How can you test laptop cooling systems before buying a new device?

1 Check the specs

The first step is to check the specifications of the laptop you are interested in. Look for information about the type, size, and number of fans, the heat sink design, and the thermal management features. Some laptops have more advanced cooling systems, such as liquid cooling, vapor chambers, or heat pipes, that can dissipate heat more effectively. You can also compare the CPU and GPU temperatures and power consumption of different laptops to get an idea of how much heat they generate.

2 Run a stress test

The second step is to run a stress test on the laptop you want to buy. A stress test is a software program that puts a high load on the CPU, GPU, and other components, simulating a demanding scenario such as gaming or video editing. By running a stress test, you can measure the maximum temperature and fan speed of the laptop, and see how well it handles the heat. You can use free tools such as Prime95, FurMark, or AIDA64 to run a stress test on your laptop. Make sure you monitor the temperature and fan speed with another tool, such as HWMonitor, SpeedFan, or Core Temp.

3 Listen to the noise

The third step is to listen to the noise level of the laptop cooling system. Some fans are louder than others, and some may produce annoying whining or rattling sounds. The noise level of the cooling system depends on the fan design, speed, and quality, as well as the laptop case and vents. You can use a sound meter app on your smartphone, such as Sound Meter or Decibel X, to measure the noise level of the laptop in decibels (dB). A typical laptop fan noise level is around 30-40 dB, but it can go up to 50-60 dB or more under heavy load.

4 Feel the heat

The fourth step is to feel the heat of the laptop surface and the air flow from the vents. A good cooling system should keep the laptop surface cool and comfortable to touch, especially around the keyboard and touchpad. The air flow from the vents should be strong and consistent, and not too hot or cold. You can use a thermometer or an infrared camera to measure the temperature of the laptop surface and the air flow. A normal laptop surface temperature is around 35-40°C, but it can go up to 50-60°C or more under heavy load.

5 Compare the results

The fifth step is to compare the results of your tests with other laptops and with the manufacturer's claims. You can use online reviews, forums, or benchmarks to find out how other laptops perform in terms of cooling efficiency and noise level. You can also check if the manufacturer provides any data or guarantees about the cooling system of their laptop, such as the maximum temperature, fan speed, or noise level. By comparing the results, you can find out which laptop has the best cooling system for your needs and preferences.

6 Adjust the settings

The final step is to adjust the settings of the laptop cooling system to optimize its performance and noise level. Most laptops have some options to control the fan speed, the power mode, or the thermal profile of the CPU and GPU. You can use the laptop's built-in software, such as the BIOS, the power settings, or the manufacturer's utility, to change these settings. You can also use third-party software, such as Notebook Fan Control, SpeedFan, or ThrottleStop, to fine-tune the cooling system. By adjusting the settings, you can balance the cooling efficiency and noise level of your laptop according to your needs and preferences.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?