How to Cool a Laptop While Gaming

It can be frustrating when your laptop starts to overheat while you’re gaming. You may think that the only solution is to buy a new, more powerful computer. However, if you take the time to read this guide, you may be able to cool your laptop while gaming without spending a penny! In this article, we will discuss several methods that you can use to keep your laptop from overheating. We’ll also provide some tips on choosing the right cooling pad for your needs. So whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, read on for some helpful advice!

Signs Your Gaming Laptop is Getting Too Hot

Several signs can indicate that your laptop is getting too hot. One of the most obvious is feeling uncomfortable or even painful heat emanating from your computer. Another sign is if your laptop’s performance starts to degrade; for example, you may experience reduced frame rates or shorter battery life. Finally, you may also notice that your laptop’s fan is constantly running or making strange noises.

Another way to verify that the laptop is getting too warm is by using software like HWMonitor. HWMonitor will track your laptop’s temperatures and other key metrics, like fan speed and voltage. This program is free to use and is available for Windows and macOS. Check your laptop’s manual for recommended temperatures and make sure that your laptop is not getting too close to those numbers.

If your laptop suddenly shuts down or crashes during a game, it’s likely that the machine was too hot and needed to cool down.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take steps to cool down your laptop as soon as possible. In the next section, we’ll discuss some of the best ways to do it.

How to Cool Down Your Laptop While Gaming

You can do several things to cool down your laptop while gaming. Some are simple and easy to do, while others require a bit more effort.

One of the easiest things you can do is to make sure that your laptop is properly ventilated. If you’re using your laptop on a desk, make sure that there’s enough space around it so that air can circulate. You can also use a laptop cooling pad to help improve airflow around the device.

Another simple tip is to avoid using your laptop on soft surfaces, like beds or sofas. These surfaces can block the vents and prevent air from circulating properly.

If you want to go the extra mile, you can try undervolting your CPU. This process can help reduce the amount of heat generated by the processor, which can in turn help keep your laptop cooler. The downside of underclocking is that it can affect the performance of your device, so you’ll need to decide whether the benefits are worth the trade-off.

Make Sure Software Is Up To Date

Make sure that you keep your laptop up to date with the latest drivers and firmware updates. These updates often include optimizations and bug fixes that can help improve system stability and reduce heat generation.

Hardware Updates To Avoid Heating Issues

Sometimes, hardware updates are necessary to fix overheating issues. If you’re experiencing frequent shutdowns or performance issues due to heat, it may be time to upgrade your CPU cooler or add additional case fans. It’s also a good idea to understand how much RAM a gaming laptop needs and upgrade it if needed.

One of the most common causes of laptop overheating is a faulty fan. If your laptop fan is not working correctly, it can cause the CPU and graphics chips to overheat. Getting a new fan is often a cheap way to fix an overheating laptop.

Change Settings to Keep it Cool

Your settings can also have an impact on how hot your laptop gets. One way to keep things cooler is by making a few changes in your graphics control panel. For example, reducing the brightness of your screen and lowering the frame rate can help reduce heat generation.

Additionally, you can try changing your power management settings. Many laptops come with “high performance” and “power saver” modes. The high performance mode will use more power and generate more heat, while the power saver mode will reduce your laptop’s speed to save energy.

Cleaning to Reduce Heating Problems

Another way to help keep your laptop cool is to clean it regularly. Over time, dust and dirt can build up inside the case and block airflow. This can cause the components to overheat.

You should clean your laptop every few months to prevent this from happening. You can use a can of compressed air to blow out dust and dirt from inside the case.

You can also use a cleaning cloth to wipe down the outside of the laptop. Be sure to avoid getting liquid on any of the internal components.

Tricks to Keep Your Gaming Laptop Cool

There are a few other things you can do to keep your laptop cool while gaming:

Close any unused programs

When you have a lot of programs open, your computer has to work harder, which can cause it to overheat. If you’re not using a program, close it to help keep your laptop cool. You check what programs are running by opening the task manager. In the task manager, you can see how much CPU power each program is using. If a program uses a lot of CPU power, it could be causing your laptop to overheat.

Reduce Graphics Settings In Games

If you’re having trouble keeping your laptop cool while gaming, the last resort is to lower the graphics settings in your games. This will make your games look worse, but it should hopefully help reduce the laptop’s temperatures.

Replace Old Thermal Paste

If your laptop is over three years old, the thermal paste inside it may have dried up. This can lead to overheating problems. You can fix this by replacing the thermal paste. To replace the laptop’s thermal paste, you’ll need to disassemble it. Start by unscrewing the screws on the back of the laptop. Once you’ve done that, you should be able to remove the panels and see the internals.

From there, find the CPU (Central Processing Unit) and locate the thermal paste. The paste will be a silver or white color, and it will be applied directly to the CPU. Remove the old thermal paste and apply a new layer. Be sure to use a thermal paste that’s designed for laptops. Once you’ve applied the new thermal paste, reassemble your PC and test it out. Here’s a video tutorial if you need more guidance:

Use a Laptop Cooling Pad

If you’re looking for an easy way to keep your laptop cool, a cooling pad is a good option. These devices are designed to help circulate air around the laptop and prevent it from overheating.

Most cooling pads have one or more fans that blow air onto the bottom of the laptop. They also have a number of vents that allow air to flow in and out.

Cooling pads come in a variety of sizes, so be sure to choose one that’s the right fit for your laptop. Some cooling pads also have adjustable fans, which allow you to customize the level of cooling.

Use a Laptop Stand

Another way to keep your laptop cool is by using a stand. This type of stand elevates the laptop off the surface it’s sitting on and allows for more airflow.

How to Choose The Right Cooling Pad

When it comes to choosing a cooling pad, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.

Size: Make sure the cooling pad is the right size for your laptop. Some pads come with different-sized adapters, so you can choose the one that fits best.

Speed: Consider how fast the fans on the cooling pad spin. The faster the fans, the more air they’ll move, and the cooler your laptop will be.

Design: Some cooling pads are designed to be used on your lap, while others have a built-in stand. Choose the one that’s right for how you’ll be using it.

Noise: Some cooling pads are louder than others. If you’re going to be using the pad in a quiet environment, make sure to choose one with low noise levels.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to keep your laptop cool even during intense gaming sessions. So don’t let the heat stop you from playing the games you love.

Undervolt Your Laptop for Lower Temperatures

If you want to take things a step further, you can undervolt your laptop. This will lower the voltage going to the processor and help to reduce temperatures.

Undervolting is a bit more complicated than using a cooling pad or stand, so be sure to do some research before attempting it. It’s usually safe to undervolt a laptop, but there’s a risk of damaging your processor if done incorrectly, so proceed with caution. Many great guides online can walk you through the process, such as this guide.

Conclusion

Gaming laptops can get pretty hot, but there are ways to help keep them cool. By using a cooling pad or stand, keeping the laptop clean, and undervolting the processor, you can lower your laptop’s temperatures and keep it running smoothly for years to come.

If you follow these tips, you’ll hopefully be able to game on your laptop for hours without worrying about it overheating. If it’s still too hot, though, you may need to consider getting a new gaming laptop such as one of the best gaming notebooks under $700 over here.