Thread: Hot Receivers?...Laptop Coolers

I've seen talk here about using laptop coolers on receivers, so I decided to order a couple this week.

Haven't received them yet so I can't tell you if these are any good or not, but the prices can't be beat here:


Cooling Product

I don't think our sponsors offer these items so I hope this isn't stepping on any toes. I have ordered a lot of stuff from Monoprice, they are great to deal with, cheap shipping and quick order processing....check out their prices on wall mount brackets for HDTVs.

A question for people that have used laptop coolers on DVB receivers:

Is the power to the USB port (where the cooler is powered from) controlled with the on/off switch on the receiver? I guess this might vary on different units but I am specifically asking about the Diamond 9000HD and the AzBox Elite.

Azbox and Diamond's USB ports are active as long as the main power switch is on. Doesn't matter if the receiver is in standby or not.

One of those on that page you referenced has a 4-port hub along with the cooler for less than 10 bucks! That would be the one to get, bring up the usb ports where you can get to them. But alas, the dreaded OOS.

Yep, I use an el-cheapo chiller on every piece.
At my main Setup, all my Equip is in a Semi-Enclosed TV Stand.
I use 2 el-cheapo 4port USB hubs, connected to the receivers with USB to run 6 chillers:
3 - on Sat Receivers
1 - on Sound Receiver
2 - mounted to back of TV Stand to exhaust hot air

Then use USB extensions on the remaining USB ports for Memory Stick / Hard Drive.

Excellent Thread!

Originally Posted by stogie5150

Azbox and Diamond's USB ports are active as long as the main power switch is on. Doesn't matter if the receiver is in standby or not.

One of those on that page you referenced has a 4-port hub along with the cooler for less than 10 bucks! That would be the one to get, bring up the usb ports where you can get to them. But alas, the dreaded OOS.

Thanks Stogie, exactly what I needed to know.

I was wanting to order the one that was OOS also.

Originally Posted by Lak7

Yep, I use an el-cheapo chiller on every piece.
At my main Setup, all my Equip is in a Semi-Enclosed TV Stand.
I use 2 el-cheapo 4port USB hubs, connected to the receivers with USB to run 6 chillers:
3 - on Sat Receivers
1 - on Sound Receiver
2 - mounted to back of TV Stand to exhaust hot air

Then use USB extensions on the remaining USB ports for Memory Stick / Hard Drive.

I never thought of doing it that way (hubs), Lak, cool, great idea.

Originally Posted by Cadsulfide

Excellent Thread!

Excellent idea! I am using one now with the Pan 9200HD and what a difference! The case is now perfectly cool!

Originally Posted by phlatwound

I've seen talk here about using laptop coolers on receivers, so I decided to order a couple this week.

Haven't received them yet so I can't tell you if these are any good or not, but the prices can't be beat here:


Cooling Product

I don't think our sponsors offer these items so I hope this isn't stepping on any toes. I have ordered a lot of stuff from Monoprice, they are great to deal with, cheap shipping and quick order processing....check out their prices on wall mount brackets for HDTVs.

A question for people that have used laptop coolers on DVB receivers:

Is the power to the USB port (where the cooler is powered from) controlled with the on/off switch on the receiver? I guess this might vary on different units but I am specifically asking about the Diamond 9000HD and the AzBox Elite.

The coolers that I bought at the local Wal Mart work just fine. Unfortunatley, the cooler runs continuosly on the Azbox. The Azbox gets a little warm when turned off, also, so I guess it's not a big problem with the cooler running 24/7. But, I'm wondering if the cooler is really necessary. As long as the receiver doesn't lock up due to heat it shouldn't be necessary to add cooling. My 6.1 stereo amp gets a LOT hotter than the Azbox and the amp has lasted for more than 5 years with no problems. My 4DTV 922 is on 24/7 and keeps on ticking without any fans, also. But, I could add the cooler to either one of those devices but I would need a USB extension to run off of my PC's USB port (I have several PC's running 24/7).

Originally Posted by johnnynobody

The coolers that I bought at the local Wal Mart work just fine. Unfortunatley, the cooler runs continuosly on the Azbox. The Azbox gets a little warm when turned off, also, so I guess it's not a big problem with the cooler running 24/7. But, I'm wondering if the cooler is really necessary. As long as the receiver doesn't lock up due to heat it shouldn't be necessary to add cooling. My 6.1 stereo amp gets a LOT hotter than the Azbox and the amp has lasted for more than 5 years with no problems. My 4DTV 922 is on 24/7 and keeps on ticking without any fans, also. But, I could add the cooler to either one of those devices but I would need a USB extension to run off of my PC's USB port (I have several PC's running 24/7).

I am a better safe than sorry guy, old school in a new(ish) package...I want all my electronics cool as a cucumber. I just ordered two of those coolers from Monoprice, gonna see if they are better than what I have now. My azbox gets HOT, even on standby, almost too hot to put my hand on... so I am glad the cooler runs 24/7.

Originally Posted by johnnynobody

The coolers that I bought at the local Wal Mart work just fine. Unfortunatley, the cooler runs continuosly on the Azbox. The Azbox gets a little warm when turned off, also, so I guess it's not a big problem with the cooler running 24/7. But, I'm wondering if the cooler is really necessary......

Did you understand what Stogie was saying about the AzBox (and Diamond 9000HD), that if you powered the Azbox down with the switch on the back of the case, it will cut the power to the USB port also?

I'm not sure if they are necessary either, but my Diamond gets really hot, don't know about the Azbox yet, but with laptop coolers running about 10 bucks each delivered I think I'll give them a whirl.