great gift or present to give to the tech addict in your life. It operates at a low decible - the maximum output is 48dBa - and there are five viewing angles to choose from, so you can say goodbye to awkward neck cricks. The stand sits on an anti-slip rubber base for enhanced stability. Comes with a two year warranty.
Buy now £41.99, Robert Dyas
