Cooling Dock Product Specs Page

MODELS
FEATURES
CONTENTS
COOLING
SETUP
OPERATION
COMPATIBILITY
TESTING

 
D2/D1 Pro II
The new D2 Pro II and D1 Pro II models include universal support and active cooling designed for all Mac and PC laptops, with optimization for current generation Mac laptops, and includes the following key features:
- airflow cools enclosure at processors and beyond
- passive cooling heat sink next to processors
- auto adjust speed by measured laptop temp (D2)
- multi-speed user customizable cooling (D2)
- single-speed balanced cooling performance (D1)
- modular exchangeable cooling system
- easy clamshell setup while safely in padded cradle
- user installed laptop retention pad
 
 
D1 Pro
The original D1 Pro model includes a support and active cooling system designed for prior generation Mac laptops (2012-15 MacBook Pro, 2008-17 MacBook Air, select PC laptops), and includes the following key features:
- drives cooling air into center intake vent
- directly cools compatible laptop processors
- passive cooling heat sink next to processors
- single-speed balanced cooling performance
- easy clamshell setup while safely in padded cradle
- adjustable laptop retention pad
 
 
D
The updated D model includes universal support and passive cooling designed for all Mac and PC laptops, with optimization for current generation Mac laptops, and includes the following key features:
- passive cooling 3.3lb heat sink at processors
- air channel for passive air current cooling
- easy clamshell setup while safely in padded cradle
- user installed laptop retention pad
- solid sculpted metal art for the desk
 
 
 

D2/D1 Pro II
 
 
D1 Pro
 

D
 
 
Passive Cooling Features (All Models)
- Large 3.3 lb (D) or 1.8-1.9 lb (D2/D1P2, D1P) aluminum heat sink for extracting heat from laptop.
- Central air hole channels natural air currents for cooling laptop and heat sink (D2/D1P2, D).
- Open space through padding for channeling cool air from central air hole and then exhausting hot air above (D2/D1P2, D).
- Minimal padding area for heat transfer from metal surfaces.
- Width set to match laptop vent locations for unimpeded airflow.
- Helps passively cool for reduced temperatures, reduces laptop internal fan speeds, reduced processor heat/power throttling, improved performance potential, and/or improved component lifespan.
Active Cooling Features (D2/D1 Pro II and D1 Pro)
- 80x80x25mm 12-volt fan for powerful yet quiet cooling.
- Ten side slot vents for cooling the laptop enclosure at processor location and beyond (D2/D1P2).
- Large central lower vent for cooling the laptop enclosure at processor location and beyond (D2/D1P2).
- Raised pads for directing cooling airflow to processor area and then reaching surrounding laptop enclosure (D2/D1P2).
- Raised lip edge for creating an air-sealed connection with a compatible laptop’s intake vent (D1P).
- Adjustable front pad presses laptop against raised lip edge for an improved air sealed connection with compatible laptop (D1P).
- Fan creates pressurized air chamber for pushing cooling air into compatible laptop (D1P).
- Cooling air is driven into compatible laptop intake vent for direct processor cooling (D1P).
- Non-restrictive laptop vent airflow so fan can be turned off for silent cooling.
- Extended rear screen position and guard pattern for increased airflow and reduced noise.
- External outlet power supply for increased power with reduced internal laptop heat gain.
- Helps passively and actively cool for reduced temperatures, reduces laptop internal fan speeds, reduced processor heat/power throttling, improved performance potential, and/or improved component lifespan.
Technology Features (D2 Pro II)
- External sensor for measuring laptop external enclosure temperature and automatically adjusting fan speeds from 800 to 4200 RPM over the course of a workday.
- Low-temperature auto-off for eco-friendly standby mode.
- Three auto and two turbo speed cooling modes for more flexible user selection.
- Fixed speed customizable from 800 to 4200 RPM for more precise user selection.
- Discrete LED for signaling cooling modes and user inputs.
- Helps improve user control.
 
 
Workstation Features (All Models)
- Closed-screen clamshell configuration for transforming laptop into desktop-like computer with external peripheries.
- Disables laptop screen to optimize graphics for improved external display performance.
- Reduces laptop screen, keyboard, trackpad and battery use for increased screen lifespan.
- Uses external display, keyboard and trackpad / mouse for improved ergonomics.
- Leaning vertical closed-screen support for easy and secure clamshell mode setup with access to power, Touch ID and keyboard while docked and connected to cables.
- Pyramid shape and high-density mass for increased stability.
- Compact product footprint for more open desktop.
- Non-slip feet for stable workstation placement.
- Two threaded underside holes for securing dock to media carts or for theft prevention.
- Helps improve workstation productivity.
Compatibility Features (D2/D1 Pro II and D)
- Leaning support for compatibility with a wide range of laptops, tablets and other devices.
- Steeper lower laptop support shelf angle and non-slip padding for holding laptop in place.
- Optional user installed laptop retention pad locks laptop in place.
- Support system designed for universal Mac and PC laptop fit.*
- Cooling system designed for universal Mac and PC laptop cooling.*
- Optimized fit and cooling for current Mac laptops, like 16-inch MacBook Pro.*
- Helps cool and support compatible Mac and PC laptops with screen closed.
Compatibility Features (D1 Pro)
- Leaning support for compatibility with a wide range of laptops, tablets and other devices.
- Adjustable pad for holding compatible laptops in place and creating an air seal with laptop vent.
- Optimized fit and cooling for prior generation Macs and select PC laptops, such as 2012-15 Retina MacBook Pro and 208-17 pre-Retina MacBook Air.*
- Helps cool and support compatible Mac and PC laptops with screen closed.
 
 
Quality Features (All Models)
- Made for Mac with seamless Apple laptop fit and finish.
- Modular bolted cooling system assembly for customer servicing, replacement, exchange or upgrade (D2/D1P2).
- High-quality 6061 aluminum cradle support for extra strength.
- Anodized aluminum support base for matching Mac laptop finish.
- High-quality materials oversized for increased strength and durability.
- Metal construction for long life span and end-of-life recyclability.
- High-quality fans with ball bearings for long life performance.*
- High-quality components over-specced for increased performance and life.
- Minimal use of plastic for reduced environmental impact.
- Packaging design works for all models for flexibility and reduced impact.
- Biodegradable package cushioning for reduced impact.
- Designed and crafted with care in and around Portland, OR, USA.
- Innovative design with multiple patents issued.
- Design driven by a passion to make the best-in-class products.
- Lifetime support for anyone with a SVALT product.
- Helps create a product that lasts longer with less impact on society and environment.
 
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D2/D1 Pro II Package Contents
- 1 x SVALT Cooling Dock model D2 Pro II or D1 Pro II product.
- 3 x user installed laptop retention pads (1 pad installed at a time with 2 extras for future installations).
- 1 x hex drive for removing #8 fasteners and accessing cooling system for exchanging systems, servicing or cleaning.
- 1 x power supply w/ fixed plug for domestic and multi-plug for international orders.
- 1 x reusable product box.
D2/D1 Pro II Dimensions
- Product Side to Side: 4.8 inches.
- Product Front to Back: 4.1 inches.
- Product Top to Bottom: 4.1 inches.
- Product Weight: 2.0 lbs.
- Shipping Weight: 3.1 lbs.
 
D1 Pro Package Contents
- 1 x SVALT Cooling Dock model D1 Pro product.
- 1 x hex drive for adjusting sliding front laptop retention pad.
- 1 x power supply w/ fixed plug for domestic and multi-plug for international orders.
- 1 x reusable product box.
D1 Pro Dimensions
- Product Side to Side: 4.8 inches.
- Product Front to Back: 4.1 inches.
- Product Top to Bottom: 4.1 inches.
- Product Weight: 2.1 lbs.
- Shipping Weight: 3.2 lbs.
 
D Package Contents
- 1 x SVALT Cooling Dock model D product.
- 3 x user installed laptop retention pads (1 pad installed at a time with 2 extras for future installations).
- 1 x reusable product box.
D Dimensions
- Product Side to Side: 4.8 inches.
- Product Front to Back: 4.1 inches.
- Product Top to Bottom: 4.1 inches.
- Product Weight: 3.3 lbs.
- Shipping Weight: 4.1 lbs.
 
 
D2/D1 Pro II Modular System Configurations
- The new D2 Pro II and D1 Pro II models use a modular cooling system that can be exchanged or upgraded.
- Convert a D1 Pro II into a D2 Pro II with any D2 cooling system (note that the D2 Pro II ships with a new v3.0 firmware, see the Specifications Operation tab for details).
- Convert a D2 Pro II into a D1 Pro II with any D1 cooling system.
- Note that removing or installing the D2 cooling system requires special instructions to avoid damage, so contact us first. The new D2 Pro II thermistor is located within upper right pad for improved accuracy when measuring laptop enclosure temperatures. Removing the D2 cooling system requires the removal of the thermistor from the top right pad. This can be done, but may require replacement of upper right pad. If a replacement pad is needed, then contact us.
 
D2/D1 Pro II and D1 Pro Power Supply Specs
- North America orders from USA, Canada or Mexico ship with a 100-240V AC input and 12V output power supply with a fixed Type A (USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan) plug.
- International orders ship with a 100-240V AC input and 12V output power supply with Type A (USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan), Type C (Europe, South America, Asia), Type G (United Kingdom, Ireland), or Type I (Australia, New Zealand, China) interchangeable plugs.
- A Replacement Power Supply is available to purchase separately.
 
All Models Aluminum Finish Specs
- The dock’s aluminum cradle comes with a high-end aluminum anodized finish, which is a custom finishing process that may include some color variation between products.
- The black finish may show finger prints, but can be cleaned with a microfiber cloth, or using soap and water.
- The bottom surface of product is considered non-cosmetic finish and includes two #10-24 (D2/D1 Pro II and D1 Pro) or two #10-32 (D) threaded holes that can be used for mounting and securing the dock in a fixed position if desired.
 
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D2/D1 Pro II Cooling System
The D2 Pro II and D1 Pro II use a passive and active cooling system. The passive cooling system features a 1.8 pound aluminum heat sink located next to laptop processors for heat absorption. The active cooling system features ten side vents that drive cooling air onto the laptop’s metal enclosure at the processor location and then sends cooling airflow to the sides of the laptop enclosure. The side vents combine with cooling airflow from a lower vent that drives cooling air at the laptop’s central processor location and then sends air upward along the laptop enclosure. Raised laptop pads direct airflow for optimal cooling, as well as house the D2’s laptop temperature sensor. Pad size is minimized to reduce contact area on the laptop, reduce heat trap and maximize cooling. The managed airflow helps generate more efficient and quieter cooling.

The D2 active cooling system uses a powerful and high-quality 12-volt fan to efficiently generate more cooling airflow with less noise. The system operates with a programmable speed control that includes an external thermistor to measure the laptop enclosure temperature and to automatically adjust fan speed between 0 - 4200 RPM over the course of a workday. Three Auto mode presets help to meet a variety of user needs and conditions, a Fixed speed cooling mode can be customized between 800 and 4200 RPM for complete user control, and two temporary Turbo cooling modes offer an instant blast of cooling power. A momentary push-button switch allows for user cooling system configuration, while a LED signals cooling system settings. The fan’s audio performance ranges from 15 to 45 dBA and cooling performance from 0 to 55 CFM. The fan has 7 black blades with a long life ball bearing and approximately eight years of continuous operation.

The D1 active cooling system uses a powerful and high-quality 12-volt fan to efficiently generate more cooling airflow with less noise. The system operates with a single-speed for simple on/off push-button switch operation. The fan runs at approximately 1700 RPM for a balance of audio performance at 17 dBA and cooling performance at 30 CFM. The fan has 7 red blades with a long life ball bearing and approximately eight years of continuous operation.

The new D2 Pro II and D1 Pro II models use a modular cooling system that can be exchanged or upgraded. A D1 Pro II can be converted into a D2 Pro II with a D2 cooling system, while a D2 Pro II can be converted into a D1 Pro II with a D1 cooling system.

 

D1 Pro Cooling System
The original D1 Pro uses a passive and active cooling system. The passive cooling system uses a 1.9 pound aluminum heat sink located next to laptop processors for heat absorption. The active cooling system uses a lip edge to create an air seal around compatible laptops with a center air intake vent (see compatibility tab). The fan drives cooling air through the laptop vent to directly cooling internal components, such as processors, and then flushes out hot internal air through the laptop’s exhaust vents.

The D1 active cooling system uses a powerful and high-quality 12-volt fan to efficiently generate more cooling airflow with less noise. The system operates with a single-speed for simple on/off push-button switch operation. The fan runs at approximately 1700 RPM for a balance of audio performance at 17 dBA and cooling performance at 30 CFM. The fan has 7 red blades with a long life ball bearing and approximately eight years of continuous operation.

 

D Cooling System
The D uses a passive cooling system with a massive 3.3 pound aluminum heat sink located next to laptop processors for heat absorption. The heat sink works in conjunction with a cooling air channel and hole that generates natural air currents to exhaust heat from laptop and dock. The air within the air channel located between the laptop, dock and vertical pads heats up and exhausts upward out the open top edge, while pulling cool air from behind the dock through the center cooling air hole.
 
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D2/D1 Pro II Setup
- Step 1: Place a compatible laptop into the cradle with the laptop’s front cover facing forward and the display hinge facing down.
- Step 2: Center the laptop from left to right. Note that some laptops, such as the older Unibody generation of MacBook Pros use off-center vent layout (see compatibility tab), and so should be placed based on the particular laptop’s vent locations (see Laptops).
- Step 3: This is an optional step for installing the user installed laptop retention pads. Remove a laptop retention pad from the packaging. Push the laptop into the cradle pads. Remove the pad’s adhesive backing and install the pad along the front edge of laptop. Push down on the pad so that the adhesive creates a bond.
- Step 4: Insert the power adapter’s 2.1mm plug into the power jack on the back side of the product.
- Step 5: Insert the power adapter’s wall plug into a compatible power receptacle.
 
 
D1 Pro Setup
- Step 1: Remove the hex drive from product packaging and then loosen the two fasteners holding the front adjustable pad in place.
- Step 2: Place a compatible laptop into the cradle with the laptop’s front cover facing forward and the display hinge facing down.
- Step 3: Center the laptop from left to right. Note that some laptops, such as the older Unibody generation of MacBook Pros use off-center vent layout (see compatibility tab), and so should be placed based on the particular laptop’s vent locations (see Laptops).
- Step 4: Slide the adjustable pad against the laptop and then press the laptop into the raised air seal lip.
- Step 5: Tighten the adjustable pad fasteners while maintaining pressure against the laptop. Do not over tighten fasteners, only tighten enough to restrict pad movement.
- Step 6: Insert the power adapter’s 2.1mm plug into the power jack on the back side of the product.
- Step 7: Insert the power adapter’s wall plug into a compatible power receptacle.
 
 
D Setup
- Step 1: Place a compatible laptop into the cradle with the laptop’s front cover facing forward and the display hinge facing down.
- Step 2: Center the laptop from left to right. Note that some laptops, such as the older Unibody generation of MacBook Pros use off-center vent layout (see compatibility tab), and so should be placed based on the particular laptop’s vent locations (see Laptops).
- Step 3: This is an optional step for installing the user installed laptop retention pads. Remove a laptop retention pad from the packaging. Push the laptop into the cradle pads. Remove the pad’s adhesive backing and install the pad along the front edge of laptop. Push down on the pad so that the adhesive creates a bond.
 
 
All Models Laptop Clamshell Setup
- Step 1: Connect one or more external displays, keyboard, mouse and power supply to the laptop.
- Step 2: If the laptop is powered off, then simply open the laptop screen while keeping it safely and securely within the Cooling Dock’s padded support cradle. Unlike other clamshell mode stands, there is no need to pick up the laptop while precariously connected to cables, risking a laptop drop or cable disconnection. If the laptop is powered on and asleep, then leave the laptop screen closed and press the external keyboard’s space bar to wake up the laptop.
- Please see our clamshell setup guide for additional details on clamshell setup and operation
 
All Models Workspace Setup
- Avoid Restrictive Spaces: Locate the computer away from walls and corners for access to more air circulation and avoid trapping hot air that could be pulled back into intake vents. Avoid placing within a small enclosed space (cabinet, shelving, under desk, etc) without a dedicated mechanical air conditioning system (like a server room). Provide a recommended 6 inch minimum and 12 inch preferred open space behind and on the sides of the Cooling Dock with laptop. Reductions in this open space area will result in reduced cooling efficiency and increased noise.
- Avoid Heat Sources: External displays, hard drive arrays, and other common professional desktop accessories can generate and exhaust heat. To avoid transferring that heat to your computer, identify the neighboring device’s hot exhaust vent and position it to reduce heat transfer. Provide a recommended 6 inch minimum and 12 inch preferred separation from heat source on all sides of the Cooling Dock with laptop. Reductions in this open space area will result in reduced cooling efficiency.
- Avoid Hot Spaces: As a general rule, an increase in ambient air temperature will lead to higher computer temperatures. If your office space has forced air heating, then try to position the computer so that it is not hit by heated air. Of course, the reverse is true with air conditioning, as that airflow could help drop ambient air temperature.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: When metal is placed in direct sunlight then it will absorb heat, which will reduce it’s heat sink cooling capabilities and could result in heat radiating into the computer.
 
 
 
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D2 Pro II Operation w/ Firmware Version 3.0
The following operation is for the new D2 Pro II model with firmware version 3.0 shipped after September, 2020. For original D2 Pro models, please go to D2 Pro for firmware versions 2.0 and 1.0 operation.

 
 
System Startup & Shutdown
A pushbutton switch is used to control the system and is located on the rear screen panel. A LED signals switch inputs and the system’s cooling mode (see Turbo and Custom Cooling Mode sections below for LED signal patterns). The LED is located inside the rear screen, along the bottom of the fan. The LED is positioned to be visible when leaning over the laptop and looking down the back side of the dock.
- 1x Startup : To turn on the D2, press the push-button switch once (1x) and the cooling system will start in Auto cooling mode by default (see the Auto Cooling Modes section below to learn about how this cooling mode works, and see the Custom Cooling Modes section below to change cooling modes). When powering on the cooling system or changing cooling modes, the LED will signal the cooling mode for 24-seconds, while the fan provides an audio signal by instantly spinning to maximum speed and then either dropping down to a lower speed or turning off based on cooling mode and measured temperature.
- 1x Shutdown : To turn off the D2, wait a few seconds if you just powered on the D2, and then press the switch once (1x) to power down the cooling system. When powering off the cooling system, the LED will momentarily light up and fade to off after 1-second, while the fan spins to a stop if it hasn’t already stopped.
Auto Cooling Modes
In any of the three Auto cooling modes the cooling system’s external thermistor measures laptop enclosure temperatures and automatically adjust fan speed between 800 and 4200 RPM. This helps keep things quiet when supplemental cooling is not required and then increases fan speed as temperatures rise over the course of a workday. When temperatures are low enough the fan will temporarily stop until higher temperatures are detected, at which point the fan will automatically restart.

Turbo Cooling Modes
After turning on the D2 by pressing the switch 1x, you can then use the following switch activations to immediately increase the fan speed to high speed settings for an extra blast of cooling power. These Turbo cooling modes are temporary and do not change the saved cooling mode.
- 2x Turbo (rapid flashing LED) : When you press the switch 2x the cooling system will enable Turbo at 2400 RPM and then automatically return to the default Auto cooling mode, or the last user saved cooling mode after 30-minutes.
- 3x Turbo + (medium flashing LED) : When you press the switch 3x the cooling system will enable Turbo + at 4200 RPM until you press the switch 1x to return to the default Auto cooling mode, or the last user saved cooling mode.
 
 
Custom Cooling Modes
After turning on the D2 by pressing the switch 1x, you can then use the following switch activations to change the saved cooling mode. Once one of these modes has been enabled, then the D2 will return to that cooling mode upon subsequent power restarts.
- 4x Fixed (slow flashing LED) : When you press the switch 4x the cooling system will run at a constant 1400 RPM fixed speed by default to provide a balance of audio and cooling performance, or you can save a custom fixed speed to precisely meet your audio and cooling performance requirements as described below in 5x Fixed Customization.
- 5x Fixed Customization (LED pulses up and down to indicate rising or falling fan programming speeds) : When you press the switch 5x the fan will begin to continually cycle from 800 to 4200 to 800 RPM. Press the switch 1x when the fan reaches your desired fixed speed. At this point you have saved a custom fixed speed and entered into 4x Fixed cooling mode. If you change cooling modes and then return to 4x Fixed cooling mode, it will return to your custom fixed speed. If you would like to select a different fixed speed, then press the switch 5x to restart the process, or you can reset to the default 1400 RPM as described below.
- 6x Auto + (rapid pulsing LED) : When you press the switch 6x the cooling system will run at higher speeds for cooling priority. In this cooling mode the fan is more likely to turn off in standby mode, to stay on moderate speeds, and increase speeds sooner to help stay ahead of heat buildup. This cooling mode is suggested for cooler offices or for more aggressive cooling within less noise sensitive environments.
- 7x Auto (medium pulsing LED) : When you press the switch 7x the cooling system will run at default speeds for a balance of audio and cooling performance. In this cooling mode the fan will stay off in standby mode or run at lower speeds until temperatures rise, as which point fan speeds will progressively increase to help neutralize heat buildup. This cooling mode is suggested for offices with normal temperatures and normal noise sensitive environments.
- 8x Auto - (slow pulsing LED) : When you press the switch 8x the cooling system will run at lower speeds for audio priority. In this cooling mode the fan will stay off or at lower speeds until temperatures rise significantly, at which point fan speeds will begin increase to help recovery from heat buildup. This cooling mode is suggested for hotter offices or more noise sensitive environments.
Restore Factory Defaults
To reset the cooling system to factory default settings press and hold the switch for 5-seconds. Once the switch has been held down for 5-seconds and a system reset has been triggered, the fan will speed up and the system will enter into Auto default cooling mode and the LED will medium pulse. The Fixed cooling mode will also reset to the default 1400 RPM.
 
 
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Compatibility Criteria	Fit and Align	Passive Cool	Active Cool	Internal Cool
Designed for all Macs and PCs	D2P2, D1P2, D	D2P2, D1P2, D	D2P2, D1P2
MacBook Pro 16/15/13" Touch Bar 2016-20	D2P2, D1P2, (D1P), D	D2P2, D1P2, (D1P), D	D2P2, D1P2
MacBook Pro 15/13" Retina 2012-15	D2P2, D1P2, D1P, D	D2P2, D1P2, D1P, D	D2P2, D1P2, D1P	D2P2, D1P2, D1P
MacBook Pro 17/15/13" Unibody 2008-12	D2P2, D1P2, D	D2P2, D1P2, D	D2P2, D1P2	(D2P2, D1P2)
MacBook Air 13" Retina 2018-20	D2P2, D1P2, (D1P), D	D2P2, D1P2, (D1P), D	D2P2, D1P2
MacBook Air 13/11" 2008-17	D2P2, D1P2, D1P, D	D2P2, D1P2, D1P, D	D2P2, D1P2, D1P	D2P2, D1P2, D1P
MacBook 12" Retina 2015-18	D2P2, D1P2, (D1P), D	D2P2, D1P2, (D1P), D	D2P2, D1P2/td>
PC laptops - large/gaming	(D2P2, D1P2, D)	(D2P2, D1P2, D)	(D2P2, D1P2)	(D2P2, D1P2)
PC laptops - medium/standard	(D2P2, D1P2, D1P, D)	(D2P2, D1P2, D1P, D)	(D2P2, D1P2, D1P)	(D2P2, D1P2, D1P)
PC laptops - small/compact	(D2P2, D1P2, D1P, D)	(D2P2, D1P2, D1P, D)	(D2P2, D1P2, D1P)	(D2P2, D1P2, D1P)
iPad and tablets	D2P2, D1P2, (D1P), D	D2P2, D1P2, (D1P), D	D2P2, D1P2, (D1P)

(_) indicates conditional compatibility depending on specific laptop model and/or user setup, see compatibility notes below to learn more.

Laptop Builtin Cooling Systems
Compatibility is based on SVALT’s supplemental cooling system working with and boosting a laptop’s builtin cooling capabilities. To better understand how Apple laptop’s builtin cooling systems work and how SVALT products improve laptop performance, please see our article on Laptops.

D2/D1 Pro II and DCompatibility
The Cooling Dock models D2/D1 Pro II and D are optimized for supporting and cooling current generation Mac laptops, such as the 16-inch MacBook Pro. They are compatible with current and prior generation Mac laptops, as well as most all PC laptops. A steeply angled laptop support shelf and non-slip pad help to create a universal laptop support. A user installed laptop stop pad can be installed to lock a particular laptop in place, and each product ships with three pads for future laptop fit. See compatibility notes below for additional details.

D1 Pro Compatibility
The Cooling Dock original model D1 Pro was designed to drive cooling air through a laptop’s central air intake vent exposed with screen closed in clamshell mode. This configuration allows the laptop processors to be directly cooled and turbo charge the laptop’s performance potential without requiring any laptop modification. The original D1 Pro was designed for optimal performance with the 2012-2015 MacBook Pro and 2008-2017 MacBook Air laptops and select PC laptops with a center intake vent. Apple removed the central intake vent from current generation Mac laptops (2016+ MacBook Pros, 2018+ MacBook Airs, and 2015+ MacBooks), which removed the ability to internally cool processors. The D1 Pro’s leaning support and adjustable retention pad help accommodate a range of laptops. See compatibility notes below for additional details.

 

 All Models Device Compatibility Criteria
The Cooling Dock can work with a wide range of devices. Devices may be compatible if they meet following screen, fit/alignment and cooling criteria.

Screens
Compatible devices can be used with a variety of screen configurations, such as the following:

Laptops operated in closed-screen clamshell mode while connected to an external display and keyboard/mouse.
Laptops with convertible/flip touchscreen, either while in a standalone configuration with touchscreen, or while also connected to a second display and/or keyboard/mouse.
Tablets with touchscreen, either standalone or connected to an additional display.

Fit and Alignment
Compatible devices with a range of thicknesses and shape can fit, based on the following:

All models of the Cooling Dock use a leaning vertical configuration to hold the device in place. The Cooling Docks have been designed for a device to be centered and placed on edge within the padded leaning cradle. While devices can be placed into the cradle off-center to align with a laptop’s off-center vent locations, doing so may compromise stability.
The D2/D1 Pro II and D models include a cradle shelf/foot with a steeper incline angle and uses a super grippy non-slip pad material to hold the laptop in place without the need for a locking pad as with the original D1 Pro model. However, user installed laptop retention pads are included as an optional accessory for the user to install and lock the laptop in place. The model D will accommodate devices that are up to approximately 0.800 inches thick at their bottom tapped edge with the locking pad installed and 1.100 inches without the locking pad. The models D2/D1 Pro II will accommodate devices that are up to approximately 0.670 inches thick at their bottom tapped edge with the locking pad installed, 0.850 inches without the locking pad, and the user has the option to remove an outer layer of vertical padding to increase those figures by 0.063 inches.
The D1 Pro model includes a front pad that adjusts to fit devices that are up to approximately 0.5 inches thick at their bottom tapped edge, and depending on the edge shape can fit devices up to approximately 0.9 inches thick at their thickest section. Larger devices with more rounded and tapered edges usually fit more easily than square edges. Adding a protective or decorative case to your device typically increases overall thickness and alters edge profile. Cases may or may not be compatible, with thinner cases more likely to fit than thicker cases. Note that removing the front adjustable pad allows thicker devices to lean against the cradle’s angled back and rest on the cradle’s lower pad. However, the laptop support shelf/foot on the original D1 Pro model has less of an incline and less material grip than the new D2/D1 Pro II and D models, so the front adjustable pad on the original D1 Pro is used to help hold the laptop in place and removing it may compromise stability.

 Cooling
Compatible devices can benefit from a variety of supplemental cooling configurations, based on the following:

All models of the Cooling Dock include a cooling vent hole in the center of the dock that is meant to align with a central cooling air intake vent located along the bottom/back edge of the laptop’s screen hinge. Laptops that exhaust hot air through a central vent located along the bottom/back edge of the laptop’s screen hinge will result in inefficient cooling that could result in higher laptop temperatures. This is a less common venting layout and cooling system design, but in these cases, the laptop may need to be positioned off-center so that the hot air exhaust vent is moved off of the dock. While devices can be placed into the cradle off-center, doing so may compromise stability.
The D model has been designed to provide passive cooling through a massive 3.3 pound heat sink that pulls heat from the laptop at the location of heat generating processors, along with an air hole and air channel to create passive cooling air currents. The passive cooling system has been designed to work optimally with all modern Mac laptops and to work with most any laptop venting layout and cooling systems.
The D2/D1 Pro II models have been designed to provide passive and active cooling. The passive cooling system uses a 1.8 pound aluminum heat sink located next to laptop processors in order to extract processor heat through the laptop’s aluminum enclosure by radiant heat transfer. The active cooling system uses ten slot vents and one large lower vent to drive cooling airflow against the laptop’s aluminum enclosure at the processor location and send cooling airflow over the rest of the laptop’s bottom surface.
The original D1 Pro model has been designed to drive cooling air from its exhaust vent into a device’s air intake vent centrally located along the bottom edge. The original D1 Pro’s cooling exhaust vent includes a flexible edge that conforms around the device’s edge to fit a greater variety of device shapes and provide an air seal around the device's air intake vent. The vent opening is approximately 3.8 inches wide at it widest point and approximately 0.5 inches tall at its tallest point. To achieve successful vent coupling, the device’s vent should be approximately as long as the original D1 Pro’s exhaust vent, and should not conflict with the device’s exhaust venting. Devices with an intake vent that leads directly to the processors may result in more significant supplemental cooling.

 
 Testing Results
Product performance testing results are coming soon for the new D2 Pro II tested with a 16-inch MacBook Pro.

Update as of Sunday morning September 20, 2020: Testing has resumed after being on hold for two weeks as the result of extreme and hazardous fire and smoke conditions in and around Portland, Oregon, USA. Our testing location uses an interior climate controlled mechanical system that pulls “fresh” air by default, and so had to be shut off during the two weeks of hazardous smoke conditions, which prevented us from maintaining the constant interior temperatures required throughout the duration of the week long testing. The smoke cleared as of Friday night, so testing resumed at 5am Saturday morning and went until 11pm that night, then restarted at 4am this Sunday morning. Testing is expected to continue at that pace until conclusion, which is estimated to be in a few days on Tuesday morning. Test results are expected to be published by end of day Wednesday on this product page and with details under this Testing specifications tab. The first batch of orders is expected to begin shipping out the following day on Thursday.

For a deeper dive into the fundamentals of laptop cooling see Laptop Throttling, and to understand the highly controlled testing we use for all published test results see Testing Guide.
 
 
 
 
 

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