If you use your PC regularly and make use of a large desktop mousepad, then chances are that you’ve wondered about the safety of putting the computer on top of the pad. Luckily, we’ve done our research and compiled everything you need to know in this guide.
You can put a PC, laptop, or monitor on your mousepad, but it’s not usually recommended. You need to be wary that you don’t cut off the airflow to the device’s air vents, which can cause overheating. The materials in many mousepads are flammable, so an overheating device can be dangerous.
Keep reading to learn more about putting PCs and laptops on top of large desktop mousepads. We’ll discuss when it can become a hazard. As well as what happens if you put a PC monitor or a PC you’re in the process of building on top of a mousepad. Let’s get into the following topics below:
- Should you put a PC on a mousepad?
- Can you put a laptop on a mouse pad?
- Is putting a monitor on a mouse mat bad?
- Should you build a PC on a mouse pad?
- Can having your PC on a desk mat damage it?
Is Putting A PC On A Mousepad Recommended?
One of the main reasons that people don’t want to put a PC on a mousepad (or “desk mat”) is that mousepads are made from rubber, polyester, microfiber, and other materials that can’t withstand high heat. Since PCs are machines that generate a significant amount of heat at times, you have to be wary of placing them on top of mousepads that could get too hot.
For example, microfibers can become flammable if they happen to be made of cellulose or polyester (hydrocarbons). This is not only a fire hazard, but it also poses a health risk to you because these materials can emit toxic gases if they burn.
On the other hand, most rubber desk mats are not highly flammable, so you don’t have to worry so much if your mousepad is made solely of rubber. Rubber mats are also easier to clean and maintain.
Here are some things to know about PC overheating and temperature changes:
- When a PC’s CPU temperature creeps above 158 degrees F, it’s starting to overheat and needs to be cooled down
- When a PC’s CPU temperature ends up above 176 degrees F, it is now overheated and may cause damage if left running at that temperature
Is It Safe To Put My Laptop On A Large Mousepad?
Many people use large mousepads on their PC/laptop desk to create a space for handheld mouse usage. But there’s debate when we ask is it safe to put a laptop on a mousepad?
Luckily, you can safely put your laptop on top of most large mousepads. But if you’re going to do so, you need to make sure the air vents on your computer are not obstructed or covered up in any way so you avoid overheating.
That means that if your air vents are on the bottom of your laptop, which is cut off by contact with the mousepad, you could have a temperature problem. In this case, you should use a laptop stand to allow airflow to your device.
Can I Put A Monitor On A Mousepad?
The same question exists when it comes to using a PC monitor on your desk’s mousepad. A monitor is an essential part of any gaming setup, but is it safe to have a monitor on your mouse pad?
If you put a monitor stand on top of a large mousepad, you are unlikely to have any problems. Your device will be safe on a mousepad or desk mat, so long as no vents are covered and the device is electrically safe. So a monitor stand that allows full airflow to the monitor is fine to be on a mousepad.
However, you will almost certainly end up with a crease or indentation in your mousepad if you leave the monitor there long-term. This impression is hard to avoid, although it’s not likely to result in cracking of the mousepad if it’s made of high-quality, durable materials. To avoid any problems you can get a cheap monitor arm that will give you more desk space, avoid marking your mousepad and allow for proper ventilation.
It’s also worth considering your distance from the monitor. If you are at an ergonomic distance from your monitor, most desk mats aren’t big enough for a monitor stand and keyboard.
Is It Safe to Build A PC On A Desk Mousepad?
We already established that you have to be careful when you put a PC on a mousepad. Generally, it is not safe, nor is it recommended, to build a PC on top of a desk pad. Since the process of building a PC involves electricity and electrical charges, you could potentially hurt yourself or create a fire hazard if your mousepad somehow gets too hot.
When building a PC at home, you need to do so on top of a grounded surface, such as cardboard or wood (even better if your desktop is made of wood). To learn how to safely build a PC, here’s a great guide for beginners.
Does a Gaming PC Need A Mouse Pad?
Finally, you may be left with the lingering question do you need a mousepad for a gaming PC? If you want to avoid the issue of putting a PC on top of a large mousepad altogether, you can. However, when it comes to gaming on your PC, you’re going to run into some inconveniences since the mousepad makes it much easier to navigate different features.
Furthermore, a mouse mat protects the surface of your desk from the repeated and ongoing use of the handheld mouse when gaming with your PC. So a desk mat is very useful, but it is recommended to keep your gaming PC tower off your desk mat to stop overheating affecting the performance of your PC.
