How to Elevate a Laptop

Laptops (computer notebooks) can benefit from being propped up for air circulation.

Proper airflow in and around a laptop (also called a computer notebook) is crucial for preventing the laptop's components from overheating. Over time heat can wear down components, and without sufficient cooling airflow, this can happen more quickly. While most laptops are designed with built-in cooling fans and bodies (casings) to dissipate heat, intensive work on a laptop, such as graphic design, gaming, or running many applications at once can increase its internal heat. Elevating a laptop allows ambient air around the laptop to flow under it, thereby allowing the heat to dissipate both over and under the laptop.

Things You'll Need

• Laptop cooling pad (ideal option)
• Book, rubber eraser, plastic bottle caps

Instructions

Using a laptop cooling pad

1. Remove the laptop from the table or surface where you are using it. Place the cooling pad on the surface. Be sure no debris or other items are under the pad or blocking the sides of the pad.

2. Place the laptop on top of the cooling pad. If the pad has a built-in fan, connect the USB power cord to a USB port on the laptop and turn on the cooling pad.

3. Use the cooling pad as often as possible to maintain air flowing under the laptop. You can use a cooling pad with or without the build-in fan turned on because the elevation increases ambient air under the laptop.

Using household items to elevate

1. Carefully lift up the back section of the bottom of your laptop (where the screen connects to the keyboard or base of the laptop).

2. Slide a book or rubber eraser about halfway under the laptop just below the screen hinge. Try to center the book or eraser to properly balance the bottom of the laptop on it. If using plastic bottle caps, place one cap on each end and one under the center of the hinge.

3. Gently lower the back bottom of the laptop down until it rests on the item used to elevate it. Use care with this method because the item could slide or move and cause the laptop to suddenly drop a few inches (centimeters).

Tips & Warnings

• Some computer manufacturers now call laptops "computer notebooks," since they are not intended for use directly placed on your lap.

• Be careful about adjusting the angle of the computer screen when using the plastic props underneath.

• Avoid using metal household items to elevate the laptop because this might cause electrical current transfer, static shock, or cause damage to the laptop casing. However, laptop cooling pads that are metal are an exception since they have been designed for touching the laptop casing.

• Do not use your laptop while it is placed on soft surfaces such as bedding, clothing, or cushions. This can block airflow completely and cause both laptop damage and a potential fire hazard.

• Also do not place it directly on your lap. Both you legs and your computer are likely to heat up.

References

• Laptop Overheating: Elevating laptop to promote air flow

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Newegg: Examples of laptop cooling pads