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Laptop Thermals: How to Tell If Your Laptop Is Overheating and What to Do

1/28/2026 · Laptops · 7 min

Laptop Thermals: How to Tell If Your Laptop Is Overheating and What to Do

TL;DR

  • Under load overheating signs: fan ramping, thermal throttling, hot palm rest, sudden shutdowns.
  • Quick fixes: update BIOS and drivers, clean dust, elevate laptop, adjust power profile, use cooling pad, limit background tasks.
  • Deeper fixes: repaste CPU/GPU with quality thermal paste, reseat heatpipe assembly, replace failing fan, or professional service.

Common Symptoms

  • Fans constantly loud
  • CPU or GPU frequencies drop under load
  • System slows during gaming or video
  • Hot chassis and uncomfortable to touch
  • Random shutdowns or blue screens

How To Monitor Temps

  • Use tools: HWMonitor, HWiNFO, Core Temp, Intel XTU, AMD Ryzen Master
  • Watch CPU package and GPU junction for sustained loads
  • Look for temps above 95C and repeated throttling events
  • Check fan speed behavior and power draw

Quick Software Fixes

  • Update BIOS and chipset drivers
  • Switch to balanced or power saver for light tasks
  • Disable unnecessary background processes
  • Cap frame rates or use VSync or frame limiter
  • Enable processor performance limits in power plan

Cleaning and Airflow

  • Power down and remove battery if possible
  • Blow out dust with compressed air from intake/outlet directions
  • Open the chassis to clean fans and heatsink fins if comfortable
  • Avoid spinning fans with air can excessively; short bursts are fine
  • Keep vents unobstructed and use on hard surface not soft fabric

Thermal Paste and Hardware Repairs

  • Replacing thermal paste can drop temps by 5 to 15C on older laptops
  • Use a pea sized amount or thin line depending on CPU IHS
  • Use quality paste like thermal grizzly or arctic silver
  • If unfamiliar, seek a repair shop to avoid damaging screws and connectors

Cooling Accessories and Settings

  • Laptop cooling pad helps reduce temps by a few degrees and stabilizes performance
  • Elevate rear of laptop to improve airflow
  • Undervolt CPU where supported to reduce temps and power draw
  • Undervolting tools: ThrottleStop for intel, Ryzen Controller for AMD or BIOS options

When to Seek Professional Help

  • Persistent high temps after cleaning and repaste
  • Fan failure or weird noises
  • Liquid damage or physical deformity of chassis
  • If device is under warranty contact manufacturer before opening

Buying or Replacing a Laptop With Thermals in Mind

  • Look for dual fans and heatpipes in specs
  • Read reviews that include thermal and sustained performance tests
  • Prefer models with good airflow and serviceability

Checklist Before Opening Laptop

  • Backup data
  • Have correct screwdriver set and anti static precautions
  • Watch model specific teardown guides
  • Label screws and connectors

Bottom Line

Maintaining laptop thermals starts with monitoring and cleaning. For most users software fixes, airflow improvements and a cooling pad are enough. If temps stay high, repasting or professional repair is the next step. Prioritize serviceability when buying a laptop to make future fixes easier.

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