Typically a laptop is near room temperature when first turned on. As the laptop continues to run, the temperature increases, and eventually the fans start and decrease the laptop's temperature. As the fans continue to run, the temperature slowly will increase, but will only reach its maximum temperature after 1-2 hours. For a laptop, or notebook computer, this is very normal. Many users actually have noticed this increase in temperature, especially during heavy gaming or work sessions.
Temperatures are different due to various manufacturing methods and placement of components on the logic board. Generally, laptops have a maximum temperature of 130 o F. On rare occasions this may actually spike in some areas of the laptop at 140 o F.
Newer laptops usually come equipped with the latest in processors, memory, and video features. What many do not realize is that along with the newer technology, consumers often face increased laptop heat. Newer processors and memory generally run hotter than older technology. Some of the new software applications also force your computer to run at full CPU/processor speed, which also increases the temperature of your laptop.
How do I know if it is too Hot?
Unfortunately, our skin is not very good at sensing temperature changes. It is very possible for your laptop's temperature to increase and you not even be aware of it. The surface area of the skin heated also significantly changes how our bodies interpret temperature. If you had two laptops, one a 17" monster and one being a small 9-12" system, the larger laptop would feel hotter even if it was the same temperature as the small laptop.
Our brain has a built-in switch that decides when we begin to sweat. Depending on the individual, this occurs between 104 o F and 108 o F. Most notebook computers reach this temperature within 15 minutes. In addition, the humidity, clothes you're wearing, and other environmental factors can make a large difference. Even what we have recently eaten can be a factor in our perception of heat.
The thing to keep in mind is this: In 15 minutes, your body could begin to feel "pain" due to the temperature of your laptop.
When does it become Dangerous?
Being hot, usually does not mean dangerously hot. Hot is only thought of as uncomfortable to most people. Your body will actually combat the heat from your laptop by forcing blood to the surface of the skin to cool. You also begin to sweat at a higher rate.
Hot becomes dangerous when you begin thinking about the potential of 140 o F. If you were to touch the hottest parts of your laptop, you could potentially obtain serious burns in seconds. In a mere 11 seconds, your body would obtain a second-degree burn if you constantly touched your laptop when it had a temperature of 131 o F. At 140 o F, you could receive a third-degree burn in 5 seconds or a second-degree burn in 2 seconds. This is when you need to be concerned that your laptop has become dangerously hot.
The question remains, why is it that you have not already been burned? One simple word: PAIN! You most likely position your laptop in a different location to accommodate for the pain. Try paying attention. You will, no doubt, notice yourself making slight changes in your position. Your body subconsciously is reacting to the heat from your laptop.
Will you get burned? The odds continue to go up as you get older. Also, try not to fall asleep using your laptop or use it on your lap for extended periods of time.
How can you combat the Heat?
We recommend purchasing our Cool Lift to cut down on the heat being emitted from your laptop. The Cool Lift is designed to be placed underneath your laptop, and allow the heat that dissipates to disperse. It does this by increasing airflow around your laptop to allow it to run nice and cool. Find out more.
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