How to Cool Down a Netbook

Netbook owners rarely use the plug-in adapter power supply.

Many people obtain netbooks to do mobile computing activities at-will, when away from desktop or laptop PCs. However, if you're a "power user" -- multitasking between various productivity applications and wirelessly surfing the Internet -- you could be overtaxing your netbook to the point where it increases in temperature. If you place the netbook on your lap, the heat can feel uncomfortable on your legs. From a tabletop, you can feel the heat rising against your hands. Although you might have differing scenarios that create excess netbook heat, any owner can take a software, hardware or environmental approach to mitigating temperature-related issues.

Instructions

1. Click "Start" in the bottom left corner of the desktop. Type "Power Options" in the search box at the bottom of the Start menu. Press "Enter" to open the Power Options window. Click "Change Plan Settings" next to the current power setting (indicated by the filled-in radio button). Click "Change Advanced Power Settings." Expand "Processor Power Management," then "System Cooling Policy." Choose "Active" for both "On Battery" and "Plugged In." Using this power state instructs the operating system to speed up or increase the CPU fan's cooling as the processor heats up.

2. Obtain a USB-powered fan cooler that fits the netbook's dimensions. Place the cooler on your lap or on a table. Position your netbook on the cooler. Plug it in to your USB port, per manufacturer instructions.

3. Sit in a room that is air conditioned. The cooler air in the room will also circulate through the vents on your netbook, helping the internal CPU fan bring down the temperature.

4. Shade your netbook if you are outside in sunny weather. Sit under a tree in the park, for example. If you are at an outdoor cafe, sit under the umbrella. Open a hardback book or binder so that it can stand upright on its own, then position the netbook in the shade as it blocks the sun.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't purchase an oversized "laptop" cooler for your smaller-sized netbook. The larger fan capacity in the laptop cooler could unnecessarily draw too much power from your battery. Also, the position of the fan in the laptop cooler may not adequately blow cooler air under and around your netbook.

References

• Tech Target: What is Netbook?
• Maximum PC Guides.com: Set the System Cooling Policy
• All Things D: Cool Trays Take the Heat Off Your Lap
• University of Michigan: Climate Savers: Server Room

Resources

• Microsoft: Windows 7: Installing Windows 7 on a Netbook
• Microsoft: Windows 7: Taking Care of Your Laptop's Battery