Heat Management issues with HP Pavilion laptops

Well, it's now going on 5 years in to my time with my HP Pavilion dv-6 laptop.

The first one died a death due to heat management issues.

The second one died a death due to heat management issues.

It's safe to say, they have heat management issues.


So, here are some vital pieces of information to know about HP Pavilion laptops, if you want yours to stay alive.

Most important of all:  they are designed to work on a flat level surface.
 - they will overheat if there is too much space between the base of the unit and the flat surface.
 - they will overheat if there is not enough space between the base of the unit and the flat surface.

So do not make a bigger gap - like USB under-laptop fan units, or by putting small spacers under the rear feet of the laptop.  Or it will overheat.

If the little rubber feet fall off (and they fall off easily - the glue is weak, and is weakened more by heat; the plastic they are glued to has been left with a high-gloss finish, and provides a very poor key for the glue) of the bottom of the base, stick them back on immediately!  Or it will overheat.

If you're replacing the feet, it's a very good idea to rough up the surface of the base with sandpaper, just where you'll glue them back on.  This will help them stay on longer.


Remember: HP do not refer to the device as a laptop they call it a 'notebook'.   Using it on your lap is a good way to see it overheat.


The best way to use it as a laptop is to get a solid board with pillow full of foam beads attached underneath it.

AVOID the ones from Ikea - they look a bit like a crescent moon, and the 'solid board' is a thin piece of plastic.  The plastic warps from the heat and from the weight of the laptop, or from the force of your fingers pushing on the keyboard and ...  your laptop will overheat.

They cost £9.99 and are completely useless.


If you've got a suitable bit of MDF or plywood, then you can just sit that under the laptop, on top of a cushion.  (I'd suggest 6mm or 8mm thick)

The one I use came from Aldi or Lidl or somesuch, and is very good.  The board is  nice and thick - I suspect it's veneered plywood - and retains it's essential flatness very well.  The pillow is comfortable and conforms well to whatever position I'm sitting in.