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Do laptop fans work in the same way as PC fans?
Hi there, sorry if this sounds silly but do laptop fans work in the same way as PC fans in the way they operate? Reason why I ask is that my Vostro 1720 sometimes gets hot when placing it down on various surfaces and checked to see if the fan was working by opening up the laptop, however when booting up the laptop the fan only seems to kick in when it gets hot and stops when its at a reasonable temperature, is this normal? Many thanks, Paul
ejn63
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May 11th, 2014 10:00
The fan will operate when a temperature setpoint is reached - which is normal. Many desktop PCs of recent vintage operate the same way (older desktop systems ran the fan all the time).
Philip_Yip
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May 11th, 2014 15:00
I always use an external cooling pad with my system, I recommend you to do the same particularly if experiencing issues when the internal fan is not enough and its overheating. Something like this is recommended:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Targus-Lap-Chill-Mat-17-inch/dp/B002Q8X3L2/ref=tag_stp_s2_edpp_url
This product has vents all under the laptop and sufficiently cools it.
Products like this are cheaper but in my opinion complete junk:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/TRIXES-CRYSTAL-Cooler-Laptop-Notebook/dp/B003LLADCA/ref=tag_stp_s2_edpp_url
There are only 3 access points for the fans, making it useless if your vents don't match up. Moreover this particular product has the fans orientated in such a manner that if you put it on a soft service or on your lap, the fans will jam and then it will heat the laptop (as it will block the vents).
rajinderpauluck
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May 12th, 2014 12:00
Thanks guys, I can happily say that this thread has been answered, thank you for your help. Many thanks, Paul