Laptop Cooler Stands

[Halcyon]

I would like to get a laptop cooler stand, one of either the Cooler Master Ergostand II or the Zalman ZM-NC3500. Both appeal to me, so I'm trying to understand their pros and cons to help me decide. If anyone owns or has owned either (or both) of these coolers, then your input would be quite appreciated.

I have a few questions.

1. I read that the ZM-NC3500 must be powered by two USB ports, using a Y-type cable. Does the Ergostand II also require two USB ports for it's power?

2. Zalman apparently sell power adaptors for their laptop coolers, so they can be powered from a mains socket instead of a USB. I haven't been able to find one with a UK plug type though. Do PCSpecialist sell these?

3. Can the Ergostand II also be powered from a mains socket?

I'm tempted by the bigger fan of the ZM-NC3500, but am put off by the fact that it takes up 2 USB ports. In terms of design practicality, I prefer the Ergostand II. In short, I can't make my mind up.

 

[tom_gr7]

I haven't used those models, but I'd say if you are using a gaming laptop a cooling pad is a must. If only to raise up the the laptop so it can breathe and exhaust effectively.

 

[SlimCini]

I would like to get a laptop cooler stand, one of either the Cooler Master Ergostand II or the Zalman ZM-NC3500. Both appeal to me, so I'm trying to understand their pros and cons to help me decide. If anyone owns or has owned either (or both) of these coolers, then your input would be quite appreciated.

I have a few questions.

1. I read that the ZM-NC3500 must be powered by two USB ports, using a Y-type cable. Does the Ergostand II also require two USB ports for it's power?

Nope, for the NC3500 one USB is for power, the other is for audio. If you don't want to have audio through the stand then you only need one USB port.

2. Zalman apparently sell power adaptors for their laptop coolers, so they can be powered from a mains socket instead of a USB. I haven't been able to find one with a UK plug type though. Do PCSpecialist sell these?

Can't you just use any old USB power socket and use a USB extender?

3. Can the Ergostand II also be powered from a mains socket?

Presumably... just use any old USB power socket again.

I'm tempted by the bigger fan of the ZM-NC3500, but am put off by the fact that it takes up 2 USB ports. In terms of design practicality, I prefer the Ergostand II. In short, I can't make my mind up.

I had two NC3500's and had to send both back as they only each lasted about 6 weeks. The first one the fan just stopped working one day. Broken = sent back.

Replacement received... broke when the power socket on it just pushed straight into the cooler when I put the power adapter into it. Broken = sent back.

Then gave up with the NC3500 and got the Ergostand instead. Still working 3 months later. Says it fits 17" laptops but my Vortex only just about barely fits onto it and there is overhang on all four sides. Would say it's more of a 15" cooling stand. But certainly feels more rugged.

 

[Halcyon]

I had two NC3500's and had to send both back as they only each lasted about 6 weeks. The first one the fan just stopped working one day. Broken = sent back.

Replacement received... broke when the power socket on it just pushed straight into the cooler when I put the power adapter into it. Broken = sent back.

Then gave up with the NC3500 and got the Ergostand instead. Still working 3 months later. Says it fits 17" laptops but my Vortex only just about barely fits onto it and there is overhang on all four sides. Would say it's more of a 15" cooling stand. But certainly feels more rugged.

Well that's no good. Actually I did come across other reports of fan failure in the ZM-NC3500.
I think then that I'll go for the Ergostand II. It is for use with a 15" laptop, so the size isn't a problem to me.

Thank you both for your input ^^

 

[ORESTISPC]

i really dont understand this overheating thing with laptops i have a 2009 gaming laptop that never overheated during gaming i even mined quarks and watched a movie at 100% cpu and it didint overheat

 

[SlimCini]

Watching a movie on your laptop bumped the CPU up to 100%?

 

[steaky360]

i really dont understand this overheating thing with laptops i have a 2009 gaming laptop that never overheated during gaming i even mined quarks and watched a movie at 100% cpu and it didint overheat

I don't think its an issue of 'overheating' as such its just the laptops get rather toasty and warm so a cooling stand typically makes em more comfortable to have on your lap and will aid to prolong the life of the laptop by keeping all of the components cooler.

Watching a movie on your laptop bumped the CPU up to 100%?

Mining Quarks too apparently.

 

[ORESTISPC]

but i am having it for 5 years and it didint matter that i dont have a cooling stand the temperature was fine , what my laptop has super powers? the fans sometimes get a lot of dust and cant work if you get a air duster and clean them you are not gonna need a cooling stand thats what happened to me and when i did it it was fine

 

[steaky360]

but i am having it for 5 years and it didint matter that i dont have a cooling stand the temperature was fine , what my laptop has super powers? the fans sometimes get a lot of dust and cant work if you get a air duster and clean them you are not gonna need a cooling stand thats what happened to me and when i did it it was fine

I can't speak for your laptop but I know my old dell gets toasty especially depending on where I use it. Also the clevo range seems to be notorious for running warm too. Maybe you don't 'need' a cooling stand, but its certainly most peoples preference.

 

[SmokeDarKnight]

I bought a Belkin cooling stand for my Clevo and found it to be very little benefit. Under heavy load the machine runs at just under 90 degrees which is within the acceptable range.

I hardly use mine at all anymore unless i need my laptop on my lap.

It might just be because of the model i bought.

I find that cleaning is the key to keeping a cool running machine