New HP Omen, bottom cover perforation, and cooling pads

[SigHt1219]

Hello! I really like HP laptops, especially the Omen series. But after using Omen laptops for many years, I noticed that the new models have almost no perforated mesh (around the cooling system). It's now almost completely covered with film. If it's not a secret, I'm really curious why the engineers came up with this solution.
I've always used these laptops at home, on a good cooling pad. Now, the pad just blows air onto the film covering the mesh on the bottom of the laptop (the cool air doesn't reach the case itself, only the fans).

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @SigHt1219,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I understand you’re concerned about the new HP Omen laptops having less perforation around the cooling system, which might be affecting airflow, especially when using a cooling pad. Let’s go through a few steps to ensure your laptop stays cool and performs optimally.

Check Airflow Paths

Ensure that nothing is blocking the laptop’s vents around the sides and rear.

Even if the bottom has a protective film, air should flow through internal channels to the fans.

Use a Proper Cooling Pad

Make sure the cooling pad’s fans align with the laptop’s intake vents (usually the sides or bottom edges).

Elevate the laptop slightly to allow air to circulate underneath.

Monitor Internal Temperatures

Use software like HWMonitor, Core Temp, or OMEN Gaming Hub to check CPU/GPU temperatures.

High temperatures despite using a cooling pad may indicate the bottom film is restricting airflow.

Clean Dust & Debris

Even new laptops can accumulate small dust particles.

Carefully clean the intake and exhaust vents with compressed air.

Adjust Power & Fan Settings

Open OMEN Gaming Hub → Cooling settings.

Switch to Performance Mode if using demanding applications to ensure fans ramp up correctly.

Check for Firmware & BIOS Updates

Sometimes airflow and thermal management are improved with firmware updates.

Visit HP Support → enter your model → download latest BIOS/EC firmware updates.

Remove the Protective Film (if safe)

Some models ship with thin protective films over vents that can slightly reduce airflow.

Carefully check if the film is meant to be removed. Only remove if HP documentation confirms it’s safe.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[SigHt1219]

Thank you for your response, these points are fine. I was more interested in what advantages this provides. For example, if there were a hyper-chamber/dividers to regulate the circulation of air currents. I only see it as a way to protect against dust and partially against the risk of moisture.

[Kuroi_Kenshi · Accepted solution]

Hi @SigHt1219,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and following up, that’s a really good question.

The change you noticed in the newer OMEN chassis (less visible perforation on the bottom cover) is not simply cosmetic. The engineering team moved toward a ducted airflow approach. Instead of relying on a large open mesh under the fans, there are now shaped channels, baffles, and restricted inlets that help the fans pull air in a more controlled way.

A few advantages of this design:

Directed airflow: By limiting where the air comes in, the fans can draw cooler air from the edges and guide it directly across the hot components (CPU, GPU, VRMs) and then out through the exhaust vents, rather than letting it swirl around inside the chassis.

Dust resistance: Smaller, shaped inlets slow down the amount of airborne dust that reaches the fins and heat pipes. This helps the cooling system maintain performance for a longer time before it needs cleaning.

Structural strength and acoustic control: A nearly solid bottom panel makes the chassis stiffer and can reduce certain fan-related resonances, which can make the system a bit quieter.

Moisture and accidental spill protection: As you suspected, there’s some extra shielding from splashes or droplets.

So even though a cooling pad now mostly blows at a less-perforated surface, the laptop’s own fans and internal channels still do the real work of moving the air. The pad mainly supplies cooler ambient air and helps avoid warm pockets under the laptop.

You can keep using the pad; just make sure the rear and side exhaust vents are unobstructed.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,