Build a Laptop Cooler!

by ZeroXL91 in Circuits > Computers

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Build a Laptop Cooler!

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Laptops' CPU and GPU overheat a lot sometimes, and If you don't want to watercool, you can add fans! In this I'll be showing you how to make your own laptop cooler! You'll need the following:
Wire
Computer Fans
Some kind of building material (Try for plexiglass or Lexan)
Soldering Iron
Solder
SPST Switch(s)
DC Power Supply
All of these you can obtain through eBay or the dump. I got my soldering iron, solder,switches, and wire from Radioshack, the fans and DC power supply from eBay. The links are below:
DC Supply - http://cgi.ebay.com/AC-100-240V-DC-12V-Adapter-Converter-Power-Supply-New-/270575442566?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3eff8d9a86 (It has 1000MA of power AKA: 1A)
120mm Fan
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190468751856&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT (Not the best airflow, but it was cheap, if you want a better fan go buy one.)
Now, the number of fans you want to use is up to you, just make sure you have enough AMPS on your supply.

Step 1-Preparing

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Now the first thing you'll want to do is take your fans, chop off that molex plug, leaving only the red and black wire. Strip the red and black wire, and do the same for the power supply. Now we're going to tin the tips of each wire, basically put some solder on each one.

Step 2-Setting Up the Connections

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Solder the connections. Below are some examples of circuits that can be used. Remember, you can use whatever 12v fan you want and however many you want, JUST MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ENOUGH AMPS ON YOUR SUPPLY TO POWER THEM! First picture is a one switch set-up, second picture is a two switch set-up.

Step 3-Building a Case!

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Now we have to build a laptop cooler case for the fans. This is pretty self explanatory. Get some plexiglass or something(Preferably not wood, there's always the chance of flame) and just start thinking about your dimensions. Measure your laptop with a ruler or measuring tape, and cut out with a Dremel or some kind of rotary tool and make it. Here are some materials you might want to use.
Clear rubber feet - http://cgi.ebay.com/Self-Adhesive-Rubber-Feet-CLEAR-Hemispherical-50-pcs-B-/300531991430?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item45f91a4386
http://cgi.ebay.com/Self-Adhesive-Rubber-Feet-CLEAR-Hemispherical-50-pcs-B-/300531991430?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item45f91a4386
Spikes(Coolers shouldn't be placed on a fabric surface like a bed, spikes help raise the cooler, they're good if you want your cooler to tilt as well.) http://studsandspikes.com/buy/spikes-c-43.html
I'm sure you can find anything else you need with a quick Google search, if not PM me and I'll try to find it for you.

Enjoy Your Cooler!

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Enjoy your new laptop cooler! If you think this is too hard or don't want to do it, you can buy a cooler on eBay.
Here's a 200mm fan cooler for like 10 bucks - http://cgi.ebay.com/USB-Big-Fan-Laptop-Notebook-Cooler-Cooling-Pad-dell-/200507479327?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2eaf2d551f
By the way, the pictures of a laptop cooler below isn't mine, look on here to see who made it http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/51472-35-homemade-laptop-cooling-system