As the move towards smaller and lighter netbooks begins to gain in popularity, the dominance of older high heat-producing full size notebooks may eventually ebb over time. True, there will always be those users who want a larger screen size, or need the full performance of a high-end, multi core processor, and for as long as there are laptop computers making the tops of our thighs uncomfortably warm there will likely be coolers designed to combat it. Just last month, Rutledge reviewed the Cryo S from NZXT, a dual-120mm fan laptop cooler that earned our Gold Seal of Approval.


Today I have a similar product for review from Thermaltake with the descriptive title of Massive23 CS. Clearly named for its use of a single, large 23cm cooling fan, the Massive23's two letter designation CS is a little more ambiguous, especially considering there is a second model in the Massive23 series which uses the ST moniker. Both versions make use of a 23cm cooling fan, however while the CS fan has a color changing LED option and aluminum construction, the ST fan uses blue LEDs only and is comprised of a plastic/metal combination.


How effective are laptop coolers at actually reducing operating temperatures though? Join me as I put the Massive23 CS through its paces.