MxS-hi Setup

This is the dedicated MxS-hi Cooling Stand product setup page. See the main product setup page for other Mx models and SVALT product setup guides. The page includes the following sections:

• Shipment Unboxing
• Heatsink Position
• Product Assembly
• Product Setup
• Additional Resources

MxS-hi Shipment Unboxing

0. Overview
Use the following step-by-step guide for unpacking, and refer to the unpacking labels placed on packaging materials.


1. Open Shipping Box

• Only open from the top, do not attempt to open the box from the bottom. The top of the box includes the shipping label, while the bottom of the box has printed box manufacturer details.
  
  
• The box is sealed with recyclable reinforced paper packing tape. Cut along the two top edges and then down the middle. A packing slip is placed on the top of the interior packing.
  
  

2. Remove Top Layer

• Pull up on both of the labeled paper tape tabs to remove the top protective layer of hex cardboard.
  
  

3. Remove Items

• Use the finger hole cutout in the top of the cardboard to open the lid and remove the accessories box and expansion packing paper from both sides of the heatsink.
  
  
• Find the Support Tool hex key/drive in the accessory boxes.
  
  
• Find the empty Packaging Hardware envelope in the accessory boxes.
  
  

4. Remove Heatsink

• Grip the heatsink on the two open sides, and pull up to remove the heatsink and attached cardboard packing supports.
  
  
• Note: Try to limit contact with the heatsink's top laptop coupling plate.
  
  

5. Remove Middle Layer

• Pull up on both of the labeled paper tape tabs to remove the middle protective layer of hex cardboard.
  
  

6. Remove Supports

• Pull up on both of the labeled paper tape tabs to remove the supports and attached cardboard packing sheets.
  
  

7. Remove Cardboard From Heatsink

• Use the Support Tool hex key/drive to remove fasteners and washers attaching the folded cardboard supports to heatsink.
  
  
• Place heatsink on side with cardboard panels folded flat.
  
  
• Remove fasteners and washers, and then place inside envelop labeled Packaging Hardware.
  
  
• Remove cardboard support.
  
  
• Flip heatsink to other side and repeat.
  
  
• Note: Try to limit contact with the heatsink's top laptop coupling plate.
  
  

8. Remove Cardboard From Supports

• Place cardboard support assembly with fastener nuts facing up.
  
  
• Remove nuts and washers, and then place inside Packaging Hardware envelop.
  
  
• Remove top layer of cardboard.
  
  
• Remove supports.
  
  
• Repeat as needed for additional layers of cardboard and supports.
  
  
• Remove fasteners and washers, and then place inside Packaging Hardware envelop.
  
  

9. Store Packaging

• Please retain Mx packaging for product / component storage and transport.
  
  
• Please retain accessories and tools for product / component servicing and upgrades.
  
  
• Place the two layers of hex cardboard into box with tabs folded over and facing up.
  
  
• Place the two support cardboard sheets into box with the bottom layer's tabs folded over the top layer and facing up.
  
  
• Place the two heatsink cardboard sheets into the box folded flat.
  
  
• Place expansion packing paper into box.
  
  
• Place Packaging Hardware envelop into the accessory box.
  
  

10. Recycle Packaging

• Please recycle the packaging if you no longer wish to keep it for storage and transport.
  
  
• Note: The Mx product line uses a Sustainable Modular Packaging System. The packaging system is made of cardboard and paper, which is easily recyclable. Even the packing tape is made of paper and is recyclable. A single cardboard box serves as both the shipping box and product box to reduce environmental impact.
  
  

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Heatsink Position

MxS-hi position 1 for 2021+ 16-inch MacBook Pro

MxS-hi position 3 for 2021+ 14-inch MacBook Pro

Stand supports have four different heatsink positions to fit a variety of laptop models and sizes. Use the following to determine the recommended heatsink position for your laptop model. Position 1 is located furthest back on the supports (back of supports and laptop), while position 4 is located closest forward on the supports (front of supports and laptop). Note that you can also see the Mx in the recommended position with your laptop model on the Laptops page.

Apple MacBook Pro

• 2021+ 16-inch: position 1.
• 2021+ 14-inch: position 3.
• 2019-20 16-inch Touch Bar: position 2.
• 2016-19 15-inch Touch Bar: position 3.
• 2016-23 13-inch Touch Bar: position 4.
• 2012-18 15-inch Retina: position 2.
• 2012-17 13-inch Retina: position 4.

Apple MacBook Air

• 2023+ 15-inch: position 2.
• 2010-22+ 13-inch: position 4.

Apple MacBook

• 2015-18 12-inch Retina: position 4.

Other Devices

• Overview: The Mx is a fully modular system built around the core heatsink component. The top of heatsink has an extra large coupling plate for direct metal-to-metal coupling with a device’s metal enclosure/chassis to thermally conduct heat from the device and into the heatsink. For other devices compatibility with the Mx modular heatsink cooling system, all of the following compatibility criteria must be met.
  
  
• Metal Coupling: For proper heatsink coupling and maximum thermally conductive heat transfer, the back/bottom of the device should have a metal enclosure/chassis and should not have a protective cover/case installed over or on top of the metal surface.
  
  
• Flat Coupling: For proper heatsink coupling and maximum thermally conductive heat transfer, the back/bottom of the device should have a flat metal surface free of pads, bumps and protrusions within the heatsink’s coupling area.
  
  
• Coupling Area: For proper heatsink coupling and maximum thermally conductive heat transfer, the back/bottom of the device should have flat metal surface that is at least 6.750 inches front-to-back and 5.950 inches side-to-side. A smaller area can work with a device that is smaller than the heatsink and meets other compatibility criteria.
  
  
• Air Vents: If the device has a built-in air cooling system, then the device’s vent locations and their direction of airflow needs to be considered, such as the following: 1) The device’s vents should not be covered by the heatsink’s coupling area. 2) The device’s hot exhaust vents should not blow directly onto the heatsink.
  
  
• Fit w/ Dock Supports: The Dock Supports position the heatsink above the device’s bottom edge by approximately 0.430 inches.
  
  
• Fit w/ Stand Supports: The High/Low Stand Supports have four heatsink mounting options, and position the heatsink from the device’s front edge by approximately 2.700 inches for position 1, 2.150 inches for position 2, 1.600 inches for position 3, and 1.050 inches for position 4.
  
  

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MxS-hi Product Assembly

0. Overview
Use the following step-by-step guide for assembling the MxS-hi Cooling Stand, and refer to the labels placed on tools and accessories.


1. Install Leveling Feet

• Products shipped after March 28th have the adjustable height feet pre-installed into supports.
  
  
• For products shipped before March 28th, find the Leveling Feet labeled envelope within the accessory boxes, and remove the two adjustable height feet with pads and matching anodize.
  
  
• Thread feet into supports so that fastener is fully threaded into hole. Take care not to cross-threading fastener.
  
  

2. Install Cable Straps

• This is an optional accessory and product assembly step. If you do not want to use the cable management system to hold and hide cables, then skip this step.
  
  
• Find the Cable Straps labeled envelope within the accessory boxes, and remove contents. (3) sets are included, (2) for attaching to both sides of the aluminum supports, and (1) as a spare.
  
  
• Select a hole for the cable strap that will not be used to mount the heatsink per your laptop model (see the Heatsink Position section above).
  
  
• Insert fastener through countersunk hole on the backside of the aluminum support.
  
  
• Place strap and washer over fastener, then thread nut onto fastener.
  
  
• Note: Only use #10-32 flat head fasteners in support’s countersunk holes.
  
  

3. Install Supports

• Find the Support Fasteners labeled envelope within the accessory boxes, and remove fasteners. (9) fasteners are included, (8) for attaching aluminum side supports to heatsink, and (1) as a spare.
  
  
• Place support on heatsink side pads. For heatsink configurations with 140mm fans, consider the fan cable/connector location and that it should be located towards the back of the high stand supports. Note that the aluminum supports have identical sides so either support can be placed on the left or right side.
  
  
• Place support on heatsink side pads. Note that the aluminum supports have identical sides so either support can be placed on the left or right side.
  
  
• Align heatsink holes with the support holes to be used per your laptop model (see the Heatsink Position section above).
  
  
• While resting one hand on support to stabilize it, thread one fastener into heatsink, but do not tighten.
  
  
• Thread the other three fasteners, and then evenly tighten all four fasteners.
  
  
• Flip heatsink and repeat with other support.
  
  
• Note: Do not over tighten fasteners. Use the ball-end of the tool for assembly. Take care if using the other short end of the tool as the longer lever arm can lead to over tightening.
  
  
• Note: Only use #10-32 flat head fasteners in support’s countersunk holes.
  
  

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MxS-hi Product Setup

Use the following step-by-step guide for setting up the MxS-hi Cooling Stand, and refer to the labels placed on tools and accessories. Note that proper product setup has a significant impact on cooling performance.

1. Place Product

• Place product so that there is open space on all sides, ideally 12 inches minimum on all sides. Note that placing the back of the product up against a wall or other solid barrier can dramatically decrease cooling performance.
  
  
• Place product so that it avoids exposure to direct sunlight as it can dramatically decrease cooling performance.
  
  
• Note: Product placement and workstation setup has a significant impact on cooling performance. See the separate Workstation Setup page to learn more.
  
  

2. Level Product

• Once the product is positioned, the use the two adjustable height feet to level the Mx.
  
  
• Turn one or both of the feet by using the feet’s side edge knurling. This will adjust the feet height and level the Mx.
  
  

3. Fan System

• This is a product setup step for Mx configurations that include a 140mm fan cooling system, or for Mx customers that wish to do their own DIY setup.
  
  
• Fans: The 140mm fan and fan hardware ship bolted onto the heatsink.
  
  
• Accessories: Find the fan accessories in the accessory boxes, and remove contents: (1) on/off switch power cable adapter, (1) power supply, and (1) fan hex key tool. Adjustable-speed systems also include: (1) Noctua speed-controller, (2) Noctua extension cables, along with additional Noctua speed-controller cables and adapters that are not used for SVALT systems but are included for optional customer DIY setups.
  
  
• Placement: Confirm that supports were installed correctly so that fan cable/connector is in place. If this step of support installation was missed, then use the fan hex key tool to rotate fan and cable/connector.
  
  
• Setup: Connect the on/off switch adapter’s 3/4-pin connector to the fan’s 3-pin or 4-pin connector, and then connect the adapter’s other end 2.1mm power connector to the power supply. Insert the power adapter’s wall plug into a compatible power receptacle. For adjustable-speed systems, connect the Noctua speed-controller between the fan and on/off switch adapter, and use the Noctua extension cables as needed.
  
  
• Operation: Toggle the power switch to turn the fan on and off. For adjustable-speed systems, dial-in a fan speed between zero and maximum RPM.
  
  
• Optional: Plug the power supply into a user provided control strip to quickly power on and off an entire workstation, or plug the power supply into a user provided smart home / Apple HomeKit accessory to wirelessly control on/off operation or set an on/off operation schedule.
  
  
• Specs: Power Supply 12V DC 0.4A 5W max 2.1mm ID x 5.5mm OD plug. Switch Adapter 12V DC 1A max. Fan 12V DC 3 or 4-pin connector.
  
  
• Caution: Operating fan without finger guards installed can cause injury.
  
  
• Caution: Disconnect power before assembly/disassembly.
  
  
• Caution: Only SVALT provided parts should be used with fan systems. Customers that supply their own fan cooling system or parts for the system take full responsibility for the system that they add or that they modify.
  
  

4. Prepare Surfaces

• Use the included cleaning cloth to remove any dust / debris from the heatsink’s top coupling plate surface and from the area of the laptop that will contact the heatsink. This improves heatsink coupling and reduces the potential for a hard object to become caught in-between the two surfaces.
  
  
• Note: The heatsink’s top coupling surface has been precisely machined with a high degree of flatness and smoothness, and has then been hand finished for an even smoother surface finish. The coupling plate’s edges and corners have been rounded with an extra large radius to remove sharp edges and aide with setting up metal-to-metal coupling.
  
  
• Note: Covers and stickers placed on the bottom / back of the laptop’s metal enclosure will reduce heat transfer and largely prevent thermally conducive coupling. Removing these barriers is recommended for use with the heatsink. While not recommended, some customers may choose to remove non-conductive materials from the interior of the laptop’s bottom enclosure, and may take additional steps to add thermally conductive pads.
  
  

5. Place Laptop

• Place the laptop onto the heatsink with the front edge of the laptop resting against the supports two forward padded laptop tabs.
  
  
• Center the laptop side-to-side on the heatsink by using laptop reference points. From the front, center the laptop by positioning it between the support’s two padded tabs. Alternately, from the back, center the laptop by aligning the laptop’s two center bottom panel fasteners with the heatsink’s corner cutouts.
  
  
• Once the laptop is centered, then make sure the laptop is sitting flat on top of the heatsink’s top coupling plate.
  
  
• Look from the side of the laptop and Mx to see if the laptop is flat against the heatsink’s coupling surface from front-to-back. Adjust the laptop positioning as required to achieve flat coupling.
  
  
• Look from the front or back of the laptop and Mx to see if the laptop is flat against the heatsink’s coupling surface from side-to-side. Adjust the laptop positioning as required to achieve flat coupling.
  
  
• Note: Take extra care in centering the laptop from side-to-side on the heatsink to achieve optimal cooling performance. The Mx heatsink’s massive size with it’s width, heatsink corner cutouts and heatsink 140mm bolt-on fan placement have been precisely designed to match the vent spacing of the 2021+ MacBook Pro as well as prior 2016+ Touch Bar MacBook Pros and 2012+ Retina MacBook Pros.
  
  
• Note: Take extra care in establishing contact across the heatsink’s coupling surface to achieve optimal cooling performance. The Mx’s massive heatsink has been designed to fully contact laptop’s with flat bottom enclosures, such as the current generation of 2021+ MacBook Pro and 2022+ MacBook Air laptops. Other laptops with more rounded or curved edges along the bottom enclosure will contact heatsink further from the edge. The recommended heatsink position on the supports takes the laptop model’s edge curved into consideration, and positions the heatsink further back than with flat bottom laptop models. This helps to optimize heatsink performance for these less flat bottom laptop models.
  
  
• Note: Only use compatible laptops per the Heatsink Position section above.
  
  

6. Connect Cables and Straps

• This is an optional accessory and product setup step. If you do not want to use the cable management system to hold and hide cables, then skip this step.
  
  
• Once the laptop is in place on the Mx, then connect cables to the laptop.
  
  
• Wrap the straps around the cable bundle.
  
  
• Once cables have been arranged and setup as desired, then the straps can be trimmed to length as needed to fit cable bundle.
  
  

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MxS-hi Additional Resources

Use the following for additional setup and user guide resources.

• See Workstation Setup page to learn about setting up your workstation and laptop for optimum performance and productivity.
  
  
• See Clamshell Setup page to learn about setting up and operating in clamshell mode.
  
  
• See Upgrades page to learn about available upgrades.
  
  
• See Mx Components page for Mx modular components and accessories.
  
  
• See MxS-hi Cooling Stand product page for features and specifications.
  
  

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