Gaming notebooks are notorious for getting very hot. In fact, there have been cases where the computer has actually caught on fire! So how hot is too hot for a gaming laptop? And how can you prevent your computer from overheating? In this blog post, we will discuss the dangers of having a gaming laptop that is too hot and how you can keep your machine running smoothly.
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What Temperature Should You Expect In A Gaming Laptop?
You can expect your gaming laptop to have an average CPU and GPU temperature of around 60-80 degrees Celsius while gaming. When idle, expect a temperature of 30-40 degrees Celsius.
How Hot Is Too Hot For A Gaming Laptop
When a gaming laptop’s temperatures exceed 80 degrees Celsius (176° F), it’s at risk of thermal throttling. Thermal throttling is when the CPU and GPU clock speeds are reduced to prevent damage from overheating.
Some models don’t start throttling until it reaches the high 90s, while others will throttle at lower temperatures. You can avoid thermal throttling by making sure that your gaming laptop’s temperatures don’t exceed 80 degrees Celsius.
How To Know When It’s Getting Too Hot
Look for the following signs to know when your gaming laptop is getting too hot:
- You’ll often notice that the fan noise will increase as the temperature gets higher.
- You may also see some performance degradation as the CPU and GPU clock speeds are reduced.
- You may notice that the bottom of the laptop starts to feel too hot to touch
- In more severe cases of overheating, the laptop can randomly shut down to prevent damage.
Why Do Gaming Laptops Get Too Hot?
Gaming laptops need to pack a lot of power into a small space. As a result, they tend to have poor airflow and cooling compared to desktop gaming PCs. They also tend to have higher TDP (thermal design power) ratings for the CPU and GPU which means they generate more heat.
Here are some common causes of overheating in gaming laptops:
- Poor airflow design: Some notebooks have their cooling fan intakes on the bottom of the laptop. This can cause them to suck in hot air from the surface they’re sitting on instead of cool air from outside.
- Blocked air vents: Dust and dirt can accumulate over time and block airflow through the laptop’s vents.
- Overclocking: When you’re overclocking your computer for better gaming performance, you’re also pushing it harder and making it generate more heat.
- Dust buildup: Just like with blocked vents, dust buildup inside the laptop can prevent proper airflow and cause overheating.
- Broken fans: Make sure that all cooling fans are spinning properly. If one fan is damaged or not working, it can cause your laptop to overheat.
- Dried-out thermal paste: The thermal paste between the CPU and heat sink can dry out over time and lose its effectiveness. This can cause your laptop to overheat.
- Old Batteries: Old batteries are more prone to overheating. If your gaming laptop is more than a few years old, you might want to consider replacing the battery.
- Graphics card issues: If your graphics card isn’t working correctly, it can cause your laptop to overheat.
- Software issues: A process that is hogging too much CPU or RAM can cause your notebook computer to overheat.
How Can You Keep a Laptop Cool
There are many ways to keep a laptop cool while gaming. Here are some of our favorite tips:
Clean The Fan
Cleaning the laptop’s fan is one of the best ways to keep it cool. Over time, the fans can get dusty and clogged. This reduces their effectiveness and causes your laptop to overheat. To learn how to clean a laptop fan, make sure to read our guide on laptop fan cleaning here.
Monitor Temperature Levels
You can use a program like CoreTemp or HWMonitor to monitor your laptop’s temperature levels. This will help you see how hot it is getting while gaming. If you see the temperatures rising, you can take measures to cool the laptop down.
Use a Laptop Cooler
A laptop cooler is a great way to keep your laptop cool while gaming. There are many types of laptop coolers available. Some are small and portable, while others are larger and more powerful. Make sure to choose one that is compatible with your laptop. To learn more about cooling pads, check out our article about whether they are worth it.
Check for software updates
If your laptop is overheating, it could be due to a software issue. Check for updates for your BIOS, drivers, and operating system. These updates can often fix issues that cause laptops to overheat.
Check for viruses and malware
Another potential cause of an overheating laptop is viruses or malware. These can cause your computer to overwork its processor and overheat. Run a virus scan with your antivirus software to see if this is the issue. You may also want to try a free malware scanner such as Malwarebytes.
Change Fan Speed Settings
You can usually change the fan speed settings in your computer’s BIOS. This can help increase the amount of cooling your laptop receives and may help reduce the temperatures.
Consider Where You Use The Laptop
If you often use your laptop on a soft surface like a bed or couch, this can block the vents and cause it to overheat. Make sure to use it on a hard, flat surface to allow for proper airflow.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Warm Laptops
Is 70°C Too Hot For A Gaming Laptop?
No, 70°C is not too hot for a gaming laptop. In fact, many laptops are designed to operate at this temperature.
Is 85°C Too Hot For A Gaming Laptop?
Yes, 85°C is too hot for a gaming laptop. At this temperature, the computer will start to throttle the CPU and GPU to prevent damage.
How Can I Reduce The Temperature Of My Gaming Laptop?
To reduce the temperatures of your gaming laptop, make sure that the vents are not blocked and that the computer is placed on a hard, flat surface. You can also try using a cooling pad to help dissipate heat.
Can I Use A Laptop Cooler To Prevent Overheating?
Yes, you can use a laptop cooler to prevent overheating. Laptop coolers help to dissipate heat and can also raise the laptop off of your lap to allow for better airflow.
Is 100°C Too Hot For A Gaming Laptop?
Yes, 100°C is definitely too hot for a gaming laptop. At this temperature, the computer is at serious risk of damage from overheating, and you should take steps to reduce the temperature as soon as possible.
How Can I Fix An Overheating Laptop?
To fix an overheating laptop, make sure the fans are working correctly and that there’s no dust blocking the vents. If it’s still too hot, change the fan settings and consider getting a cooling pad to combat the hot temperatures.
Are There Any Risks To Overheating My Laptop?
Yes, there are risks to overheating your laptop. The most serious risk is that the computer will suffer irreparable damage from overheating. This can lead to a loss of data and an inability to use the laptop.
Can A Laptop Explode From Overheating?
While it’s unlikely, it is possible for a laptop to explode from overheating. This is usually caused by a buildup of heat in a damaged battery, which can eventually lead to a fire.
Are Issues Caused By Overheating Covered By Warranty?
Most warranties will not cover damages caused by overheating. This is because overheating is considered a user-induced issue and not a manufacturing defect.
Is It OK If My Laptop Gets Hot While Gaming?
Yes, it is perfectly normal for your laptop to get hot while gaming. In fact, most gaming laptops have built-in cooling systems to prevent overheating.
Conclusion
While it is normal for your laptop to get hot while gaming, you should be concerned if it starts to overheat frequently or reaches temperatures above 90 degrees Celsius. When this frequently happens, you should take steps to prevent overheating, such as using a cooling pad or cleaning the vents. Additionally, if the temperature reaches beyond 80 degrees Celsius, many laptops tend to throttle the CPU to prevent overheating, which can lead to reduced performance.