Laptop intake vent absent or invisible?

[22shadesofblack]

I noticed that my laptop HP 15-ay516tx doesn't seem to have a visible intake air vent(s) which is(are) normally present in HP laptops as well as others. Is there no intake vent or am I just not able to see it? If so, do I have to worry about the laptop's performance declining earlier than a regular one with an intake air vent?

Also, would using a cooling pad that throws air at the base of the laptop help in cooling it better during gaming sessions in the event it has no intake vent?

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@22shadesofblack

Although the Service Manual does not specifically mention your 5xx series, it is likely that the information included in the document is relevant to your computer.

For example, 

The vent is located on the left side of the computer.

The description appears to indicate that the vent is "all purpose", that is, available / necessary ventilation is managed using this vent.

Page 67

NOTE:

To properly ventilate the computer, allow at least 7.6 cm (3.0 in) of clearance on the left side of the computer. The computer uses an electric fan for ventilation. The fan is controlled by a temperature sensor and is designed to turn on automatically when high temperature conditions exist. These conditions are affected by high external temperatures, system power consumption, power management/battery conservation configurations, battery fast charging, and software requirements. Exhaust air is displaced through the ventilation grill located on the left side of the computer

Commentary - Not to be confused with HP policy or statements of fact

The Internet includes different kinds of coolers, including the type that attach to the side vent.  After reading the note on page 67, I am not sure you want to connect anything to the vent -- regardless of whether there is any air exchange (in and out), the notice does say to provide clearance.   (In other words, I don't know whether this is a good idea, a stupid idea, or a "non-event".)

In general, even without a bottom vent, a regular fan cooler that sits under the notebook might provide a bit of relief.  Without an intake vent, the benefits might be less than otherwise; you might get somewhere between two and (possibly) five degrees cooling.

Regardless of benefit (or lack thereof), Coolers that sit under the notebook are not likely to hurt anything.  

Notebook coolers are one of the items where you get what you pay for.

Search for coolers on the 'Net - look over the options, read what others have to say, decide on the features you want (On / Off switch, number of fans, variable speed options, whether to connect the cooler to a powered hub to eliminate the need for the cooler to be powered by the notebook USB).

Reference

Device Homepage

Drivers / Software and BIOS, Videos, Advisories, How-to, Troubleshooting, Manuals, Product Information, more

HP Notebook - 15-ay516tx

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[22shadesofblack]

A very elaborate answer. Thanks for going through all that trouble of looking up the service manual. I'm eternally grateful.

[Dragon-Fur]

@22shadesofblack

You are welcome.

I do love words.  Smiling.

Regardless of whether you decide to use a cooler, consider that just elevating the notebook away from the work surface can help with cooling.

For example,

I have purchased several adjustable metal notebook stands for various sizes and types of notebooks (with bottom vents, side vents, "whatever" vents).

In general, I don't have cooling issues, even with the fully loaded Zbook 17 G3.  I don't "game", however, and this important detail likely has impact on my results.

The stand design keeps the notebook away from surfaces, the construction is metal framing and mesh (provides some cooling even without "cooling" fans).  The stand is very stable and strong.  Adjustments provide a variety of typing / viewing angles (12 to 35 degrees).

The stand is is meant to be used on a desk or semi-permanent work surface.  It does fold down and can certainly be carried about.  The stand weighs more than a little plastic stand or one of the folding "X" stands that some of us carry in our bags.

Amazon sells a wire stand of this type for about $13 USD.   

AmazonBasics Ventilated Adjustable Laptop Stand 

The stand is perfectly capable of holding pretty much anything from the smaller 13 inch Spectre to the larger 17" Zbook workstations, fully loaded (max ram, extra disks).

A quick check shows that there are several competing brands and types of metal notebook stands.  Please do check / verify / consider your choice before purchasing.  

Disclaimer:  All my comments are my own.  I am not affiliated with any company, I do not "blog" for any products, and I do not receive any compensation or other benefits from sharing my opinions.

Happy Computing.

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