It’s no secret that gaming laptops run hotter than your average notebook. After all, they’re packed with powerful processors and graphics cards that push the limits of what a laptop can handle. As a result, many gamers find themselves dealing with an uncomfortably warm lap after just a few minutes of gaming.
There are several reasons why your laptop might be heating up during gaming. You may have tried lowering the graphics, but the result is not much better.
Keeping your laptop cool is essential for maintaining peak gaming performance. That’s why we’ve put together this list of ways on how to keep laptops cool while gaming so you can stay on top of your game. From using a cooling pad to altering your gameplay settings, we’ve got you covered.
Clean up your system
One way to help keep your laptop cool is to free up storage and clear the cache. Many games take up a lot of space, so freeing up some space on your hard drive can help reduce the heat generated by your laptop.
Additionally, clearing the cache can help improve game performance and reduce the chances of your laptop overheating by taking the load off the processor. Some unwanted data and files are stored in uncommon places. Finding some unwanted files and folders can be difficult due to a lengthy path, but there is a blog post that has explained very well how to clean up your laptop to free up computer storage, so be sure to check it.
Take breaks
Taking breaks every so often is important when gaming on a laptop to allow the internal components to cool down. This is especially true if you’re gaming for extended periods. Laptops have less breathing room, and their fans are less effective than desktop computers. Hence, taking a five-minute break every hour can help prevent your laptop from overheating.
Clean the vents
Another simple way to help keep your gaming laptop cool is to clean the vents. Over time, dust and other debris can build up in the vents, blocking airflow and causing your laptop to overheat. Use a can of compressed air to blow out the vents and remove any buildup that could be causing problems.
Use a cooling pad
One of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your gaming laptop cool is to use a cooling pad. These devices help draw heat away from your laptop’s internal components, keeping them cooler and preventing overheating. There are many cooling pads available on the market with various features and specifications. So make sure to research before setting eyes on one.
Reduce graphics settings
If your laptop is overheating, one way to help mitigate the problem is to reduce the graphics settings in your games. This will help reduce the strain on your laptop’s components and allow it to run cooler. Of course, this won’t be ideal if you’re looking to play games at the highest possible settings, but it’s a good compromise if you’re having overheating issues.
Use power management features
Many gaming laptops have built-in power management features that help keep them cool. These features typically include CPU throttling and GPU switching, which can help reduce the load on your laptop’s components and prevent overheating. Consult your laptop’s instruction manual to see what power management features are available and how to use them.
Avoid keeping your laptop on insulating materials
One thing to avoid when trying to keep your gaming laptop cool is keeping it on insulating materials. This includes materials like blankets, pillows, and sleeping bags. The thicker the material, the more difficult it will be for the laptop’s fans to circulate air and keep it cool. So if you’re looking for the best way to keep your laptop cool, give it some breathing room.
Upgrade your laptop
Your laptop will heat up and crash if it has lower specifications than required for gaming. None of the methods above will work if that is the case. So, compare the game’s recommended requirements to your laptop’s specifications before purchasing the game.
You can upgrade your RAM on many laptops, but other items that are upgradeable on a desktop PC such as a processor or graphics card will be out of the question. In some cases, it may be worthwhile upgrading your entire laptop.
There are also some general speed up tips in the video below:
Final Thoughts
Following these tips can help keep your gaming laptop cool and avoid any potential overheating issues. Remember to take breaks, clean the vents, and use the power management features if your laptop gets too warm.