The Llano V12 Ultra offers robust cooling performance with its 5.5-inch fan system and 360 RGB lighting. TechRadar praised its frosty cooling capabilities, while a YouTube reviewer highlighted the addition of AI modes and software support for monitoring CPU/GPU temps. The pad features a sturdy build with adjustable hinges and multiple connectivity options, though its bulky form factor and premium pricing may deter some users. It's best suited for gamers seeking advanced cooling and customization features.
Full review
Sealed airflow design
The llano V12 Ultra Laptop Cooling Pad distinguishes itself through a sealed airflow system that pushes air through a controlled chamber rather than relying on exposed fans underneath the laptop. This approach avoids the harsh direct fan pressure that many cheaper coolers use, which can interfere with a laptop's internal cooling system. Crafting Worlds noted that this design makes the cooler feel more like an actual cooling solution instead of just a noisy accessory. The sealed chamber spreads airflow more evenly under the laptop, focusing air movement in a way that supports the laptop's existing cooling rather than fighting it. This intentional design is central to why the cooler performs as it does, with the reviewer stating they did not feel like they were pretending it was working.
The sealed airflow system is a key part of how the llano V12 Ultra achieves its cooling results. Unlike typical cooling pads that simply blow air directly into the bottom of a laptop, this model pushes air through a controlled chamber, which distributes it more evenly. This method helps avoid the disruptive air pressure that can interfere with a laptop's internal fans. The pad's design ensures that airflow is directed properly, making it more effective at helping the laptop breathe. This is especially important for users who are concerned about their laptop's internal thermal management and want a cooler that complements rather than competes with the built-in cooling system.
Temperature reduction in gaming
Performance testing with the llano V12 Ultra revealed significant temperature drops during gaming sessions. This 20-degree Celsius reduction is substantial and translates to tangible performance improvements. The cooling pad's AI modes dynamically adjust fan RPM based on real-time CPU and GPU temperatures, optimizing both cooling and noise levels. During gaming, the high AI mode determined 1,800 RPM to be ideal, resulting in a GPU temperature of 52°C compared to 85°C with stock cooling. The software's ability to automatically adjust fan speeds based on system load makes the cooling pad particularly effective for gaming laptops that generate significant heat.
The temperature reduction capabilities of the llano V12 Ultra are particularly impressive during high-load scenarios. CPU temperatures also saw significant improvement, dropping from 79°C to 51°C with the high AI mode. These numbers are especially relevant for users who run demanding applications like video editing, 3D rendering, or intensive gaming sessions. The pad's AI modes intelligently balance performance and noise, with the high mode prioritizing cooling while still maintaining reasonable noise levels. The software's real-time monitoring and automatic adjustment capabilities make it a valuable tool for users who want consistent cooling without manual intervention.
Smart software control
The llano V12 Ultra features comprehensive software control that transforms the cooling pad from a passive device into an active monitoring and adjustment system. The accompanying software provides real-time hardware information including CPU and GPU temperatures, memory usage, and fan speeds. Users can customize fan curves, set preset modes, and adjust RGB lighting directly from their laptop. This level of control is rare among cooling pads and significantly enhances the user experience. The software's AI modes—low, medium, and high—automatically adjust fan speeds based on real-time system metrics, eliminating the guesswork involved in manual adjustment. The system's ability to optimize fan speeds for both cooling efficiency and noise levels makes it particularly appealing for users who want a quiet yet effective cooling solution.
The software integration in the llano V12 Ultra provides users with unprecedented control over their cooling experience. Users can monitor real-time temperatures, adjust fan speeds, and customize lighting effects through a dedicated application. This dynamic adjustment ensures optimal cooling without unnecessary noise during light tasks. The software also allows users to set custom fan curves, giving them fine-grained control over how aggressively the fans respond to temperature changes. This feature is particularly valuable for users who want to tailor the cooling performance to their specific needs and preferences.
RGB lighting and customization
The llano V12 Ultra features a robust 360 RGB lighting system that frames the edges of the cooling pad with customizable LED zones. The lighting system offers multiple modes and color options, allowing users to match the pad's appearance to their existing setup or turn it off completely for professional environments. The RGB lighting is not merely decorative but integrates smoothly into the overall design language of the product. Users can control the lighting effects through the software application, making it easy to customize the visual appearance according to personal preference or ambient lighting conditions. The lighting system's integration with the pad's other features demonstrates the manufacturer's attention to detail in creating a cohesive user experience.
RGB lighting customization is one of the standout features of the llano V12 Ultra, with each LED zone capable of displaying different colors simultaneously. The lighting system offers multiple modes and color options, providing users with extensive customization possibilities. The pad's lighting can be controlled directly from the software application, allowing users to match the appearance to their existing setup or turn it off for professional environments. This level of customization extends beyond simple aesthetics, as the lighting system integrates with the pad's other features to create a unified user experience. The ability to control lighting effects through software makes it easy to adjust the visual appearance according to personal preference or ambient lighting conditions, enhancing the overall appeal of the product.
Ergonomic height adjustment
The llano V12 Ultra incorporates ergonomic features including adjustable height settings that allow users to find the perfect viewing angle for extended use. The pad offers five different height positions, which help reduce neck strain during long work sessions. The adjustable height function is particularly valuable for users who spend extended periods working at their laptop, as it allows them to position the device at a comfortable angle. The fold-out legs lock firmly into place, ensuring stability during use. This feature addresses the ergonomics concerns that many users face when working with laptops for extended periods, making the cooling pad more than just a temperature management solution but also a comfort enhancement.
The ergonomic design of the llano V12 Ultra includes adjustable height settings that provide users with five different positioning options. This feature helps reduce neck strain during long work sessions, making the pad suitable for extended use. The adjustable height function allows users to find the perfect viewing angle for their specific needs, whether they're working at a desk or on a couch. The fold-out legs lock firmly into place, ensuring stability during use and preventing wobbling or unexpected collapse. This attention to ergonomics demonstrates the manufacturer's understanding of user needs beyond simple cooling performance, creating a product that enhances both comfort and productivity during extended laptop use.
Fan performance and noise levels
The cooling pad's fan performance is impressive, with the high AI mode achieving optimal cooling while maintaining reasonable noise levels. The pad operated at 48 dB at the lowest 300 RPM setting, 68 dB at 1,200 RPM, and 74 dB at maximum 2,800 RPM. The AI modes dynamically adjust fan speeds based on system load, ensuring that users don't experience unnecessary noise during light tasks. This intelligent adjustment of fan speeds makes the cooling pad suitable for both quiet environments and demanding usage scenarios. The fan system's ability to balance cooling performance with noise control is one of the pad's strongest selling points.
Fan performance in the llano V12 Ultra is characterized by a maximum RPM of 2,800, which delivers substantial airflow for effective cooling. The pad's noise levels are carefully managed through AI modes that adjust fan speeds based on system load. At minimum RPM (300), the pad operates at 48 dB, which is relatively quiet. At 1,200 RPM, noise increases to 68 dB, and at maximum RPM (2,800), it reaches 74 dB. The AI modes ensure that users don't experience unnecessary noise during light tasks, as the system automatically adjusts to optimal cooling levels. This dynamic adjustment of fan speeds makes the cooling pad suitable for both quiet environments and demanding usage scenarios, providing users with a balance between cooling performance and noise control.
Compatibility and connectivity
The The pad's design accommodates various laptop sizes through adjustable positioning and secure holding mechanisms. The cooling pad includes three USB-A ports and a USB-C port for software input, along with a DC port for power. The USB-C connection enables software control and monitoring, while the USB-A ports provide additional connectivity options for users who need to connect accessories. The pad's compatibility with different laptop sizes and its comprehensive connectivity options make it a versatile solution for various user needs. The inclusion of a dust filter also helps protect laptops from debris, extending the lifespan of the device.
Compatibility with different laptop sizes is one of the llano V12 Ultra's strengths, supporting laptops from 15.6 to 19 inches. The pad's adjustable positioning and secure holding mechanisms accommodate various laptop designs, making it suitable for gaming laptops, ultrabooks, and productivity devices. The cooling pad includes three USB-A ports, a USB-C port for software input, and a DC port for power. The USB-C connection enables software control and monitoring, while the USB-A ports provide additional connectivity options for users who need to connect accessories. The inclusion of a dust filter helps protect laptops from debris, extending the lifespan of the device. This comprehensive connectivity and compatibility make the cooling pad a versatile solution for various user needs.
Strengths
- +Sturdy plastic construction with foam top for secure laptop fit
- +5.5-inch central fan system for effective cooling
- +360 RGB lighting with customizable effects via software
- +Includes USB-A and USB-C ports for device connectivity
- +AI-powered temperature monitoring modes (low, medium, high)
Watch-outs
- −Bulky design may be cumbersome for portability
- −Higher price point compared to standard cooling pads
How it compares
The Llano V12 excels in RGB customization and AI temperature monitoring, features that distinguish it from the more basic Havit or Targus models. However, its bulky design and high price point make it less portable and cost-effective than the Kootek or NK Base, which offer simpler, more affordable solutions for general use.
Rating sources
“The Llano V12 uses six high-speed fans that push serious airflow. My laptop temperatures dropped by 15 to 20 degrees Celsius during gaming sessions. That's not a small improvement, that's game-changing performance.”
“The result is you get a much more optimized gaming experience where you're not manually having to adjust the actual RPM speed based on guesswork. The software does it all for you and you can rely on it to keep your laptop cool without making too much noise at the same time.”
“However, it also offers exceptional chilling, keeping your laptop at a moderate temperature even during heavy workloads.”
Our 4.5 score is the average of the 4 scored reviews above; 1 more reviewed it without printing a score and is not in the average. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
