Inspiron 5100 Cooling

Alot of people are using the "lapcool 2" (It's either Antec or Vantec, can't remember) but most seem good.  I noticed, when recently comparing the "lapcool 2" and this cool-lookin' one from coolermaster....(can't remember the name but it came in a clear-plastic suitcase thingy...kinda' cool!)

First thing I noticed is that the Coolermaster unit was MUCH heavier.  The "lapcool 2" is extremely light.  Fan is adjustable & seems big enough to cover most laptops with maybe the exception of a giant 17" WSXGA type monster lappy.

Anyway, I didn't catch your mods, but I'll assume you put in the ATi 9000 video card & bumped another stick on your RAM which, yes, would make you run a bit warmer, but you should still be getting good cooling from the stock system.  Is it just because it's warm on your lap??  If so, a good laptop cooler will solve that.  If not & you're seeing high temps, do the blow-out thing, etc. etc. etc. 

Ahh.........yes UT2004 would explain it.    I know the 9000ati is a popular upgrade, but I've noticed something.....

If you look at the back of a 5100, the ventilation slots are horizontal & don't appear to be motivated by anything other than atmospheric pressure allowing hot air to escape.  However, if you look at the back of a 5100, there's a circular opening.  (I'm only assuming at this point, since I haven't looked hard at one & I only know one person with a 5150 & they live a ways away).  My assumption is that the video on 5150's is fan-cooled.  That would make for an easier environment.

Since 5100's came w/ a 7500ati cards, they didn't need the fan, but after that (i.e. 9000 & up....like the GFXgo's) they need a fan on 'em to push the heat out.  That being the case, you've put the 9000 in a pinch (so to speak) but certainly not one, that I think would do any harm.  You'll just notice frame rate slowdowns, etc.

And since that definitely appears to be the case, then yes, I'd definitely suggest a laptop cooler.  I think you could blindly by the "lapcool 2" and you'd be happy.  Just throw it underneath, plug it into the USB, turn the fan speed where you like it & enjoy.  And, just as important as the fans, I think is the fact that it puts a more precise spacing between the laptop feet and the laptop itself.  Sorry so long-winded..........it's Friday.......& that's a good thing! 

The main reason it gets hot is when I play the PC game, Unreal Tournament 2004 (a very graphic intensive game). I notice a very high visual decrease after playing about 10 minutes. My screen can show about 100 frames per second for aobut 15 minutes, then it can only show 15. O.o I think its getting much too hot, but I cant be sure.

Thanx a lot. I'll probably go get myself one of those Lapcool 2's now. :) If you play UT2004 you'll know the inportance of having Framerates above 15, so thanx again.