Can I game with my laptop closed? (Asus G16, RTX 4070)

I’ve been using my Asus G16 with a 4070 for three weeks now, and I love it. My desk space is pretty small, though, so I was wondering: will it damage the screen if I play with the lid closed? The area above the keyboard gets really hot when the screen is open, so I’m worried about heat buildup when it’s closed. Any tips or recommendations?

I wouldn’t recommend it. Gaming generates a lot of heat, and laptops are designed to have the screen open for proper ventilation. Keeping it closed can trap heat, which might damage the screen and even internal components. For low-load tasks, it might be okay, but for gaming, always leave it open.

Get a laptop stand and leave the screen open under your monitor to create a stacked setup. It’ll improve airflow, and you’ll still have space for your keyboard and mouse. A USB hub or docking station can help manage cables, too.

@Darcy
You might also consider a monitor arm or riser for even better ergonomics.

I have the same laptop, and I’d never play with the lid closed. The top area near the keyboard is critical for cooling, and it gets very hot. If you close the lid, the screen could be damaged in just a few weeks.

You can use the secondary monitor only mode (Win + P) to turn off the laptop screen, but I’d still keep it open for better airflow. I’ve seen laptops warp after being used closed for extended periods.

Just leave it slightly open to avoid heat buildup.

You can, but you really shouldn’t.

Zander said:
You can, but you really shouldn’t.

Why not? Is it because of heating?

Frost said:

Zander said:
You can, but you really shouldn’t.

Why not? Is it because of heating?

Exactly. The heat dissipation is much worse when the laptop is closed.

For most laptops, it’s fine, but not for the Zephyrus. Get a stand and use it as a secondary monitor or keep it open on a stand.

Wouldn’t recommend it. The area above the keyboard gets really hot, and it could damage the screen over time if you keep the lid closed.

I made the same mistake with a previous laptop and couldn’t figure out why it kept overheating and shutting down. With the G16, the screen will definitely get damaged if you keep the lid closed during gaming.

If it’s an older project laptop, removing the screen might work, but for a new one like yours, get a stand and leave it open. Also, cool controller! What brand is it?

I’ve been using a similar setup for years. Get a cooling pad or stand, and leave the screen slightly open during gaming sessions to avoid heat damage.

Check your temps with something like CoreTemp. If the difference between open and closed isn’t huge, you might be okay, but I’d still recommend keeping it open.

Get a portable laptop stand, leave the screen slightly open, and place the stand under your monitor. Gaming with a closed lid will shorten your laptop’s lifespan due to overheating.

Check forums dedicated to the G16 or G14 for detailed advice. Short answer: you can game like that, but it’s not recommended.

Not a great idea. It’ll make exhaust airflow more difficult.

Sure, if you want to destroy your screen and components. Leave the lid open!