Thread: Laptop overheating

I recently (6 Months ago,) bought a new laptop. It is a Toshiba, but I don't know the exact model. The graphics card is incompatible with XP, so it came with Vista Home Basic.

Home basic is THE WORST operating system I've ever used, so I went out and purchased Windows Ultimate after the first day. That said, I have no clue if my problem is because of Ultimate, because I didn't spend much time on any other Operating system.

My computer keeps overheating. I admit, it is often my fault, because my life literally revolves around the internet, being a Freelance PHP Dev and everything. I spend a minimum of 6 hours a day, everyday on my computer, as part of my job. Then I often stay on longer to do hobbies and MSN, and Facebook.

So, my computer is basically turned off every second day. On 48 Hours, off 5. That 5 hours is more than enough for it to cool off, and the 48 isn't enough for it to overheat.

However, sometimes I forget to turn it off, so it likes to overheat in the middle of coding, right before I save.

At the moment, I have it situated on top of 4 soda bottle caps, to keep it off of the desk. This helps keep it from overheating, but it doesn't stop it completely.

Is there any other way to keep my computer from overheating?

Fan or airconditioner turned on or how about turning your puter off when you sleep.

Chill Pak : Cool it down. Speed it up.

If it's under warranty contact the warranty provider.

I had that problem with a laptop once, and one of my buddies still does. There's a very simple fix that may sound hokey but it's hard to argue with what works.

LOW-TECH FIX
The laptop I had with the overheat issue started doing it the same year a gelding almost kicked a hole in my side... I had a medical icepack in the freezer I'd bought kill the pain. All you have to do is set the laptop on top of it. Works like a charm and does nothing but raise the laptop about an in higher. Nobody even notices it.

They're blue, the drug store sells them to put on a sore back, bruised ribs, etc... and they' are less than an inch thick and have a similar footprint to a laptop. You store it in the freezer and take it out to use it. Buy two and you can alternate them. I replaced the laptop later, but it kept it alive a long time. My buddy still does the same thing with hers... many laptops are prone to the problem.

BY THE WAY
Sounds like you know the other part, but if you ever set it in your lap on a couch or something, be sure the vent that exhausts warm air isn't against a pillow or something. Give it plenty of clearance to exhaust the heat.

Rhiannon-
I tried the Fan, and it didn't work. And sometimes it isn't as simple as 'Just turn it off for the night.'

Halo- I might just have to order that

Grim- Warranty is dead.

Rob- Ice Packs will both heat up, and cause condensation. So, it will either stop functioning, or ruin the laptop.

These dont have the condensation issue. Used it a long time... keep one in the freezer for when the cool wears off, switch 'em out.

Just a suggestion. So far it worked for two of us. Good luck.

Shows on that site for the chillpak that it's not being processed for orders anymore, link to buy is gone. Wonder if he is making more or what.

Check the fan my dear

Rob- Alright Thanks for the suggestion mate.
I have a few freeze packs in the freezer that say they shouldn't. I guess I could leave one on the counter for a bit, to see if it has the problem.

Tech- Damn.

Teeth- Done that. It seems to be working properly.

http://www.newegg.com/Store/Category..._-NA-_-NA-_-NA

or these

Notebook Coolers, Laptop Coolers, Notebook Cooler, Laptop Cooler TigerDirect.com

Grim- Think Futureshop would have any of those?

Originally Posted by iwannaplay

Grim- Think Futureshop would have any of those?

(I am not Grim.. But...) Yes, but I just got mine at TigerDirect for my Toshiba laptop and it's been great.

I had gone to Best Buy and Future Shop but their selection was limited.

What I ended up with is Vantec LapCool3, it was like $26 Canadian.
Vantec - Vantec LapCool 3 - LPC-401 - Dual Silent Fans Notebook Cooler

I could swear I've seen the cooling platforms with USB powered fans on the bottom at Wal-Mart.. You run the risk of running your battery low pretty fast using USB powered fans however it's a non-issue if you run your laptop off wall power most of the time.

Edit:

Here's some links for you:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=8144231

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=8144232

I've used the notebook coolers before, saved many a leg hair by doing so.

however, I'll blame the OS