Advice about thermal performance laptops

[messy]

Hello,

 

I am starting out in visual projections and effects for live events and I will be running software called Resolume from a laptop (a desktop, mini PC is not viable). 

 

My current laptop is quite old but can manage ok however I may reach a point in the not too distant future where an upgrade is required. Finding a suitable spec is easy however most modern laptops are built to be small and light which is a problem. The laptop is going to be hammering the graphics for potentially 4 hours or more at a time so its MUST be able to efficiently get rid of its heat in a sustainable manner.

 

I don't mind it being a bit heavy, I am fine with it being thick. It needs as big of an exhaust vent as possible and I would like it to be upgrade-able - I don't want RAM etc that's soldered right onto the mobo. Quick and easy access to the SSD and battery is also important.

 

 

Basically I want an old form factor laptop with a modern spec - does anyone know of such a thing?

 

(note - yes im aware of cooling tray things you can get that help, I already have one)

 

Thanks,

[WereCatf]

4 minutes ago, messy said:

Basically I want an old form factor laptop with a modern spec - does anyone know of such a thing?

You didn't say anything about your budget, but Sager offers some heavy-duty laptops with beefy cooling, so take a look at their offerings. I'd buy a Sager myself, if I could afford it. See their homepage at https://www.sagernotebook.com/home.php

[messy]

thanks for the reply. I'm just sniffing around for the future so don't really know what my potential budget will eventually be but It wont be top end. Prob 700-1000. I dont think the spec needs to be brilliant (my current laptop is managing with a 2nd gen i5 with GeForce GT 630m), I think the thermal performance is the most important thing

[Roswell]

Unless you're buying an ultrabook, there's no issue with cooling in most laptops under load. As far as "quick and easy access", that's unfortunately not going to happen unless you go for a gaming notebook. Almost all modern models are not going to have access doors on the bottom. 

[messy]

Under consistent load for 4 or more hours? In my experience its been an issue with laptops with rear vents that got covered by the screen when it was open. 

 

 I discounted gaming laptops because I assumed they would all be too expensive but after searching I think I can get a decent priced one. 

[Roswell]

4 hours ago, messy said:

Under consistent load for 4 or more hours? In my experience its been an issue with laptops with rear vents that got covered by the screen when it was open. 

 

 I discounted gaming laptops because I assumed they would all be too expensive but after searching I think I can get a decent priced one. 

I guess it depends on what you consider cooling issues. Do you mean loud fans or throttling? 

[genexis_x]

Location? Budget? Any preference on battery life?