Do Gaming Laptops Overheat? Here's What You Should Know


Do gaming laptops overheat? If you're thinking about upgrading to one of the best gaming laptops on the market, you may be asking yourself the same question.

Even the best gaming laptops, much like the best gaming phones and best gaming PCs, all have to contest with redirecting and reducing heat to keep performance optimal.

Sure, all tech can get hot when it's used, but when it comes to powerful gaming laptops is there a risk of overheating?

Here's everything you need to know.

Do gaming laptops overheat?

Overheating, in the case of gaming laptops, is when the heat is so great that systems begin to either shut down or become damaged.

It is usually caused by 'pushing' your gaming laptop too hard with tasks that are too challenging for the particular setup to handle.

One example of this could be a graphics card trying to run something it can't handle.

Gaming laptops in general don't just overheat as standard, but like with all tech, they can if they're put through the wringer.

Asides from making sure your gaming laptop is up to the task of handling your chosen game, the chances of overheating can be avoided using a few different approaches.

How to prevent gaming laptops from overheating?

There are a number of things you can do to reduce the chances of a gaming laptop overheating.

Use a cooling stand.

Cooling stands can help increase airflow to your gaming laptop and reduce any 'smothering' effect of it being laid on a flat surface or your lap. Many of them have fans built in to further reduce heat.

do gaming laptops overheat
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Credit: ICE COOREL
COOL OFF: Cooling stands like this one can really help

Replace your thermal paste.

Thermal paste is incredibly important when it comes to keeping your gaming laptop cool, and it does need replacing from time to time.

If you've been using your gaming laptop for a while and are finding that it's running quite hot, that could be a sign to investigate further.

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Credit: Noctua
COPY & PASTE: Thermal paste can drastically reduce heat buildup

Keep your fans clean.

If you want to ensure that your gaming laptop has maximum airflow, you need to check that your fans are not clogged up with dust, and the same goes for the vents too.

Keeping these clean will help to reduce the chances of overheating.

Read More: Are gaming laptops worth it?

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