Ultimate Laptop Cooling Optimization Guide
Trailblazer
🧩 Introduction – Why This Guide Matters
Laptop gaming performance can take a big hit when your system starts to overheat. Whether it’s sudden FPS drops, thermal throttling, or fan noise that sounds like a jet engine — high temperatures are a common (but fixable) issue.
When your CPU or GPU gets too hot, your laptop will automatically reduce performance to protect itself — a process called thermal throttling. This results in:
- ➤ Lower frame rates
- ➤ Lag or stutter during heavy gameplay
- ➤ Shorter hardware lifespan
- ➤ Hotter surfaces, which also affect comfort
🔥 What's a Normal Temperature?
During gaming, your temperatures will naturally rise — that’s expected. But here's a general guide to know when things are getting too hot:
🔁 Note: Short spikes over 90°C are common in gaming laptops — especially during loading screens, cutscenes, or sudden high loads — but temps should not stay that high consistently during gameplay.
⚠️ Disclaimer- These temperature ranges are general guidelines based on typical gaming laptops. Exact thermal limits can vary depending on your laptop model, CPU/GPU type, and manufacturer.
🧊 Tip: If you’re consistently above 85°C, it’s smart to start applying cooling optimizations — even if performance hasn’t dropped yet.
The good news? You don’t need to be a tech expert to cool your laptop. With a few simple tools and tweaks — like FPS caps, cooling pads, undervolting, or repasting — you can lower temperatures, improve performance, and extend your laptop’s life.
This guide will walk you through everything step-by-step:
- ✅ How to monitor CPU/GPU temps and FPS in-game
- ❄️ Easy cooling tips to reduce heat
- 🔧 Advanced fix thermal repasting and cleaning
🛠️ How to Set Up MSI Afterburner to Show CPU/GPU Temps & FPS In-Game
Here’s a beginner-friendly setup that shows only the essentials: CPU Temp, GPU Temp, and FPS, without cluttering your screen.
Step 1: Download MSI Afterburner (with RivaTuner)
Go to the official MSI Afterburner page and grab the latest installer. During installation, make sure to check the box for RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS) — it’s what powers the in-game overlay.
✔️ Tip: RivaTuner comes bundled with Afterburner — you don’t need to download it separately.
Step 2: Open Settings in MSI Afterburner
After installation, launch MSI Afterburner. Look for the gear icon ⚙️ near the bottom — click it to open the Settings window.
Step 3: Set Hotkeys to Toggle the On-Screen Display
In the Settings window, go to the “On-Screen Display” tab.
- Assign a key to toggle the overlay on/off (e.g., Numpad +).
This allows you to easily turn the overlay on during gaming, and off when you don’t need it.
Step 4: Choose What You Want to Monitor
Switch to the “Monitoring” tab. Scroll through the list and find:
- ➤ CPU Temperature
- ➤ GPU Temperature
- ➤ Framerate (FPS)
For each one:
- ➤ First, ✅tick the checkbox on the left side of the item to enable it.
- ➤ Then, click on the item to highlight/select it.
- ➤ Once selected, look below the list and ✅tick “Show in On-Screen Display”.
- ➤ Repeat the steps for each stat you want to monitor.
Pro tip: Uncheck other sensors which are not monitoring to keep your overlay clean, readable and in good performance.
Step 5: Enable Auto-Start with Windows (Optional but Recommended)
If you want MSI Afterburner to run automatically every time you start your PC, without having to launch it manually.
In the same Settings window, switch to the “General” tab. Check the following boxes:
- ➤ Start with Windows
- ➤ Start minimized
This ensures Afterburner runs silently in the background — so the OSD is ready anytime you launch a game.
Step 6: Apply changes then minimize app and Launch a Game and Test It
Press the toggle key you set earlier (e.g., Numpad +) to enable and disable overlay which show stats.
You should now see a small overlay (usually top-left corner) showing your current FPS, GPU temp, and CPU temp in real-time. If the numbers look too big or are in the wrong spot, open the RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS) app (it runs in the background with msi. From here you can customize size, location, color,etc.
🎯 Now that you can monitor temps during gameplay, you’ll be able to tell if overheating is behind performance issues. When temperatures reaches 89-90 degree C.
Let’s begin with one of the most underrated ways to cool your laptop:
We’ll start with simple fixes that anyone can do — no tools or disassembly required — and gradually move toward advanced cooling methods like repasting.
1. Cap Your FPS to Reduce GPU/CPU Load and Heat
Capping your FPS (frames per second) is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce heat and improve gaming performance. It helps stabilize CPU and GPU usage, which can prevent issues like lag, stuttering, and sudden frame drops—especially in fast-paced esports titles like Fortnite and Apex Legends.
To Set an Effective FPS Cap:
Set your FPS cap to a value your laptop can consistently maintain.
For example, if your FPS spikes to 140 but frequently drops to around 110, a cap of 110 FPS is ideal. This keeps the experience smooth while reducing the thermal load.
🔧 Tools You Can Use:
RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS), which is installed alongside MSI Afterburner, to apply an FPS cap.
2. Use a correct Cooling Pad (Not Just Any regular cooling pad!)
Many users believe cooling pads don’t work—and in many cases, they’re right. Most low-cost or generic cooling pads simply blow air around without properly channeling it into your laptop’s cooling system.
However, there are cooling pads that really work and designed specifically to improve airflow into your laptop’s intake vents—and these can significantly reduce temperatures. The key is choosing a cooling pad with proper design and insulation to direct airflow efficiently. Although these type of cooling pads are very expensive but these days i found some cooling pads with similar feature at suitable price. I have shown three cooling pads in this step.
✅ What Makes a Cooling Pad Actually Work?
- Insulated foam around all four sides – This prevents air from leaking out and forces cool air directly into the laptop's intake vents.
- Strong and focused airflow – A high-speed fan isn’t enough; the air must be directed properly.
- Good alignment with your laptop's vent layout – The airflow should match where your laptop pulls in air. Laptop’s bottom air intake sits properly in the center airflow area, between the foam edges, so it’s not blocked.
🧊 Recommended Cooling Pads:
Here are three effective options with these design principles:
⚠️ Disclaimer- The cooling pads listed below are shared as examples based on my personal research and observations. You guys can get any one of them if you want, and they have worked very well for many users. However, please check reviews, build quality, and warranty details in your region before purchasing. While these cooling pads are good and well-designed, make sure to verify long term durability especially when getting cheap cooling pad and quality. Please make your purchase decision carefully and at your own risk.
If you guys want to get any of cooling pads i listed, I’ve added images in .png format below each cooling pad’s name. Click on the image file to see what the actual cooling pad looks like — this will help you avoid buying the wrong one. These images are also attached so you can check their design, fan layout, and features, and then get a similar-looking and properly designed cooling pad if the exact model isn’t available.
KLIM Everest Laptop Cooling Pad
- Top-tier performance
- High-speed, durable fans, air filter
- Excellent build quality and foam insulation
👉 Best option if you're looking for long-term quality and performance.
Zebronics NC9200
- Balanced design with cushion foam (Removable foam, make sure to use it)
- Lower fan speed but still very effective due to design
- More affordable than KLIM Everest and has air filter
👉 Great balance of performance and price.
Classone GT200
- Budget-friendly option with similar airflow design
- Build quality is basic, and fans may be noisy, don't know about long term durability.
- Still offers good cooling due to its insulated design and great improvement can be seen.
👉 Ideal for users on a tighter budget who want a quick improvement.
Cooling Pad Compatibility with Laptops:
These cooling pads are suitable only for gaming laptops that have bottom-facing air intake vents. If your laptop pulls air from the sides, rear, or top (keyboard), then cooling pads like these may not have much effect.
The cooling pads listed above are most suitable for 15.6-inch laptops. Although their product descriptions claim support for 14–17 inch laptops, some users have reported that the foam insulation can partially block bottom intake vents, which may reduce cooling performance. That doesn't mean these cooling pads are only for 15.6inch laptop. Do below test to check compatibility.
To check compatibility with your specific laptop, follow this simple method:📏
Measure the width of your laptop’s bottom air intake vent using a ruler. Measurement should be taken from one end of the vent to the other end horizontally (refer to image examples for clarity)
➤ If the intake vent measurement of your laptop is around 30–31 cm, these three cooling pads should fit. While some laptops may appear to have larger vent areas, any sections beyond this range are often decorative and do not serve as functional air intakes. Be sure to inspect the vent layout closely to identify the actual airflow openings. In these cases where beyond 31 cm are often decorative and not functional, the cooling pads shown in this guide are fully compatible, as they are designed to align with the standard 30–31 cm intake range. Make sure to carefully inspect the vents to identify which parts actually allow airflow into the system. Don’t assume the full visible area is intake — confirm airflow paths before buying any.
➤ Make sure to place your laptop properly so the foam doesn't obstruct the intake holes or vents and make sure to clean air filter regularly if you have one with filter.
If your laptop has a wider intake layout, look for a cooling pad with a similar design (foam sealing on all four sides, good quality and a built-in stand). Just make sure your laptop’s bottom air intake sits properly in the center airflow area, between the foam edges, so it’s not blocked and use the cooling pad on its built-in stands — this allows proper airflow. If you place it flat without using the stand, it won't cool effectively.
💡 Tip for Now:
If you don’t have a cooling pad yet, you can still improve airflow by elevating your laptop. Use a few small items like books or a folded stand for elevation, as shown in the image below.
When setting up your laptop with books or similar idea to elevate, make sure it is stable and well-supported. If your laptop’s intake vents are located more towards the center rather than the corners, you can move the books or supports further inside to provide better balance. However, only do this as long as the air vents remain unblocked-double-check to ensure none of the vents are covered.
This helps air circulate more freely underneath the laptop and can lead to a noticeable drop in temperatures while you wait to get a proper cooling pad.
3: Undervolt Your GPU to Lower Temperatures
Undervolting your GPU can reduce heat, fan noise, and power consumption — all without sacrificing performance. It works by lowering the voltage supplied to the GPU while maintaining stable clock speeds, resulting in cooler and more efficient operation.
⚠️ Disclaimer- Undervolting is a safe and widely accepted method for reducing heat and power consumption. However, proceed at your own risk. Problems typically arise only when users increase power limits, frequency, overvolt, or overclock — these can raise temperatures, damage hardware, and void your warranty. Stick to undervolting only, follow trusted guides, and avoid touching settings you're unsure about. Only lower voltages from default — never raise them.
🎥 Video Guide is attached below for Nvidia Users. The video below shows how to undervolt and includes two undervolting methods.
- ✅Only follow “Undervolt Method 1” (from 0:00 to 10:54).
- ⛔Do not follow “Undervolt Method 2,” which appears later in the video — it's not recommended for thermal and power-saving goals.
Your goal is to improve thermals and reduce power consumption while maintaining the same performance. As mentioned in the disclaimer: only undervolting is safe — overclocking or overvolting is not part of this guide and introduces unnecessary risk.
For Nvidia users, follow this video to learn how to undervolt safely.
- ➤ Use MSI Afterburner and open the Voltage/Frequency Curve Editor.
- ➤ Set a lower voltage at the same default frequency.
- ➤ Do not raise the voltage or frequency above stock levels.This keeps your GPU cool and efficient without affecting stability.
For AMD GPU Users:
First watch above video and enable the same necessary voltage controls in MSI Afterburner, then you guys also need to enable "Extend Overclocking Limits" from the same window. Then, restart your system and open AMD Software → Performance → Tuning.
- ➤ Enable Advanced Control under GPU Tuning.
- ➤ Lower the voltage by setting the Voltage (mV) lower bit by bit.
- ➤ Do not raise voltages or attempt overclocking — stick strictly to undervolting for safe and effective thermal improvements.
4.🔧 Deep Cleaning, Repasting the CPU/GPU, and Replacing VRAM Thermal Pads/Putty (Advanced)
🛠️ Why This Matters
Laptop cooling systems rely on proper thermal transfer and unobstructed airflow to keep internal components like the CPU, GPU, and VRAM operating within safe temperatures. Over time, thermal paste can dry out and lose efficiency, and thermal pads or putty may become compressed or brittle. At the same time, dust and debris can accumulate inside the heatsink fins and cooling fan, significantly reducing heat dissipation and airflow.
This step focuses on deep-cleaning your laptop’s cooling system: removing dust buildup, replacing worn-out thermal paste, and inspecting/replacing thermal pads if Worn or cracked. Together, these actions can restore optimal thermal performance and help prevent overheating, thermal throttling, and premature hardware degradation.
⚠️ Warranty & Safety Note- Repasting and cleaning are generally safe and don’t void the warranty as long as you don’t damage anything during the process. so, it’s something you do at your own risk. However, some Acer models in some region may have a warranty seal over one of the internal screws, typically located beneath the bottom panel. Breaking this seal may void your warranty, depending on your region’s specific policy. If your laptop has a seal and you’re unsure whether self-servicing is permitted under your warranty terms, it's strongly recommended to contact Acer customer care first. They can clarify whether breaking seal and opening your device will affect your warranty and may even offer to arrange servicing by an authorized technician, especially if your laptop is still under warrenty. Also, If you’re not confident handling delicate components or don’t have prior experience with disassembly, seeking professional assistance is the safest choice to protect both your hardware.
🧰 Tools & Materials Required
- ➤ Precision screwdriver set – used to open the laptop chassis and remove the heatsink (typically includes Phillips #0, #00, and Torx bits if needed for specific models)
- ➤ Plastic pry tools or spudger (often included with precision screwdriver sets; used to safely open the laptop case without damaging clips or plastic edges)
- ➤ Lint-free cloth, microfiber cloth, or Cotton swabs (used with isopropyl alcohol to clean off old thermal paste and thermal putty residue without leaving fibers on components)
- ➤ Isopropyl alcohol – 90% or higher (for dissolving old thermal paste and putty; always apply to cloth — never directly to components)
- ➤ Soft anti-static brush (For gently removing dust from fans, heatsink fins, and tight areas without risking damage)
- ➤ High-quality thermal paste — Arctic MX-6 is highly recommended for laptops due to its excellent thermal conductivity, long-term stability, and non-drying properties. It remains effective under sustained high temperatures, making it ideal for gaming laptops.
⚠️ Some people suggest using Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut, but this paste is not suitable for laptops. It starts drying out when temperatures reach 80°C or higher — which is common in gaming laptops. Avoid using Kryonaut in laptops, as its performance degrades at these higher temperature ranges. Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut is a high-performance thermal paste designed for desktop CPUs, where temperatures are generally lower and more consistent.
- ➤ Thermal putty (e.g., Thermal Grizzly TG Putty, UPSIREN UX PRO Ultra, Upsiren U6 Pro and EVGA Putt ) — ♻️ Thermal pads and putty can be reused if they are in good condition — still soft, evenly spread, and not dried out or damaged. if they are in bad condition then Ideal for replacing worn-out thermal interface material on VRAM chips. Putty conforms easily to surface variations and doesn’t require precise thickness measurements, offering better contact and easier installation than thermal pads.
✔️ Highly recommended for laptops, especially if the original pads or putty are dried out, cracked, or deformed.
If want to use Thermal pads (alternative to thermal putty) — If you prefer using pads and your laptop originally came with them, ensure you measure the original thickness and replace them with the same size. Incorrect thickness can lead to poor contact, overheating, or even physical damage to components.
🧰 Stage 1: Remove the Back Cover
If you’re new to laptop disassembly, watch a Nitro 5 disassembly video on YouTube along with this guide. Visual instructions can make the process clearer and safer.
Start by shutting down the laptop completely and unplugging the charger. Place the laptop on a clean, static-free surface, then flip it over to access the screws on the bottom panel. Using a small Phillips screwdriver, carefully remove all screws—note their size and position, as some may be different. Once the screws are out, use a plastic pry tool or spudger to gently work around the edges and release the clips holding the back cover in place. Begin from a corner or visible gap and move slowly to avoid cracking the plastic. This is often the hardest part of the whole process, especially if it's your first time—don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t come off easily. Take your time, research your nitro model if needed, and stay patient. With care and persistence, you’ll get it open safely in the end.
🔋 Stage 2: Disconnect the Battery
After removing the back cover, locate the battery connector on the motherboard and carefully unplug it using a plastic tool or your fingernail—never use metal tools, as this could damage the connector or cause a short. Once unplugged, wait 10–15 seconds to allow any remaining power to discharge, and for added safety, press and hold the power button for 5–10 seconds to fully drain the system. This step ensures the laptop is no longer powered and makes it safe to work on internal components. However, even when the battery is disconnected, avoid using metal tools near exposed contacts, and always ground yourself or wear an anti-static wrist strap (If possible) to prevent damage from static electricity.
🧼 Step 3: Remove the Heatsink and Clean the Fans & Air Vents
Begin by locating the main heatsink screws (usually numbered) and unscrew them evenly in a crisscross pattern to release pressure gradually. Then, disconnect any cables connected to the heatsink carefully, such as fan power cables, etc. Carefully lift and remove the entire heatsink assembly from the motherboard.
🔗 Watch this YouTube video that shows exactly how to open the heatsink itself and clean the fans and air vents properly:
The video features a Nitro 5 model with dual exhaust vents. However, if you have a newer Nitro 5 model, it may feature quad exhaust vents with one fan positioned at each corner and a wider heatsink design. Don’t worry — the process remains the same. Whether your model has two or four vents, you’ll still need to remove the heatsink from the laptop, open it up by removing the small screws, and clean the fans and internal air vents thoroughly.
After removing the heatsink, locate and unscrew the smaller screws on the fan casing like shown in above video to open up the heatsink assembly itself. This allows you to access the fan chambers and airflow paths that are often blocked with dust.
Now, clean the fans and vents properly from the inside. Use a long, soft electronics brush to gently remove all visible dust from the fan blades, corners, and the internal vent walls. If you have a compressed air can, you can use it to pass air through the vents to clear debris — but use it with caution, as incorrect use (such as spraying too close, upside down, or at sharp angles) can damage delicate parts. Personally, I use a brush and make sure the vents are so clean that I can see through them clearly from both sides — a good sign of full airflow restoration.
📝 Note: In some Nitro 5 models, the air vents may be attached directly to the laptop body rather than to the heatsink assembly. In that case, make sure to clean the air vents from both inside and outside the laptop, and still open the heatsink itself to clean the fans properly.
Once cleaning is complete, reattach the small screws to close the opened heatsink assembly, then flip the heatsink over and place it safely on a clean, static-free surface. In the next step, we’ll focus on removing old thermal paste and putty from both the heatsink and the components on the motherboard.
Stage 4: Prepare and Apply Thermal Paste, Pads, or Putty
Before cleaning anything, inspect the condition of thermal pads or putty originally installed around the GPU, CPU, and VRAM. If they are in good condition then thermal putty can be re-used, just use the spatula to scoop it back onto the chips. If it's still pliable, it's still usable. You just need it to fill the microscopic gaps and voids. If the pads or putty are dry, cracked, compressed, or damaged, they must be replaced.
📸 Important- Take clear photos of your motherboard before removal, so you know exactly where each pad or putty was placed and replace them if needed. If you dont want to replace thermal pad or putty then just clean and replace CPU/GPU paste from heatsink and laptop.
Clean off all old thermal material from both the laptop components and the heatsink contact surfaces:
- ➤Use 90%+ isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth, microfiber, or cotton swab.
- ➤Make sure to thoroughly clean the CPU and GPU dies, plus any chips where pads or putty were installed.
- ➤Also clean the corresponding heatsink surfaces that touch these components.
🟣 Applying Thermal Pads or Thermal Putty
Apply new pads or putty only where the original ones were installed by Acer. You may choose to use either thermal pads or thermal putty regardless of what was there before.
- ➤If using thermal pads, match the original thickness and cut to size and apply it.
- ➤If using thermal putty, apply it to fully cover the chip surface:-
- Cover the entire surface of each chip that had putty originally.
- Make sure there’s not too little — insufficient putty won’t create contact and will cause overheating.
- Avoid applying too much, but a slightly generous amount is okay since it compresses under pressure.
📽 While there’s no perfect tutorial video for putty application, here’s one where the user applies thermal putty to VRAM. Watch how evenly he spreads it — this is the technique you should follow.
(Watch only from 1:45 to 1:59—during this time, he applies thermal putty. After 1:59, he applies thermal paste to the CPU/GPU, which is a different process, so focus just on the thermal putty application at 1:45–1:59)
If the gap between the heatsink and chips look larger which is rare in acer laptops, you can also use the log-and-roll method (rolling putty into lines or one the chips to fill the space). You can search on YouTube for this method as well.
💠 After applying thermal pads or putty its time for thermal Paste on CPU/GPU Dies
For the CPU and GPU dies, apply fresh thermal paste after cleaning.
- ➤ If you’re a beginner, I recommend the X method — simple and effective for square chips. If a laptop has any GPU or CPU chip which is rectangular instead of square, then applying a wide line of thermal paste along the length of the chip is an excellent method. If you have both a square and a rectangular chip, use the X method on the square chip and the wide line method on the rectangular chip for best results.
- ➤ If you have experience, you may prefer the spreading method for more even coverage.
📽 Check the video below that demonstrates both methods so you can choose what works best for you.
⚠️ Important Warning:
Never remove or open the heatsink after applying and securing new thermal paste. Removing it breaks the thermal paste seal, creating air bubbles or voids that cause overheating.
After applying paste and putty move on to next step about reattaching heatsink properly.
Stage 5: Reinstall the Heatsink, Reconnect Cables, and Close the Laptop.
Now, carefully align the heatsink over the CPU, GPU, and other components. Lower it straight down — avoid sliding or shifting it once it touches the paste or putty to prevent smearing or trapping air bubbles.
Once properly seated:
- ➤Begin tightening the heatsink screws in the correct order (Do not overtighten). — typically numbered on the heatsink itself (e.g., 1 → 2 → 3 → 4).
- ➤Tighten each screw gently in a diagonal or crisscross pattern, bit by bit, until they’re all evenly secured. This helps distribute pressure evenly across the components and ensures solid contact with the thermal materials.
- ➤You may notice a small amount of thermal putty has squeezed out around the edges of some chips — this is normal and actually indicates good contact. If it’s clean and not interfering with any components, there’s no need to worry or feel compelled to wipe it away. However, if there is noticeable excess near delicate components or blocking airflow, you can gently clean it without lifting the heatsink.
After the heatsink is securely screwed down, reconnect any cables you disconnected earlier. Then, reconnect the battery cable to the motherboard and Once everything is connected, carefully place the bottom cover back on the laptop, press it into place evenly, and reinsert all screws to secure the case. Your laptop is now fully reassembled and ready for testing.
✅ Final Thoughts and Conclusion
A special thanks to the creators of the videos included in this guide for their valuable insights.
Thank you for following this guide! I hope it helps improve the cooling performance of your laptop. If you have any questions or would like to share your results, feel free to post them here. Your feedback is always appreciated!
Windows 10/11 optimization guide for gaming — Acer Community
Ultimate Laptop Cooling Optimization guide:
https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/724763/ultimate-laptop-cooling-optimization-guide.
My AN515-43 laptop UserBenchmark-
https://www.userbenchmark.com/UserRun/51514566
Answers
-
@GAMING6698 Thanks a lot for this guide! It’s really helpful and I’m sure it will help many other users too. Appreciate the effort you put into explaining everything clearly. 👍️
I hope this helps! If this was useful, please hit 'Yes' or 'Like'! Thanks! 😊
1 -
Thank you so much for your kind words!
windows 10/11 optimization guide for gaming
Windows 10/11 optimization guide for gaming — Acer Community
Ultimate Laptop Cooling Optimization guide:
https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/724763/ultimate-laptop-cooling-optimization-guide.
My AN515-43 laptop UserBenchmark-
https://www.userbenchmark.com/UserRun/515145660
