Chill Out! Top Laptop Cooling Pads Rated for Performance

Top 9 Laptop Cooling Pads to Keep Your Gaming Rig Cool

High-performance gaming laptops generate significant heat. To prevent thermal throttling and maintain peak performance, a laptop cooling pad is a worthwhile investment. This article reviews nine top-rated options, catering to various needs and budgets.

TL;DR – Best Laptop Cooling Pads:

IETS GT300 (Our Top Pick)

Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB

TopMate C5 Laptop Cooler

Targus Lap Chill Mat

Havit HV-F2056

Klim Tempest

Klim Ultimate

Miggoing Laptop Table

Cooler Master NotePal X3

Laptop cooling solutions vary widely, from large RGB-equipped pads to compact side-mounted blowers. While many are affordable, premium models often offer advanced features like temperature sensors and multiple fans.

Detailed Reviews:

1. IETS GT300: Best Overall

• Pros: Dual high-speed blower fans, dust filters, customizable RGB, wide compatibility.
• Cons: Bulky, limited RGB customization. Effective cooling is achieved through a sealed design, directing airflow directly onto heat-generating components.

2. Thermaltake Massive 20 RGB: Best Runner-Up

• Pros: Powerful airflow, adjustable height, RGB lighting.
• Cons: Clunky. Features a large 200mm fan and adjustable height settings.

3. TopMate C5 Laptop Cooler: Best High-Airflow

• Pros: Five fans, two USB ports, multiple height adjustments.
• Cons: Not suitable for larger laptops. Offers exceptional cooling with its multiple fans and adjustable height.

4. Targus Lap Chill Mat: Best for Lap Use

• Pros: Simple, effective, rubberized grip.
• Cons: No height adjustment. A comfortable and effective solution for lap use.

5. Havit HV-F2056: Best Budget Option

• Pros: Affordable, USB passthrough ports.
• Cons: Only three fans. Provides excellent value for its price.

6. Klim Tempest: Best Portable Cooler

• Pros: Extremely portable, high RPM fan, temperature sensor.
• Cons: Limited laptop compatibility. A compact and powerful solution for on-the-go cooling.

7. Klim Ultimate: Best RGB Cooling Pad

• Pros: Impressive RGB lighting, adjustable fan speed.
• Cons: Cannot adjust RGB brightness. Offers robust cooling and customizable RGB illumination.

8. Miggoing Laptop Table: Best Cooling Stand

• Pros: Versatile, sturdy, includes mouse pad.
• Cons: Awkward adjustment. Functions as both a cooling pad and a laptop stand.

9. Cooler Master NotePal X3: Best for Larger Laptops

• Pros: Suitable for up to 17-inch laptops, large fan, stylish design.
• Cons: Relatively large. A high-quality option for larger laptops.

UK Availability:

Selection Methodology: This review considered both hands-on testing and extensive user reviews to ensure accuracy and provide a comprehensive overview of the best available options.

FAQs:

• Do laptop cooling pads work? Yes, they can prevent overheating and extend laptop lifespan. Effectiveness varies depending on design and fan power.
• Do they improve performance? Potentially, by mitigating thermal throttling. System monitoring software can help determine if your system is throttling.
• How effective are they? Temperature reductions can range from 5°C to 10°C or more, depending on the pad and laptop.

(Additional contributions by Danielle Abraham, Kegan Mooney, and Georgie Peru)