# Thermal Management

Proper thermal management is essential for maintaining performance, stability, and hardware longevity

This section covers key cooling solutions, recommended settings, and best practices to maintain stable temperatures and prevent overheating.

<details>

<summary><mark style="color:blue;">New? Click here for frequently asked questions</mark></summary>

<mark style="color:orange;">**Are there any good custom fan curves? Should I use my own?**</mark>\
\- No, you don't need to change the fan curves; the defaults are perfectly fine.

<mark style="color:orange;">**Are there any good GHelper/Armory Crate presets?**</mark>\
\- No, you don't need add any "presets"; the defaults are perfectly fine.

</details>

<details>

<summary><mark style="color:red;">Overheating? Click here</mark></summary>

*-* As long as the it doesn't hit Max Temps (below), it's perfectly fine; the chips are designed to run at these temps. Check the table below.

| Component | Idle Temp   | Usual Load Temp | Max Temp Range ⚠️ |
| --------- | ----------- | --------------- | ----------------- |
| **CPU**   | 40°C - 60°C | 80°C - 90°C     | 95°C - 100°C      |
| **GPU**   | 30°C - 50°C | 70°C - 80°C     | 85°C - 90°C       |

\
There are safety mechanisms in place, and it will automatically throttle if it reaches dangerous temps. Refer to [#the-essentials](#the-essentials "mention") & [#additional-steps](#additional-steps "mention") below to lower temps further.

</details>

## ⚠️ The Essentials

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Elevate the back of your laptop

Use a laptop stand/book or even your charging brick to keep the laptop slightly elevated from the back. For better cooling, try to [#use-a-cooling-pad](#use-a-cooling-pad "mention").

Additionally, try not to block any vents
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Don't use it on fabric

The cloth/soft surface may clog up the vents and "choke" the laptop ventilation. Use it on hard surfaces like wood or plastic.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Don't use it with the lid closed

The laptop also dissipates heat from the keyboard. Closing it while using the laptop may trap the heat inside, causing damage to certain components.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Regular Maintenance

Dust buildup can impact cooling. Clean the vents and fans **every 6–12 months.**

It's also recommended to change the thermal paste **after 2-3 years of use.**
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## ✅ Additional Steps

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

#### Use a cooling pad

Cooling pads are specifically engineered to improve airflow into your laptop’s intake vents, significantly reducing internal temperatures and enhancing overall performance.

When buying one, make sure:

* **They have insulating foam around all 4 sides** (prevents air leakage)
* **They align well with your laptop's vent layout**

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:**

Keep in mind most low-cost or generic coolers simply blow air instead of properly funneling it into the laptop. Most don't even have a foam seal, so they're pretty worthless.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
If you have a larger 16'' or 17'' device, make sure the cooler you buy is appropriately sized
{% endhint %}

Some recommendations:

1. LLANO v10/v12
2. IETS GT500
3. Flydigi
4. KLIM Everest
   {% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Disable CPU Boost

This helps lower temps significantly. There are two ways to do this. Easiest way is via GHelper.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:**

Do not disable if:

* You play competitive multiplayer games (Valorant/CS)
* Rely on intensive CPU bound applications (Video Editing/Coding/Rendering)

Test and see if you have a significant hit or if it's worth the drop.

Most singleplayer games get very little FPS benefit for a massive thermal increase. (eg: 1/2FPS for a 20C inc.) Disabling CPU boost improves thermals with **no observable performance loss.**
{% endhint %}

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="With GHelper" %}
Open 'Fans+Power' and select 'CPU Boost' to 'Disabled'. That's it

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/hrc6UpsBqhRSanmX79by" alt="" width="308"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Without GHelper" %}

1. Open search and type 'Edit Power Plan' and open.

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/EDDNcjclfK4OM0zTT1cs" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
2. Navigate to 'Change advanced power settings' and then scroll down to 'Processor Power Management'

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/mGadEqlqduSoVEfxsQZS" alt="" width="374"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
3. Scroll down again to 'Processor Performance Boost Mode' and select both options to 'Disabled'. That's it

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/4jkOsxvoctEZBcbHUdm2" alt="" width="231"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

{% hint style="warning" %}
Make sure you do this for all performance modes!
{% endhint %}
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

#### Consider undervolting your CPU and GPU

Undervolting your CPU/GPU reduces power consumption and heat output without sacrificing performance.

By lowering voltage while maintaining stability, your system runs more efficiently, leading to extended battery life & lower temperatures.

[Click here for a guide to undervolt you **GPU**](/home/basics/performance-optimization/undervolting-gpu.md)

{% hint style="warning" %}
Check if your CPU supports undervolting, not all models are supported
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


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