Can an external laptop cooler make your laptop faster?

An external laptop cooler can, in some cases, make your laptop perform faster, but it's not a magic bullet. Here's how it works:

How Cooling Affects Performance

Laptops, especially powerful models like gaming laptops, generate a lot of heat. Components such as the processor (CPU) and the graphics card (GPU) get hot when they work hard. To prevent damage from overheating, laptops have built-in mechanisms like thermal throttling. This means that when the temperature gets too high, the laptop automatically reduces the performance of the CPU and GPU to reduce heat.

If your laptop gets too hot, you'll notice it becoming slower, less fluid, and it might even crash. An effective cooling system helps dissipate this heat, allowing the components to operate at a safer and more efficient temperature.

The Role of an External Laptop Cooler

An external laptop cooler, also known as a cooling pad, is designed to provide extra airflow to the underside of your laptop. This can help in a couple of ways:

Improved Air Circulation: Many coolers elevate the laptop, preventing the bottom vents from being blocked (e.g., by a blanket or your lap). This is already a significant step in preventing overheating.

Active Cooling: The fans in the cooler blow extra cool air against the bottom of the laptop, which can help lower the temperature of the casing and sometimes even the internal components.

Does It Increase Speed?

Yes, an external laptop cooler can indirectly increase speed by:

Preventing Thermal Throttling: By lowering your laptop's temperature, the cooler prevents your CPU and GPU from "throttling." This means they can maintain their maximum performance for longer, resulting in a more stable and sometimes faster experience, especially during intensive tasks like gaming, video editing, or heavy computations.

Better Efficiency: Components that operate at an optimal temperature are generally more efficient and less prone to sudden performance drops.

It's important to understand that a cooler won't magically make your laptop faster than it inherently is. It only helps maintain the performance your laptop should naturally deliver when well-cooled. You won't experience a huge speed boost if your laptop is already well-cooled and not overheating.

When Is an External Cooler Most Effective?

An external cooler is most useful if:

Your laptop frequently gets hot: If you notice your laptop feels very warm or its fans are constantly running at full speed.

Your laptop slows down during demanding tasks: This can be a sign of thermal throttling.

You use your laptop on soft surfaces: Such as a bed or a pillow, which block the ventilation openings.

You have a gaming laptop or use intensive applications: These laptops generate a lot of heat and benefit from additional cooling.

Alternatives and Additional Tips

Besides an external cooler, there are other ways to keep your laptop cool and optimize performance:

Ensure good ventilation: Always place your laptop on a hard, flat surface.

Clean the internal fans: Dust buildup is a common cause of overheating. Consider having your laptop professionally cleaned periodically, or do it yourself if you know how.

Check your thermal paste: Over time, the thermal paste between the CPU/GPU and the heatsink can dry out and become less effective. Replacing it can make a big difference.

Undervolting: For advanced users, undervolting the CPU and GPU can help lower temperatures without significant performance loss.

In short, an external laptop cooler can help your laptop perform optimally by preventing overheating, but it's just one part of good heat management.