I'm dealing with an overheating issue on my HP EliteBook x360-1030-G3, known for poor thermal management. Currently, I've replaced the thermal pad with one from a TV stick, but the laptop's bottom shell is broken, making things worse. I've heard that alternatives like Vaseline or toothpaste might be a solution, but I'm skeptical since they seem too watery. Money is tight, and living in a rural area means I can't access tech stores easily. What are my options for keeping this laptop cooler?
3 Answers
Dude, please don’t use toothpaste or Vaseline. They can seriously damage your laptop. If you're unable to get quality thermal paste, try lifting the back of the laptop a bit with something like a pencil to improve airflow. Also, make sure to blow out any dust inside—it can make overheating worse!
If you're looking for a quick solution, you could also try to keep the laptop elevated with something under the back. But I really recommend getting proper thermal pads or paste when you can—I know it's tough without a nearby store. Keeps things a lot safer for your device!
Yeah, I'll keep that in mind for the future! Just trying to manage until I can get my hands on some real supplies.
Honestly, those substitutes won't cut it. Vaseline and toothpaste dry out quickly and don’t have solid thermal properties. I saw some decent thermal paste on a website for around $5, which could actually help. Have you considered just using a laptop cooling pad instead? They’re a bit of an investment but can make a huge difference without needing to open up the laptop too much.
I'm just super tight on funds right now, even a cooling pad feels like a stretch.

I actually clean it weekly, so dust shouldn't be an issue.