Water Cooling a Gaming Laptop with a $30 Kit - Is it Worth It?

TLDRIn this video, we attempt to water-cool a gaming laptop using a $30 DIY kit. It involves attaching a flat copper tube to the laptop's heat pipes and running water through it. While it may not provide the same performance as traditional water cooling, it can still offer some benefits. Let's see if it's worth it!

Key insights

🔧Water cooling a gaming laptop can help improve performance and reduce thermal throttling.

🖥️The laptop used in the experiment is the ASUS ROG Strix Scar, featuring an RTX 4090 mobile and a Core i9-13980HX CPU.

🚰The DIY water cooling kit consists of a submersible pump, flexible tubing, and flattened heat pipes.

🔥The soldering process to attach the copper tube to the laptop's heat pipes requires precision and care.

⏲️The installation process takes about an hour, but it may vary depending on the laptop model and experience level.

Q&A

Will water cooling a gaming laptop void the warranty?

—Yes, water cooling will likely void the warranty of the laptop due to the modifications required.

Can water cooling improve gaming performance on a laptop?

—Water cooling can help improve gaming performance by reducing thermal throttling, allowing the CPU and GPU to operate at lower temperatures.

Is water cooling safe for a laptop?

—Water cooling can be safe for a laptop if done correctly. However, it requires careful installation and maintenance to avoid leaks or damage to the components.

What are the limitations of DIY laptop water cooling?

—DIY laptop water cooling may not provide the same level of performance as traditional water cooling solutions, such as custom loops. It also requires technical skills and may void the warranty.

Are there any risks associated with water cooling a laptop?

—There are risks involved in water cooling a laptop, such as the potential for water leaks or damage to the components if not installed properly. It's important to follow proper procedures and safety precautions.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction to the experiment: water cooling a gaming laptop using a $30 DIY kit.

02:34Overview of the ASUS ROG Strix Scar, the laptop used in the experiment, with its specifications.

04:54Demonstration of the DIY water cooling kit components, including the submersible pump, flexible tubing, and flattened heat pipes.

09:59Discussion about the challenges and considerations involved in soldering the copper tube to the laptop's heat pipes.

11:58Precautions taken to protect the laptop during the installation process.

13:18Completion of the installation and the expected benefits of water cooling a gaming laptop.

16:59Answering common questions related to water cooling a gaming laptop.

20:15Final thoughts on the DIY laptop water cooling experiment.

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