Disabling the laptop’s screen also helps to preserve the screen and helps free up system power for the processors to use, which in turn helps to avoid performance throttling induced by a limited power supply when running top-end CPU and GPU processors at maximum speeds. Clamshell workstations disable the laptop’s built-in screen to help optimize graphics performance for driving multiple full-sized and high-resolution external displays. Use the following four workstation components and sequential steps to operate an Apple laptop in closed screen clamshell mode:Ĭonnect one or more external displays or a projector to your laptop. How to Set Up and Operate in Clamshell Mode In addition to cooling, the Cooling Dock product line uses an innovative leaning vertical configuration for increased support stability with a wide variety of laptop sizes, and to make the process of enabling clamshell mode easier by allowing you to open the screen and access the power button while the laptop is connected to cables and safely resting within a padded cradle. The SVALT Cooling Dock product line was developed to address this issue and help professionals regain system temperature stability and sustain peak performance potential when operating in clamshell mode. Adding high-resolution or multiple external monitors further strains the laptop's cooling system before even trying to tackle demanding professional applications. Running a laptop with the screen-closed in clamshell mode reduces the laptop’s built-in cooling systems ability to remove heat, stay cool and avoid performance throttling. Why is Cooling Important in Clamshell Mode Put simply, clamshell mode is an Apple supported configuration that allows you to treat your laptop like a desktop tower, disabling the laptop’s built-in screen, keyboard, trackpad and speakers so that you can help preserve those built-in components while using larger, more powerful and more ergonomic external monitor, keyboard, trackpad/mouse, speakers, and any other accessory you require to create a full featured desktop workstation for your office setup. For anyone who isn’t familiar with clamshell mode and how to operate a laptop in clamshell mode, then fret not - we’ll break down what this means and why it’s useful.

Use external keyboard with laptop