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To test both Thermaltake Massive23 GT and Cooler Master NotePal U coolers today we are using the AlienWare M18X with Intel Core i7 2960XM Extreme Edition and a 17 inch Macbook Pro machine with a 2.93ghz Core 2 Duo processor.
The Alienware M18X has an insanely powerful multiple fan cooling system so we don't think that either cooler will make any difference to the overall system temperatures.
As an additional test, we are using the aluminum body 17 inch Macbook Pro to check surface temperatures in a few diode positions. This laptop has an fully enclosed underside.
Room ambient temperatures were maintained at 23c. We tested with the Thermaltake Massive23 GT on maximum fan speed settings.
Neither cooler makes any difference to the temperatures of the M18X – the multiple fan system of the Alienware machine is very active and shifts a huge volume of air through the chassis. That said, the coolers do raise the chassis from the surface of a desk and can angle the screen for an easier viewing experience, so they aren't pointless in that regard.
Next we will test with the unibody 17 inch Macbook Pro machine, attaching 5 diodes to the aluminum underside as shown above. We loaded the system with a render for 1 hour and measured the temperatures from the diodes.
Both coolers help reduce the surface temperature of the aluminum unibody. The differences can be easily felt by hand after each test. This is really beneficial for this specific machine.
Both coolers are reasonably quiet, although the Cooler Master NotePal U Stand wins this test – it is basically inaudible. The Thermaltake Massive23 GT uses a big 20cm fan, but it is audible when the control is set to full speed. ThermalTake are known for using lower quality fans, and even this huge fan can be heard at slow RPM.
It is a problem with thermaltake. They seem to use some really very poor materials. The fans on my frio were replaced after I bought it, due to the noise levels. I bought 2 noctua fans and attached them with rubber bungs.
Cooler Master product looks great doesnt it? the removable fans is a great idea as sometimes users dont even want them.
Good prices for both, but for £8 more, cooler master seems a win.
I really dont see the need for a laptop cooler, unless you end up with a mac with a closed bottom or another one like that. My own HP laptop is cool underneath as all the hot air is forced outsideways. might be a good idea for a big desktop style laptop as stated in review, but waste of money IMO