frzr - Laptop Cooling for Increased FPS

Line Introduces the Frzr: A Thermoelectric Cooling Solution for Gaming Laptops

Line, a consistent presence at CES, is renowned for its premium, precision-machined aluminum docking stations. This year, the company unveils a new accessory specifically designed for gaming enthusiasts. The Line Frzr is an active cooling device utilizing thermoelectric technology to pre-chill the air before it enters a gaming laptop.

Beyond Traditional Cooling Methods

While conventional laptop cooling systems focus on enhancing airflow, Line’s approach goes further. The Line Frzr reduces air temperature to a frigid -5°F (-15°C) – a level comparable to a household freezer – before directing it into the laptop’s intake. This process aims to maintain lower CPU and GPU temperatures, allowing for sustained higher clock speeds and improved performance.

Innovative Thermoelectric Implementation

The technology employs thermoelectric cooling, but avoids directly attaching Peltier elements to the processors, a practice known to be problematic. Instead, Line’s engineers developed a unique method: pre-cooling the air with compact cooling towers and then channeling it into the laptop. This design is optimized for the common architecture found in many gaming laptops.

Typically, gaming laptops position the battery beneath the keyboard and utilize small feet to maximize air circulation, relying on two powerful fans to draw in air.

Addressing Concerns About Sub-Zero Temperatures

“Electronic components, including thermal paste on CPUs and GPUs, and crucially the battery, all have recommended operating temperature ranges,” explains Nancy de Fays, co-founder of Line. “The Line Frzr doesn’t freeze the entire laptop; it delivers sub-zero air specifically to the intake. Laptop fans are designed to operate at sub-zero temperatures, and the system is regulated by infrared sensors that continuously monitor the laptop’s temperature. Cooling ceases when the GPU or CPU temperature falls below 50°C.”

The Line Frzr prototype showcased at CES. The openings are designed for alignment with gaming laptop air intakes, and the three-pointed star indicates the temperature sensor. Image: Line, Inc.

Designed for Home Gaming

“We direct the airflow into the fans, not directly onto the laptop’s internal electronics,” clarifies Quentin Malgaud, CEO and co-founder of Line, Inc. “The Frzr is intended as a stationary cooling solution for home gaming, providing a substantial cooling boost comparable to a desktop computer.”

Malgaud notes that the concept originated during the company’s 2017 Indiegogo campaign but was initially shelved due to battery efficiency limitations. Recent testing on the prototype revealed up to a 25% improvement in CPU scores.

“Our design incorporates these small cooling towers to create a distinct gaming aesthetic,” de Fays adds.

Addressing Thermal Shock Concerns

Initial skepticism regarding the potential for thermal shock – caused by rapidly heating and cooling components with differing thermal properties – was addressed by the company. They assure that the integrated infrared thermostat system mitigates this risk by monitoring the laptop’s temperature and activating cooling only when necessary, without requiring driver installation. The device autonomously manages cooling based on data from the temperature sensors.

Line demonstrated the effectiveness of its cooling system on a functional prototype, achieving air surface temperatures of -13.5°C (7.7°F). Image: Line, Inc.

Patented Technology and Future Availability

Line holds a patent for the IR sensors used to monitor laptop temperature and has several additional patents pending.

While a final price hasn’t been set, Malgaud anticipates a retail price under $300, with a goal of reducing it to below $200 before the production version is released. The company expects to begin shipping the Frzr to customers in October of this year.