Even though notebook coolers have increasingly developed into a standard accessory for notebook users, some do not want to spend the money for the popular models such as the Zalman NC2000, and others simply can’t afford to.
Fortunately there is a large assortment of coolers available for $30. We have rounded up what we consider the top 10 notebook coolers for the price range. Though it will be up to you to determine which will work best in tandem with your notebook. If you need help please refer to our Notebook Coolers’ Buyers’ Guide or post in our Forum.
* The “Supported Sizes” are our recommendations, a larger notebook will fit but may hang over the edges of the cooler
Cooler Master NotePal X2
The Cooler Master X2 has received much praise. Its significantly improved design over the X1 has made it a powerful “even airflow” notebook cooler. The 140mm fan’s speed is adjustable anywhere between 700~1400 RPM. Unfortunately for a 140mm, however, the fan is on the loud end of the scale and can be heard over music or games.
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Specifications
Supported Sizes: Up to 15.4” Notebooks Pros Even airflow design, Good CFM, Adjustable fan speed Cons Noise, Plastic build |
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Zalman NC1500
Zalman has begun to replace its notebook cooler line in the past year and the NC1500 was the first one to join the aging NC1/2000 series coolers. Like its predecessors the NC1500 has even airflow and silence going for it. As one of the most quiet notebook coolers on the market it is seen as a good option for many. Its body is comprised of plastic on the base and the surface is heat dissipating aluminum.
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Specifications
Supported Sizes: Up to 15.4” Notebooks Pros Decent build quality, Quiet, Even airflow, Adjustable fan speed Cons CFM on the weaker side, Gloss can lead to fingerprints and a messy look |
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Cooler Master NotePal U2
The Cooler Master U2 is arguably the most customizable cooler on this list, and even on the market. It features an aluminum grill with two 80mm fans that can be placed just about anywhere on the cooler. This allows the user to target their hot spots and cool their laptop. Its main criticism is its small form factor, although it’s very portable it is hard to fit notebooks larger than 15.4”.
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Specifications
Supported Sizes: Up to 15.4” Notebooks Pros Portability, Customizable fan location Cons Noise, Size of stand is on the small side |
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ThermalTake Massive23 ST
The Massive23 ST is the cheaper version of the Massive23 CS. The key differences between the two are the materials used to build the cooler and the available lighting colors. Both have the same fan which means the cooling capacity it similar though the plastic edges around the fan on the ST leaves less room for breathing. In the end it is not a comparison between the two as the ST has a lower price point making it a great option on this list.
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Specifications
Supported Sizes: Up to 15.4” Pros Quiet, Gamer Appearance Cons Plastic edges don’t allow for airflow |
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Enermax Aeolus CP001
The Enermax Aeolus is one of the original large single fan notebook coolers. Its full aluminum and steel body is solid as a rock and can support notebooks comfortably up to 15.4” without any overhang. The 200mm fan covers the entire center portion of the cooler providing an adequate and consistent flow of air. Due to the size of the fan the noise produced is minimal. The only warning there is about the Aeolus is that if you have ports in the front of your notebook they may be blocked by the palm rest built into the cooler.
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Specifications
Supported Sizes: Up to 15.4” Pros Quiet, Solid aluminum build, Two fan speeds Cons Square design can mean overhang |
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Antec Notebook Cooler To Go
The Antec Notebook Cooler To Go is not only extremely portable but also extremely versatile and effective. Rather than forcing air though the notebook the cooler ensures cool airflow underneath the notebook which in turn ensures that cool air is sucked in by the notebook. Its design also gives it a ton of flexibility as a notebook does not have to fit on top of it; though users should be aware that the cooler is on the louder side so use at a quiet public location such as a library is not recommended
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Specifications
Supported Sizes: Up to 15.4” Pros Portable, Simple design Cons Noise |
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Evercool Zither
The Zither NP 801 is similar to the Antec Notebook Cooler To Go, which is also on this list, but a bit flashier. Its body is formulated with a good balance between glossy piano black plastic, chrome accents and an ominous blue glow from the output. Once again it outputs cool air to the under part of the notebook forcing warm air away from the area. Also like the Antec Notebook Cooler To Go the Zither may not be appropriate for quiet public locations.
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Specifications
Supported Sizes: Up to 15.4” Pros Portability, Sleek Design Cons The glossy plastic can appear cheap and dirty quickly if not maintained, Noise |
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Choiix Air-Through Stash
This chic cooler isn’t well known for its cooling ability though for its ability to provide some sort of cooling while expanding storage. Its storage solutions include a 2.5” hard drive bay and a few spare USB ports for any other storage devices or peripherals. The dimensions of the cooler are optimized for small notebooks or netbooks which the 120mm fan should be sufficient for.
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Specifications
Supported Sizes: 7" to 12.1" Notebooks Pros Built in 2.5” SATA bay, USB Hub, Great color and pattern selection, Durable build Cons Cant be used with larger notebooks |
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Cooler Master Notepal Infinite
The Infinite has been around since 2007. It is one of the oldest cooler’s still in production. It is powered by a single 90mm fan that spreads airflow the outer edges of the cooling surface. It has three separate speed settings, low, medium and high. At high the noise may be slightly overwhelming to some. Much like Cooler Master’s other offerings the Infinite caters best to mid-sized notebooks up to 15.4”.
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Specifications
Supported Sizes: Up to 15.4” Pros Three fan speed options, Sleek design, Quiet at lower speed levels, Great color selection Cons Noise at highest fan speed |
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Vizo Xena II
The Vizo Xena II is surprisingly efficient for its design. Its design props up the notebook while a 70mm fan clears warm air away from the base some of the cool air makes its way through the notebook’s cooling system. The Xena II’s structure limits the cooler to notebooks between 12” and 15.4”. Though even a 15.4” notebook tends to feel tipsy on the cooler and we recommend notebooks between 12” and 14” for the cooler. The Xena II also has a 360 degree rotational base which is great when sharing the image on your screen with others.
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Specifications
Supported Sizes: 12"~15.4" Notebooks Pros Great cooling concept, portable (thin), 360 degree swivel Cons Plastic build could be more durable |
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