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What is Thermal Throttling? Why Your Laptop Slows Down When Hot
Thermal throttling is when your laptop’s CPU or GPU automatically slows itself down to prevent overheating damage. The result: your laptop feels fast at first, then becomes noticeably sluggish after 10–15 minutes of demanding use.
How It Works
When the chip temperature approaches its maximum safe threshold — typically 90–105°C depending on the processor — the chip automatically reduces its clock speed to generate less heat. In Singapore’s year-round heat and humidity, laptops are particularly prone to throttling because ambient temperatures give the cooling system less headroom.
Signs Your Laptop is Throttling
- Laptop runs fine for 10–15 minutes, then becomes very slow
- Fan spinning at maximum speed constantly
- Frame rates drop suddenly during gaming
- Video rendering or exports slow down partway through
- CPU/GPU clock speeds drop significantly under load
Common Causes & Fixes
| Cause | Fix | Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|---|
| Dried thermal paste | Repaste with quality compound | $50–$100 |
| Clogged heatsink/fan | Deep cleaning of fan and heatsink fins | $50–$80 |
| Failing fan | Fan replacement | $80–$150 |
| High ambient temperature | Use in air-conditioned room or with cooling pad | $20–$60 |
📖 Deep dive: What Does Thermal Throttling Mean and How Does It Affect Your Laptop? → — includes safe temperature ranges, full causes & fixes table, and long-term effects.
Related Glossary Terms
What is Thermal Paste? →
What is a CPU? →
What is a GPU? →
SSD vs HDD Guide →