Introduction

Bad things can happen when computers aren't properly cooled. I once had a friend that would have constant computer crashes and slow downs. Despite numerous checks on the system and attempts to clean out cluttering software, nothing seemed to work. We even went so far as a fresh install and the same thing kept happening. Ultimately, it was puzzling for a while. Then, on a whim, I installed some monitoring software and found that, under load, the CPU and GPU got extremely hot. I opened up the case only to find that there had been a good few years worth of dust buildup around all of the components that was trapping the heat. I also saw that all of the thermal paste was old and ineffective. After an air blast, and a bit of cleaning, the system ran fine again without any issues.

That was just an instance of a desktop computer that is all too common. People use computers without proper knowledge of general maintenance and wonder why the computer starts to give them hassles after a while. You wouldn't let your car go without a wash or an oil change, would you? The same needs to be done with computers to ensure them running efficiently. With laptops, the biggest issue is heat. A laptop can get hot enough internally that the outside plastics will end up burning skin. It is good practice to ensure the longevity of a laptop to use some kind of external cooler or pad. Pads benefit the laptop in many ways. They keep the laptop elevated for optimal airflow. They offer external fan solutions to add additional cooling. They provide a barrier between the surface underneath, be it lap or desk, and the base of the laptop, so that the heat doesn't transfer.

The Cooler Master NotePal U-Stand Aluminium Laptop Cooling Stand is the next offering in the NotePal lineup. The NotePal U-Stand brings something a little different that benefits both the professional, gamer, and general user. The U-Stand has 5 different height settings for multiple ergonomic positions. It is USB powered with a 3 port USB hub attached to extend the connectivity to any laptop. Using the same top design as the U2 and U3, the hole vented top works in tandem with two 100mm removable fans. These fans can be attached in multiple positions to cater to any laptop's optimal cooling points, or removed so that the stand acts solely as a stand or pad. The U-Stand can accommodate up to 17" laptops.