Identification

• Most laptops have a single temperature-sensitive cooling fan. Although a loud fan is normal when the computer performs an intensive operation, a fan that causes an unacceptable level of noise all of the time is reason for concern. Additionally, a laptop that is overheating severely will cause the processor to decrease its speed to avoid damage, resulting in slow operation that improves when the laptop cools down.
  
  

Causes

• Aside from components that simply run hot, the most common causes of laptop heat are dust and the processor heat sink's being dislodged (generally from dropping the computer). Dust can be blown out with compressed air while the laptop is turned off and disconnected from power. If the heat sink is dislodged, it must be removed and reseated according to the manufacturer's specifications.
  
  

Effects

• An overheating laptop can have far-reaching negative effects on the hardware. In many laptop configurations, two of the hottest components---the processor and the hard drive---sit next to one another. Heat can cause a cascading effect that shortens the life of both components. Additionally, overheating can permanently reduce the capacity of the lithium-ion batteries that power most laptops.
  
  

Prevention

• Proper laptop storage is essential in preventing the computer's cooling system from becoming caked with dust. When your laptop is not being used, keep it in a bag or sleeve. The laptop should be used on a flat surface to allow the fan to bring cool air into the unit. If you smoke, do not do so while using the laptop. The tar in cigarette smoke is sticky and can exacerbate the buildup of dust on the laptop's cooling fan.
  
  

Alternative Solutions

• Several manufacturers of computer accessories such as Belkin, Logitech and Zalman sell cooling solutions for laptops. Most of these devices are platforms with large, quiet fans that help to bring cool air into the computer. Other solutions are passive, involving no fans. Passive laptop cooling solutions are generally mats impregnated with gel. The gel dissipates the ambient heat produced by the laptop. Either solution can decrease a laptop's internal heat by about 3 to 5 degrees.