DHCx OPTIONS

Based on New 3rd Generation DHC Design
The DHCx is based on the new 3rd gen DHC design’s deeper and angled cooling fin air channels, thinner laptop coupling plate, thinner laptop thermally conductive materials, and front horizontal channel with curving ends. The DHC model was designed for silent passive airflow or optional active airflow with the use of a separate Fx Cooling Fan accessory, while the new DHCx model has been designed with a built-in cooling fan to provide a more compact and conveniently single item configuration.

Laptop Coupling Interface
The DHCx is available with two different configurations for the laptop’s thermally conductive coupling interface. The “thin overlay” configuration is recommended for most customers as it offers lower impedance and improves heat transfer while protecting the laptop finish. The “bare metal” configuration is offered for customers that want metal-to-metal contact between laptop and heatsink for direct heat transfer. The “bare metal” configuration includes the edge bumper pads to provide edge impact protection but the laptop will directly contact the heatsink’s anodized aluminum coupling plate that extends slightly beyond the pads to achieve proper surface-to-surface contact, and as a result, customers that select the “bare metal” configuration need to take care when placing the laptop on the dock (customers assume full responsibility for the care and condition of their device).

Aluminum Color and Finish
The DHCx’s aluminum heatsink is available in gray, black and silver anodize colors (as shown in the above photo). There are different strategies for color selection, such as selecting the color that matches a laptop or selecting a darker color for improved heat transfer. Each selection strategy is valid and depends on the customer’s priorities. For customers that prioritize performance and select the "bare metal" configuration, then selecting black is recommended to further improve performance.

All colors are finished by hand with a heavy DA-sanding and heavy bead-blasting to produce a more even and consistent surface with a deeply textured matte finish optimized for increased surface area, improved heat transfer to passive/active airflows, and improved radiant heat transfer. The heatsink's coupling plate differs from the rest of the heatsink to produce a flatter and smoother surface finish optimized for improved conductive heat transfer from the laptop. For customers that select the “bare metal” configuration, then the coupling plate surface prioritizes functional performance and may not have a finish that is as cosmetically even as the rest of the heatsink.

Aluminum docks are anodized in weekly batches by model and color, so the listed “est. build lead time” can fluctuate and might differ between colors based on the anodize schedule and based on estimated order build lead time.

Built-in Fan Cooling System
The B16 is recommended for baseline always-on ultra-quiet cooling. The W20 is recommended for more aggressive cooling that can be used in less noise sensitive environments or switched on/off as needed. The R17 falls between the B16 and W20, and is recommended as a good balance between audio and cooling performance. All three B16, R17 and W20 fans can be order bundled together with the R17 pre-installed and the B16 and W20 ready to quickly and easily exchange. The B22 option includes a Noctua NF-A8 PWM chromax.black.swap fan, Noctua NA-FC1 PWM dial viable-speed controller, and Noctua accessories. All of the above fan configurations include front and back black metal fan screen, mounting fasteners, fan 2/3/4-pin fan adapter with on/off switch, 12 volt power supply (fixed for North America and multi-plug for other locations) and hex key for right-to-repair disassembly. There also a DIY option that is the Cooling Dock without the fan cooling system or associated fan accessories so that the user can setup a cooling system as they prefer. See the Specifications section below for additional details.

Future Options
The cooling system’s bolt and snap modular system allows for easy and quick fan exchange through accessories, and the cooling system will work with most any standard 80x80x25mm fan (see specs). We also offer a variety of upgrade options to our customers.