Best Cooling Pad for ASUS ROG Strix 18? Looking for Recommendations!

[JesseMN]

Hey everyone,

I’m on the hunt for a solid cooling pad that works well with the ASUS ROG Strix 18. I know this laptop is designed for heavy-duty gaming and can handle a lot on its own, especially when using Turbo Mode, but I’d still like to give it some extra cooling support.

I recently picked up the Llano RGB Laptop Cooling Pad, but after reading some feedback from other users, it seems like it might not be the best match. Apparently, the foam sealing can block the laptop’s internal fans, and some folks mentioned the stand isn’t tall enough, which can affect airflow.

I’m now considering the PHAPPY Cooling Pad since it’s advertised as being compatible with the ROG Strix 18. It looks promising—especially with its powerful turbofan and customizable RGB—but there aren’t many user reviews out there, so I’m not sure how it performs in real-world use.

So, I’ve got a few questions:

1. Has anyone here used the PHAPPY Cooling Pad with the ROG Strix 18? If so, how’s the fit and overall cooling performance?

2. Any other cooling pads you’d recommend that work well with larger gaming laptops like this? Bonus points if it handles heat well without blocking any vents.

3. Do I even need a cooling pad for this model? I’ve read mixed opinions—some say the built-in cooling is enough, especially in Turbo Mode, while others swear by using an external pad for lower temps and better longevity.

Thanks in advance for your help! Looking forward to hearing your experiences.

[ElectroStingz]

Hello,

What CPU and GPU does your one have and at the moment how are the temperatures? 

[JesseMN]

I’ve been monitoring the CPU and GPU temperatures on my ASUS ROG Strix G18 (i9-14900HX / RTX 4080) across different games, and here’s a breakdown of what I’ve experienced so far while using Turbo Mode:

🌡️ Temperatures Across Different Games:

🔹 Overwatch 2 (Turbo Mode ON)

• CPU Temperature: 76°C – 81°C

• GPU Temperature: 64°C – 66°C

• Fan Speeds:

• CPU Fan: ~4100 RPM

• GPU Fan: ~4700 RPM

• System Fan: ~6300 RPM

✅ No issues here—game ran cool and smooth. No FPS drops or throttling.

🔹 Hellblade (Turbo Mode ON)

During Menu Screen:

• CPU Temperature: 86°C

• GPU Temperature: 70°C

• CPU Usage: 13%

• GPU Usage: 76%

• Fan Speeds:

• CPU Fan: 5100 RPM

• GPU Fan: 5800 RPM

• System Fan: 7400 RPM

During Gameplay (Opening Credits & Beyond):

• CPU Temperature: 80°C

• GPU Temperature: 75°C

• CPU Usage: 25%

• GPU Usage: 97%

• Fan Speeds:

• CPU Fan: 5200 RPM

• GPU Fan: 5800 RPM

• System Fan: 7400 RPM

✅ CPU peaked at 86°C briefly in the menu, but gameplay temps leveled out at 80°C. No major concerns.

🔹 The Political Machine 2024

Before Turbo Mode (Performance Mode):

• CPU Temperature: 93°C (Peak)

• GPU Temperature: 70°C

✅ Performance Mode didn’t handle temps well—CPU got too hot.

After Switching to Turbo Mode:

• CPU Temperature: 80°C

• GPU Temperature: 68°C

✅ Immediate temp drop of ~13°C, proving Turbo Mode is the better choice for this game.

🔹 The Sims 2 (Turbo Mode ON)

• CPU Temperature: 66°C – 68°C

• GPU Temperature: 60°C – 63°C

✅ Very easy for the system to run, no heat concerns at all.

🌡️ Idle Temperatures (No Games Running)

• CPU Temperature: 43°C – 48°C

• GPU Temperature: 39°C – 44°C

✅ Normal for a high-performance gaming laptop.

🧐 Final Thoughts:

• Turbo Mode makes a big difference. CPU temps dropped ~13°C when switching from Performance Mode to Turbo Mode in The Political Machine 2024.

• Overwatch 2 & Sims 2 ran extremely cool, with the GPU never exceeding 66°C.

• Hellblade was the most demanding game so far, with the CPU peaking at 86°C in the menu but dropping to 80°C in gameplay.

• No thermal throttling detected.

• Considering a cooling pad just for extra precaution, but the built-in cooling system is doing its job well.

Would love to hear if your temps are similar, or if you think a cooling pad would make a major difference long-term! 🚀

[deathdotcom]

I have the exact same laptop as you: ASUS ROG Strix G18 (i9-14900HX / RTX 4080) , my CPU temp an GPU temps are at max ( 95c, 85c ) in any game i play, and everyday I get blackscreen ( laptop just shuts down ) I haven't found any solution so far, so I'd really appreciate you assistance here since you have the exact same model and are aware of the technicalities obviously.

[ElectroStingz]

I do not use armourycate so my fan profile is not as aggressive and from my testing the cooling pad I used benefits all the other areas more, DDR, PCH and nvme drive. (I still need to try Turbo mode).

My results are all documented here https://www.electrostingz.com