Introduction: Titan G4TZ Magic Pad
As users demand the same performance from notebook computers as they get from their desktop, manufacturers are finding that it's getting tougher and tougher to design a cool running computer. NVIDIA now offers some very high-end graphics to notebook builders, which makes the task that much more difficult. This opens a new segment of the market up to manufacturers willing to provide aftermarket notebook cooling solutions. In this article Benchmark Reviews evaluates just how well the Titan G4T Magic Pad cools overheated notebooks.
I have personally owned three notebooks over the past two years, and all of them would scald my legs if I tried to use them on my laptop. For me, using a heatshield or notebook cooling pad was the only way I could have a high-power notebook computer resting on my lap.
G4TZ Magic Pad Features
-
Extendable notebook cooling pad
-
Contracted in compact size, easy to carry
-
Suitable for most 12" ~ 17" notebooks
-
Built-in 4 silent fans
-
Stylish design, high cooling performance
-
Both the front side and the back side are made of high quality aluminum with a nice hairline finish
-
Two available airflow directions, intake or exhaust
Titan Specifications
| Outline Dimension |
280 x 280 x 20 mm |
| Fan Dimension |
70 x 70 x 10 mm |
| Rated Voltage |
5V DC |
| Power Consumption |
3W |
| Noise Level (Fan) |
< 26.2dBA |
| Rated Speed |
2200± 10%RPM |
| Bearing Type |
Z -AXIS Bearing |
| Life Time |
60,000 Hours |
| Weight |
800g |
The range of notebooks is relatively small, with the size ranging from either compact, to normal, to large. Traditionally the compact style notebook does not offer the same computing power because of size constraints. It is common then that everything larger than a compact notebook is often viewed as a desktop replacement; and they are packed with many of the same high-end features such as upper-end video cards and powerful multi-core processors.
About the company: Titan Computer Co
TITAN COMPUTER CO., LTD. was established in Taiwan by a group of progressive and experienced engineers in their respective fields. Since our establishment with over 16 years of manufacturing experience with high quality cooling devices for various kinds of PCs, we have successfully gained worldwide recognition for our innovative designs.
TITAN is headquartered in Taiwan and has its own two factories, total approximate 20,000 square meters. Both are located in Guang Dong, China. There are around 1200 employees, which provide combined efforts a production capacity of output 1.2 million units per month. TITAN is also leading manufacturer of various thermal products such as: CPU Coolers, VGA Coolers, H.D.D coolers, System Blowers, D.C fans, Heatsinks in comprehensive solution of cooling systems in different applications of PC systems. We have just launched the newest design; the superior water cooling kit (case), annual sales US$ 57,000,000 combined water and air-cooling in the world; the performance is excellent to reduce heat problems and operates at minimal noise levels. To keep advance with the fast changing market; new models are launched every 1-2 months to meet your requirements.
Closer Look: Titan G4TZ
I must admit, the idea of a lightweight cooling pad for my notebook is quite enticing. My old HP Pavilion has a Pentium 4 2.8GHz processor, and the poor cooling fan never stops blowing as loud (or as hot) as a hair dryer. Even my new Dell with its Core 2 Duo begins to blow flames when I am really working it. Sometimes I can survive it, since they are restricted to a table top, but it sure would be nice to actually use a laptop on my lap.
With built-in four silent 70 x 70 x 10mm fans, the TTC-G4T is still lightweight and is able to provide high cooling performance to keep your notebook cool. Since different notebooks have different needs for intake or exhaust airflow, Titan has considered the possibilities and made the TTC-G4T capable of providing intake airflow on the front side and exhaust airflow on the back side, so that either side is useful, depending on the need. In addition to this, both the front side and the back side of the G4T are all made of high quality aluminum with a nice hairline finish, making it an attractive accessory instead of a geek gadget.
Also, you will notice on the side that there is a power button and a LED that lights when the power is in the ON position. On the side of the cooling pad, you will also find a DC outlet where you will plug the USB power cable to get the fans spinning to cool your notebook.
The four cooling fans on Titan G4 Magic Pad are powered by a special USB adapted. Titan has done a great job making sure that this adapter is traveler friendly. The nearly three-foot extension allows the USB connector to be plugged into any available port on the computer, even if it is on the opposite side.
Magic Pad Detailed Features
The fans all operate in unison, which means that if you only need just one fan then you had better just get used to the others. In many cases, the ability to switch particular fans on and off would have made the Titan G4 Magic Pad a lot less noisy. Hopefully Titan will consider this feature in a future model.
Titan has built several vents along the sides of the G4 Magic Pad. This becomes an important feature when you begin to set the pad on a surface which may block the fans intake.
On the bottom of the cooling pad there are little rubber non-slip pads, which help keep the cooler from sliding around on your desk, but also serves to cover up the tiny screws. Moreover, the blister package includes 4 additional long rubber pads.
When you need intake airflow to cool your notebook, these 4 long rubber pads can be attached to the bottom of the G4T to lift up the cooling pad a bit higher to get better intake airflow. If you are considering keeping your notebook cool and stable, the Titan G4TZ Magic Pad paired with the included rubber pads will be a great choice.
Final Thoughts: Titan G4TZ Cooler
The Titan G4TZ Magic Pad offers a great aftermarket notebook cooling alternative. Even though it is powered from the notebooks USB port. which ultimately drains a small amount of battery life, it may be just what is needed to tolerate the heat generated by many of the high-performance notebooks available today. When it comes to the larger (15"-17" LCD) notebooks, a pad such as the Titan G4TZ could be considered a requirement; especially if the notebook is used for gaming.
On the other hand, compact notebook users and many others could also stand to use the Titan G4TZ Magic Pad, and if battery life is a concern than it could be left unplugged to serve as a great heat shield while still allowing for better air circulation. Powered on or off, the Titan G4TZ Magic Pad is a very useful product for notebook owners.
Presently, the Titan G4TZ Magic Pad is sold through online outlets throughout Europe starting at 40,00 Euro. When North American outlets begin to carry the G4TZ. I would expect a price adjustment down from the $55 USD converted rate.
Conclusion
Titan has done a great job of packaging the G4TZ in an attractive bubble-pack. Unlike most retail stores, which love to see everything in a box, the Titan G4TZ Magic Pad would do very well if sold on an end-display.
The brushed aluminum finish to both sides of the Magic Pad really set this cooling pad apart from the rest. There are already a large variety of all-aluminum coolers which seem a little too heavy, and the all-plastic varient is not completely durable. Titan has struck a perfect balance with a very rugged and yet still attractive appearance.
Sure, it's made of plastic beneath the aluminum plates, but it's built well enough to withstand plenty of abuse. There isn't a weak spot in the design, unless of course you actually try to destroy it. I could not find any possible way in which the Titan G4TZ Magic Pad would wear down or fall apart from normal use.
Active cooling has plenty of advantages, but they are at the expense of battery life. This is where a fan selector would be very beneficial in delivering the best of both worlds. Instead, you either use the Titan G4TZ Magic Pad with all of the fans on, or convert it to a heat shield while saving battery life and providing increased airflow circulation.
The price seems a bit high for my tastes, and if I were to spot the G4TZ on store shelves (or online) for more than $35 USD, I would probably keep shopping. Lets hope that when it reaches US shores we can find it for sale at a price far less than it is being sold for on the European market.
Like any aftermarket product, it has it's flaws. You can't build a product which pleases everyone, and not cost a fortune at the same time. Titan has done well with the G4TZ Magic Pad, but I am convinced that individual fan controls would really be worth a dollar or two more.
Pros:
+ Extremely versatile
+ Excellent construction
+ Very efficient cooling
+ Convenient slim design
+ USB-powered device
+ High-quality material
+ Lightweight product
+ Attractive aluminum finish
Cons:
- Decreases battery life
- Fan speed is not adjustable
- Needs fan selector control
- Fans create moderate wind noise
Ratings:
-
Presentation: 9.0
-
Appearance: 9.25
-
Construction: 8.75
-
Functionality: 8.0
-
Value: 8.5
Final Score: 8.7 out of 10.
Questions? Comments? Benchmark Reviews really wants your feedback. We invite you to leave your remarks in our Discussion Forum.
Related Articles:
|
