Is Your Laptop Slowing Down? Is It Noisy? Is It Hot to the Touch? Does It Shut Down Unexpectedly?
These could be signs of overheating. In this article, you will learn how a laptop’s cooling system is built, why overheating occurs, and how to prevent it.
Why Does a Laptop Overheat?
A laptop consists of various components that require electrical energy to operate. Unfortunately, these components cannot convert all this energy into work, and a portion of it is released as heat. The higher the energy demand, the more heat the computer generates. This is why the laptop’s casing feels warmer during activities like gaming or rendering.
To prevent overheating, laptops are equipped with cooling systems. Their task is to dissipate heat and maintain a safe temperature for the components.
The components that typically generate the most heat are the processor (CPU) and the graphics card (GPU). Manufacturers focus the most attention on these two elements when designing their cooling systems.
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How Is a Laptop’s Cooling System Built?
A laptop’s cooling system can be divided into passive and active parts:
Passive Cooling Components
- Cold Plate, Radiator, and Heat Pipes:
The cold plate is mounted on the CPU and GPU to directly absorb heat from the device. This heat is then transferred to the radiator. - Radiator:
The radiator consists of numerous fins made of aluminum or copper, designed to disperse heat effectively. - Heat Pipes:
Often used to accelerate heat transfer between the cold plate and the radiator, heat pipes are thin metal tubes (usually copper) containing a small amount of liquid. As the device heats up, the liquid evaporates, absorbing heat and moving to the other end of the pipe. After cooling, the liquid condenses and returns, restarting the cooling process.
Active Cooling Components
- Fans:
Depending on their placement, fans either draw cool air from the outside or expel warm air from within the casing. The primary purpose of fans is to cool the radiator and other passive components.
Most manufacturers use air cooling in their devices. However, some laptops also feature liquid cooling systems, which include a pump as a unique component.
Causes of Laptop Overheating
Dried Thermal Paste:
Thermal paste is applied between the cold plate and the component to fill microscopic gaps, ensuring efficient heat transfer. Over time, it loses its effectiveness, becoming dry and less conductive. Replacement is necessary every 6 to 24 months, depending on usage intensity.
Recently, high-end gaming laptops have started using liquid metal instead of traditional thermal paste. Liquid metal maintains its heat-conducting properties longer and is not recommended to be replaced within the first 2-3 years of laptop use. However, it still requires regular cleaning of other cooling system parts like the radiator and fans.
Drawbacks of Liquid Metal:
- Must be replaced like any other thermal paste if the cooling system is disassembled.
- Difficult to clean.
- Conducts electricity, posing a risk of short circuits and damage to motherboard components if not handled carefully.
Clogged Ventilation Openings and Radiator:
Over time, dust can accumulate in ventilation openings, blocking airflow. Dust also settles on the radiator fins, necessitating regular cleaning of the device.
Malicious Software (Viruses):
Certain viruses, known as “power viruses,” can cause the CPU or GPU to work at maximum capacity, generating excessive heat. Additionally, some malware utilizes the device’s computing power to mine cryptocurrencies for the attacker.
Improper User Practices:
Placing a laptop on soft surfaces like blankets or pillows can block ventilation openings, leading to overheating. Using a laptop stand, especially when working in bed, helps maintain proper airflow.
Insufficient Cooling System:
Budget laptops may have inadequate cooling systems, evident when fans run at full speed regardless of the laptop’s load. Some models may even cool the CPU passively with thin metal plates instead of effective thermal paste.
High Ambient Temperatures:
Using a laptop in very hot environments can cause overheating, as cooling systems are typically tested and optimized for ambient temperatures between 20-25°C. Operating in 30-40°C can increase component temperatures by up to 15°C.
Effects of Laptop Overheating
- Reduced Performance:
- The computer slows down to manage heat.
- Unexpected Shutdowns or Resets:
- The device may turn off or restart to prevent damage.
- Operating System Errors:
- System instability and errors can occur.
- Increased Noise Levels:
- Fans run louder to compensate for overheating.
- Severely Heated Casing:
- The laptop’s exterior becomes excessively hot.
- Damage to Solder Joints:
- High temperatures can damage the solder connecting the motherboard and components via Ball Grid Array (BGA) methods.
When the CPU or GPU temperature becomes too high, thermal throttling occurs—automatically reducing clock speeds and performance to prevent damage. If temperatures remain high, the operating system may display errors or shut down the computer. Most processors begin throttling at around 100°C.
As component temperatures rise, fan speeds increase correspondingly, resulting in louder operation—a clear indicator of overheating issues. If the laptop’s casing feels hot enough to fry an egg, it’s essential to check component temperatures immediately.
How to Check CPU Temperature?
There are several free programs available to monitor component temperatures:
- HWiNFO:
Provides detailed statistics, including CPU temperature, RAM speed, and hard drive status. - HWMonitor and Core Temp:
Good options for monitoring idle and load temperatures. - OCCT and AIDA64:
Useful for stress-testing and monitoring temperatures under maximum load.
Maintenance for an Overheating Laptop
Once you’ve determined that your laptop is overheating, it’s time to take action:
- Research Your Laptop Model:
Check online reviews to see if overheating is a common issue. If so, consider using a cooling pad or limiting the use of resource-intensive applications. - Clean the Laptop:
- External Cleaning:
Use compressed air to blow out dust from the ventilation openings and the laptop’s exterior. - Internal Cleaning:
For thorough cleaning of the radiator fins and fans, disassemble the laptop or seek professional cleaning services. Avoid blowing compressed air directly onto fans connected to the motherboard, as this can generate electrical shorts.
- External Cleaning:
- Replace Thermal Paste:
- Preparation:
Disconnect the laptop from power and remove the battery. - Disassembly:
Open the laptop and remove the cooling system. - Cleaning:
Use a cloth and isopropyl alcohol-soaked cotton swabs to remove the old thermal paste. - Application:
Apply a new layer of thermal paste to the CPU and/or GPU using methods such as a rice grain-sized dot, an “X,” or a thin line. Ensure even coverage for optimal heat transfer. - Reassembly:
Reattach the cooling system and screw the laptop back together.
- Preparation:
Note: If you’re not confident in your technical skills, it’s best to entrust your laptop to an experienced technician.
Prevent Your Laptop from Overheating – Take Action Today!
Regular maintenance and proper usage can extend your laptop’s lifespan and ensure it runs efficiently. If you’re experiencing overheating issues, contact our professional laptop service center for expert assistance.
