• MODELS
• FEATURES
• CONTENTS
• COOLING
• OPERATION
• SETUP
• COMPATIBILITY
• TESTING

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  Cooling Dock (D)
  The D was designed as the ultimate vertical closed-screen cooling solution for current generation Mac laptops, as well as the industry-leading solution for all Mac and PC laptops with an updated cradle support and passive cooling system (see compatibility tab). The D includes a passive cooling system with air channel and a massive 3.3 pound aluminum heat sink, but that mass has purpose beyond extracting heat as it is also about placing a solid piece of sculpted metal on your desk.
  


  


  

  Cooling Dock Pro (D1 Pro)
  The D1 Pro was designed to be the ultimate cooling solution specifically for prior generation Retina MacBook Pro and pre-Retina MacBook Air laptops (see compatibility tab). The D1 Pro includes a 1.9 pound aluminum heat sink with a fixed speed cooling system for simplicity of operation at a fan speed that balances audio and cooling performance.
  


  


  

  Cooling Dock Pro (D2 Pro)
  The D2 Pro was designed to be the ultimate cooling solution specifically for prior generation Retina MacBook Pro and pre-Retina MacBook Air laptops (see compatibility tab). The D2 Pro includes a 1.9 pound aluminum heat sink with a customizable cooling system that uses an external thermistor to measure the laptop enclosure temperature and automatically adjust fan speed between 0 - 3600 RPM.
  


  

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  Cooling Dock (D)

  
  Cooling Dock Pro (D2 Pro, similar to D1 Pro)
  


  Passive Cooling (D and D1/D2 Pro)

  • (1) Large 3.3 lb (D) or 1.9 lb (D2/D1 Pro) aluminum heat sink for extracting heat from laptop.
  • (2) Air hole channels natural air currents for cooling laptop and heat sink (D).
  • (3) Open space through padding for channeling cool air from air hole and then exhausting hot air above (D).
  • (4) Minimal padding area for more effective transfer of heat from laptop to heat sink.
  • (1) Width set to match laptop vent locations for unimpeded airflow.
  • (1-4) 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 (D1/D2 Pro)

  • (5) 80x80x25mm 12-volt fan for powerful yet quiet cooling.
  • (6) Raised lip edge for creating an air-sealed connection with a compatible laptop’s intake vent.
  • (7) Adjustable front pad presses laptop against raised lip edge for an improved air sealed connection.
  • (5) Fan creates pressurized air chamber for pushing cooling air into a compatible laptop’s vent.
  • (5) Cooling air is driven into a compatible laptop’s vent for direct and immediate processor cooling.
  • (1) Non-restrictive laptop vent airflow so fan can be turned off for silent cooling.
  • (5) Extended rear screen position and guard pattern for increased airflow and reduced noise.
  • (5) External outlet power supply for increased power with reduced internal laptop heat gain.
  • (1-7) 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 (D2 Pro)

  • (8) External sensor for measuring laptop external enclosure temperature and automatically adjusting fan speeds from 900 to 3600 RPM over the course of a workday.
  • (5) Low-temperature auto-off for eco-friendly standby mode.
  • (5) Three auto and two turbo speed cooling modes for more flexible user selection.
  • (5) Fixed speed customizable from 0 to 3600 RPM for more precise user selection.
  • (5) Discrete LED for signaling cooling modes and user inputs.
  • (1-8) Helps improve user control.

  


  


  Workstation (D and D1/D2 Pro)

  • 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 closed-screen clamshell configuration for easy and secure access to power, Touch ID and keyboard while docked.
  • 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 (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.
  • 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 (D1/D2 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 Mac laptops, like Retina MacBook Pro and pre-Retina MacBook Air.*
  • Helps cool and support compatible Mac and PC laptops with screen closed.

  


  


  Quality (D and D1/D2 Pro)

  • Made for Mac with seamless Apple laptop fit and finish.
  • 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 and adhesives for reduced environmental impact (D).
  • Packaging design works for all models for flexibility and 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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  Cooling Dock (D)
  
  Package Contents - D

  • SVALT Cooling Dock model D product.
  • Reusable product box.

  
  Dimensions and Weights - D

  • 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.

  
  

  


  

  Cooling Dock Pro (D1 Pro)
  
  Package Contents - D1 Pro

  • SVALT Cooling Dock Pro model D1 Pro product.
  • Power supply.
  • Hex drive for sliding front pad adjustment.
  • User install pad modifiers.
  • Reusable product box.

  
  Dimensions and Weights - D1 Pro

  • 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.

  
  

  


  
  Cooling Dock Pro (D2 Pro)
  
  Package Contents - D2 Pro

  • SVALT Cooling Dock Pro model D2 Pro product.
  • Power supply.
  • Hex drive for sliding front pad adjustment.
  • User install pad modifiers.
  • Reusable product box.

  
  Dimensions and Weights - D2 Pro

  • 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.

  
  

  

  


  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.

  
  

  


  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 can 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 (D1/D2 Pro) or #10-32 (D) threaded holes that can be used for mounting the dock in a fixed position if desired.

  
  

  


  

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  Cooling Dock (D)
  Cooling System - D
  The D uses a passive cooling system with a massive 3.3 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 D’s 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 D’s center cooling air hole.
  

  


  

  Cooling Dock Pro (D1 Pro)
  Cooling System - D1 Pro
  The D1 and D2 Pro both use a passive and active cooling system. The passive cooling system uses a 1.9 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 a lip edge to create a 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 flush out hot internal air.
  
  The D1 Pro’s active cooling system uses a fixed speed fan 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 blades in either red or white with a long life ball bearing and approximately eight years of continuous operation.
  

  


  
  Cooling Dock Pro (D2 Pro)
  Cooling System - D2 Pro
  The D1 and D2 Pro both use a passive and active cooling system. The passive cooling system uses a 1.9 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 a lip edge to create a 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 flush out hot internal air.
  
  The D2 Pro’s active cooling system uses an external thermistor to measure the laptop enclosure temperature and to automatically adjust fan speed between 0 - 3600 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 can be customized between 900 and 3600 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 45 CFM. The fan has 7 black blades with a long life ball bearing and approximately eight years of continuous operation.
  

  

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  Firmware Version 2.0
  The following operation is for D2 Pros with firmware version 2.0 included with D2 Pros shipped after August 7, 2017. For D2 Pros shipped before August 7, 2017, please go to Firmware v1.0 for firmware version 1.0 operation and for information about upgrading to firmware version 2.0.
  
  


  


  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 900 and 3600 RPM. This helps keep things quiet when supplemental cooling is not required and then increase cooling power 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 it 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 fan speed to 3200 RPM 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 switch 2x the cooling system will enable Turbo and then automatically return to the default Auto cooling mode, or the last user saved cooling mode after 5-min.
  • 3x Turbo + (medium flashing LED) : When you press switch 3x the cooling system will enable Turbo 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 1600 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 900 to 3600 to 900 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 1600 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 stay on at low to moderate speeds, and will increase speeds sooner to help stay ahead of heat buildup. This cooling mode is suggested for cooler offices.
  • 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 or 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.
  • 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 rapidly increase to help recovery from heat buildup. This cooling mode is suggested for hotter offices.

  
  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 1600 RPM.
  
  


  

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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 partially compatible laptops (see compatibility tab), such as the older Unibody generation of MacBook Pros use off-center vent layout, and so should be placed based on the particular laptop’s vent locations.

  
  D1/D2 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 partially compatible laptops (see compatibility tab), such as the older Unibody generation of MacBook Pros use off-center vent layout, and so should be placed based on the particular laptop’s vent locations.
  • 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.
  • Option Step: See the optional User Install Pad Modification Setup section.

  


  


  User Install Pad Modification Setup
  The Cooling Dock models D1 and D2 ship with user install pad modifiers that when installed help to provide additional cooling airflow for laptops that lack a center intake vent along the back screen henge, such as current generation Mac laptops (2016+ MacBook Pro, 2019+ MacBook Air, 2015+ MacBook), and a variety of PCs. If you have one of these laptops, then you can follow the instructions below to install pad modifiers onto your D1 / D2. However, if you instead have a laptop with a center air intake vent, such as prior generation Mac laptops (2008-2015 MacBook Pros, 2006-2018 MacBook Airs) and select PCs, then installation is not recommended as the original unmodified padding system provides optimal cooling airflow. See the Specifications Compatibility tab for additional details.
  
  Installation Steps:

  • Step 1: Remove dust from placement locations shown in diagram, and for optimal adhesion, clean surface with a lint free cloth dampened with small amount of isopropyl alcohol.
  • Step 2: Pull off a pad from sheet, place onto existing pad at location shown in diagram, and then press firmly to create a strong adhesive bond.
  • Step 3: Repeat for remaining three pads.
  • Step 4: Loosen adjustable pad fasteners and move pad to the most forward position.
  • Step 5: Place laptop in cradle with pad modifiers maintaining an open air gap for air to move against the laptop’s metal enclosure.

  


  


  
Laptop Clamshell Setup

  • Step 1: Connect one or more external displays, keyboard, mouse and power supply to the laptop.
  • Step 2: Start the laptop while in clamshell mode. If the laptop is powered off then simply open the laptop screen while keeping it safely and securely on the Cooling Dock. 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.

  
  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).
  • 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.
  • 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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  Compatibility Criteria	Fit and Align	Passive Cool	Internal Cool
  Designed for all Macs and PCs	*D*	*D*
  MacBook Pro 16/15/13" Touch Bar 2016-2020	D / D1/D2	*D* / D1/D2
  MacBook Pro 15/13" Retina 2012-2015	D / D1/D2	*D* / D1/D2	*D1/D2*
  MacBook Pro 17/15/13" Unibody 2008-2012	D / (D1/D2)	*D* / D1/D2	(D1/D2)
  MacBook Air 13" Retina 2018-2020	D / D1/D2	*D* / D1/D2
  MacBook Air 13/11" 2008-2017	D / D1/D2	*D* / D1/D2	*D1/D2*
  MacBook 12" Retina 2015-2018	D / D1/D2	*D* / D1/D2
  PC laptops - large/gaming	(D)	(D)
  PC laptops - medium/standard	(D) / (D1/D2)	(D) / (D1/D2)	(D1/D2)
  PC laptops - small/compact	(D) / (D1/D2)	(D) / (D1/D2)	(D1/D2)
  iPad and tablets	D / D1/D2	*D* / D1/D2

  *_* indicates the SVALT model that provides the best cooling performance for the particular computer model listed.
  (_) indicates conditional compatibility depending on specific 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.
  
  Model D Compatibility
  The SVALT Cooling Dock model D is fully compatible for leaning vertical support and passive cooling with all current generation Mac laptops, all prior generation Mac laptops (except for some 2012 and older Unibody MacBook Pro models that use a center exhaust vent), and most all PCs. The D’s steeply angled laptop support shelf and non-slip pad help to create a universal laptop support. See compatibility notes below for additional details.
  
  Model D1/D2 Pro Compatibility
  The SVALT Cooling Dock Pro models D1 Pro and D2 Pro were 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 D1/D2 Pro was designed for optimal performance with the Retina MacBook Pro and pre-Retina MacBook Air laptops and other prior generation Mac 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 directly cool processors. In addition to the active air cooling, the D1/D2 Pro’s two pound aluminum heat sink and cooling fan can provide passive cooling to all current and prior generation of Mac laptops through the laptop’s outside enclosure. The D1/D2 Pro’s leaning support and adjustable retention pad help accommodate a range of laptops. See compatibility notes below for additional details.
  
  


  


  
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 D model includes 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 D1 and D2 Pro models.
  • The D1/D2 Pro models include 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 D1/D2 Pro models has less of an incline and less material grip than the D model, so the front adjustable pad 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 D model’s 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 D1/D2 Pro models have been designed to drive cooling air from its exhaust vent into a device’s air intake vent centrally located along the bottom edge. D1/D2 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 D1/D2 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.
  • The D1/D2 Pro models can help provide passive cooling to devices without air vents. When used with these kinds of devices, the D1/D2 Pro’s fan driven cooling air can be set to the lowest speed setting to help passively cool the device’s enclosure and indirectly cool internal components. In addition, the D1/D2 Pro’s two pound aluminum cradle can act as a heat sink and help pull excess heat from the device.

  
  

  

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Testing Results
  Processors generate heat when running intensive applications, which can cause throttling and limit performance. In CPU testing the SVALT D2 Pro Cooling Dock helped to reduce heat induced throttling and maintain peak performance with up to 154% higher Turbo Boost speed and up to 21% higher Geekbench Score, while in GPU testing the D2 Pro increased graphic performance with up to 97% higher graphics power and up to 30% faster frames per second.
  
  For a deeper dive into the fundamentals of laptop cooling, see Laptop Throttling.
  


  


  
CPU Test Summary
  The CONTROL test laptop temperatures shot up to over 103 Celsius and were up to 50% hotter than the D2 Pro test temperatures. After 20-minutes the CONTROL started throttling processor power, which lowered temperatures but also lowered Turbo Boost speeds and Geekbench performance. The CONTROL’s throttling increased in severity until reaching peak throttling at 40-minutes and then continued to throttle at that level through the rest of the 90-minute test, while the D2 Pro provided enough supplemental cooling power to maintain cool temperatures, avoid heat induced processor throttling, and maintain maximum performance throughout the 90-minute test.
  


  


  
GPU Test Summary
  The CONTROL test laptop was only able to maintain maximum graphics and FPS performance for a few minutes, while the D2 Pro provided enough supplemental cooling power to sustain FPS performance during the 60-minute test, or maintain lower temperatures even with overclocking.
  

  Testing Details
  SVALT performs testing under controlled conditions to explore and demonstrate peak performance capabilities for photo/video editing, modeling, gaming, data analysis and other high-demand applications. It is very important to understand that the laptop will only show performance improvements under throttling conditions, and that laptop temperature decrease when throttling, as that is the point of throttling, to prevent heat from damaging the processor. That means a laptop using a SVALT Cooling Dock under throttling conditions will not only have the potential for higher performance but also have the potential for higher temperatures. Less throttling means faster and hotter. So if throttling occurs, then temperatures are harder to test and compare. Conversely, if throttling is not occurring, then it is impossible to test or compare performance.
  
  Performance results depend on a number of variables, such as the laptop’s built-in performance capability and cooling system capacity, along with the applied workload intensity, testing duration, and ambient temperature. In general, the more powerful the laptop’s built-in processor, the weaker the laptop’s built-in cooling system, the more demanding the applied application workload intensity, the longer the testing duration, and the higher the ambient temperature, then the greater the potential for throttling, and thus the greater the potential for the SVALT Cooling Dock to reduce throttling and improve performance. For instance, SVALT Cooling Dock tests conducted in 80 F ambient temperatures demonstrate even more significant improvements over the CONTROL.
  
  Fore more details about the test process and methods used for testing, see Testing Guide.
  


  


  CPU Test Details

  • Test Process: Two tests were conducted under controlled conditions, first without the D2 Pro for the CONTROL test and then with the D2 Pro set to Turbo+ 3200 RPM for the SVALT test.
  • Test Workload: 90-minutes of Geekbench 3 Pro Stress Test in 64-bit setting, and then 5-minutes of cool down.
  • Test Laptop: MacBook Air with 11-inch display, 2.0GHz i7 Dual-Core CPU processor, and Mid-2012 release.
  • Test Ambient Temperature: 75 F +/- 1 F.
  • Test Data: CPU temperature, power and performance data was automatically logged during test at .500-millisecond increments. This raw data was converted into 1-minute and 5-minute averages. The test charts present the 5-minute test averages. In addition to the data logging, screenshots were taken at the 5-minute marks to record Geekbench Stress Test scores.
  • Temperature Results: 50% CPU temperature increase for CONTROL during a 1-minute average between 3 and 4-minutes into the test with temperature above baseline 43 Celsius. The CONTROL test measured a 103C 1-minute average - 43C baseline = 60C increase. The SVALT test measured an 83C 1-minute average - 43C baseline = 40C increase. (60-40)/40 = 50% hotter for the CONTROL test.
  • Turbo Boost Results: 154% CPU speed increase for D2 Pro during a 1-minute average between 88 and 89-minutes into the test with Turbo Boost above baseline 2000 MHz (2.0 GHz). The D2 Pro test measured a 3000 MHz 1-minute average - 2000 MHz baseline = 1000 MHz increase. The CONTROL test measured a 2394 MHz 1-minute average - 2000 MHz baseline = 394 MHz increase. (1000-394)/394 = 154% faster for the D2 Pro test.
  • Geekbench Score: 21% Geekbench score increase for SVALT D2 at 45 and 65-minutes into the test with Geekbench Pro 3 Multi-Core in 64-bit mode. The D2 Pro test scored 5489 at 45-minute and 5471 at 65-minute. The CONTROL test scored 4552 at 45-minute and 4538 at 65-minute. (5489-4552)/4552 = 21% higher Geekbench score for the SVALT test at 45-minute. (5471-4538)/4538 = 21% higher Geekbench score for the D2 Pro test at 65-minute.

  


  


  GPU Test Details

  • Test Process: Two tests were conducted under controlled conditions, first without the D2 Pro for the CONTROL test and then with the D2 Pro set to Turbo+ 3200 RPM for the D2 Pro test.
  • Test Workload: 60-minutes of FurMark GPU stress test through Geeks3D GpuTest, followed by FurMark GPU benchmark test, and then 5-minutes of cool down.
  • Test Laptop: MacBook Pro with 15-inch Retina display, 2.6GHz i7 Quad-Core CPU processor, and Late-2013 release.
  • Test Ambient Temperature: 77 F +/- 1 F.
  • Test Data: GPU temperature, power and performance data was automatically logged during test at 2-second increments and 1-minute averages. This raw data was converted into 1-minute and 5-minute averages. The test charts present the 5-minute test averages.
  • Graphic Results: 97% GPU power increase for D2 Pro during a 1-minute average between 53 and 54-minutes into the test with GPU supply power above baseline 3.37 Watts. The SVALT test measured a 38.66 Watt 1-minute average - 3.37 Watt baseline = 35.290 Watt increase. The CONTROL test measured 21.30 Watt 1-minute average - 3.37 Watt baseline = 17.930 Watt increase. (35.290-17.930)/17.930 = 97% more power for the D2 Pro test.
  • FPS Results: 30% FPS increase for D2 Pro with FurMark GPU benchmark test. The D2 Pro had a 35 FPS test average and a 2132 score. The CONTROL had a 27 FPS average and 1654 score. (35-27)/27 = 30% higher FPS for the D2 Pro. (2132-1654)/1654 = 29% higher FurMark score for the D2 Pro

  


  

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see COMPARE page for comparisons between models and typical cooling devices.