I'm looking to buy an aluminum laptop stand for my Macbook pro, Is it actually good?

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Level 1

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I'm looking to buy an aluminum laptop stand for my Macbook pro, Is it actually good?

I do many heavy tasks on my MacBook pro daily, so it often gets very hot whenever I game or do video editing.

After more than two years of daily heavy use, I'm looking to purchase a laptop stand; I don't plan on using it all the time. Only as an optional accessory whenever I feel like using it.

A laptop stand VS cooling pad, will a laptop stand give the same thermal benefits as a cooling pad?

For the Macbook users out there, have you had any sort of laptop stand for your mac? If so, Is it beneficial in every way? Specifically, cooling?

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 10.13

Posted on Oct 11, 2022 1:22 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Allan Jones

Level 9

78,008 points

Oct 11, 2022 5:16 PM in response to Cyflor-N-Ac

Cooling pads were very effective with the early "silver-key" Macbook Pros. On those the case bottom was an integral part fo the heat dissipation system, making a cooler pad very efficient in moving heat out. I used on all the time on my first Macbook Pro, a Mid/Late 2007 "silver key" unit.

In "Unibody" and and current Macbook Pros, the logic board with processor is "suspended" from the upper deck and does not touch the bottom plate. Thus a cool pad is less effective with current Macbook Pros.

Best action is to respect the airflow.

On 13-inch Macbook Pros, the cooling air enters through the keyboard. Any nonsense like a keyboard cover will cause overheating.
All Macbook Pros expel heated air through the hinge area. Make sure nothing is blocking that area.

So, if you respect how cooling air enters and leaves the computer, you may find a stand not very effective.

I only plan on using it for prolonged daily usage.

An "ergo" issue I've encountered: The stands that hold the computer well off the work surface:

may prove very uncomfortable if you are accustomed to resting your wrist on the desk while typing. Your arms will get tired from your having to holding them up.

This style may prove more comfortable—and just over half the price:

Both are Rain Design products.

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Answer 2

kaz-k

Level 9

51,096 points

Oct 11, 2022 3:57 AM in response to Cyflor-N-Ac

Hi,

Cooling Pad would be better, I think.

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Answer 3

Cyflor-N-Ac Author

Level 1

25 points

Oct 11, 2022 7:40 AM in response to kaz-k

Hmm, I heard that a cooling pad compared to a laptop stand, doesn't have much difference in cooling. But I would like to confirm with someone who has used both and compared it.

Also, are there any downsides to a laptop stand? or is it purely beneficial? I only plan on using it for prolonged daily usage.

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Answer 4

Cyflor-N-Ac Author

Level 1

25 points

Oct 12, 2022 1:07 AM in response to Allan Jones

So...In terms of cooling, a laptop stand does not do much? Currently, I use my MacBook 90% of the time on a wooden desk while I am working, I don't have any keyboard covers of any kind, and when I use it on a soft surface, I put a book under it while making sure the back vents are not covered.

I heard that since a laptop stand raises the laptop higher, it provides more room for it to "breath".

All in all, does that mean it is worth purchasing a stand for my case? I am looking to use it both for a more comfortable experience, and in hopes it could possibly improve cooling.

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I'm looking to buy an aluminum laptop stand for my Macbook pro, Is it actually good?

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