How to check performance in a fanless computer

Your fanless computer gets warm, slows down during a long task, or seems less responsive than it used to. With no fan noise to listen for, it can be hard to tell whether it is working as designed or struggling with heat.

Compare its processor score before and after a short load. The Processor Test checks single-core and all-core performance. The Overheating Test applies a full load for a few minutes so you can see whether performance changes as the computer warms up.

Check performance before and after a load

1. Open the Processor Test. Close demanding apps and wait a few minutes so the computer starts from a relatively cool, quiet state.
2. Run the single-core and all-core tests once. Note both scores, whether the computer is plugged in, and whether other work is running. The scores are out of 100.
3. Run the Overheating Test for a few minutes. This puts the processor under load. Stop if the computer becomes unstable, shuts down, or behaves unusually.
4. Run the Processor Test again under the same conditions. Compare the new scores with your first results, then let the computer cool and test once more if you need to check whether the scores recover.

Keep the same browser, charger, and power mode for each run. A score can change because of background work or power settings, not just heat. Avoid comparing your result with a score from a different computer as if it were a universal rating.

What the result means

The scores stay similar after the load

The processor maintained similar performance during this check. That is a useful sign, but it does not prove that every program will run smoothly or that the computer never slows down during longer workloads.

The all-core score falls, then recovers after cooling

Several processor cores working at once create more heat than a short single-core task. A repeatable drop after warming, followed by recovery after cooling, points to heat or power limits reducing performance. That behavior can be normal in a fanless design: it may lower its speed to stay within safe limits.

The score is low from the first run

One low score does not identify a fault. Battery-saving settings, background updates, many open tabs, or a different browser can affect results. Repeat the test after closing other work and check the computer's power mode before drawing a conclusion.

The score falls and stays low after cooling

Persistent low results can come from a background task, a power setting, a software problem, or a hardware issue. A browser test cannot identify the exact cause. Check for ongoing system activity and compare again after a restart.

The test looks normal, but one app still feels slow

The processor may not be the bottleneck. A particular app can be limited by memory, storage, graphics, network access, or its own settings. Try to reproduce the slowdown with that app and note what else is happening at the same time.

How to fix a slowdown

1. Connect the charger and check power mode. On Windows 11, open Settings › System › Power & battery › Power mode and check the selected mode. On a Mac, open System Settings › Battery and check whether Low Power Mode is on, if that option is available. For a fair comparison, keep the power state consistent between tests.
2. Put the computer on a hard, clear surface. Fanless models release heat through their case, so a blanket, cushion, or pile of papers can interfere with cooling. Keep the case and any vents unobstructed, and do not cover the computer while it is under load.
3. Give it time to cool. Close the demanding task and leave the computer idle for 10 to 15 minutes before retesting. A warm case by itself is not proof of a problem, but a score that recovers after cooling helps explain a temporary slowdown.
4. Close work using processor time. On Windows, open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc and look for a task using a large share of the CPU. On a Mac, open Activity Monitor from Applications › Utilities and check the CPU view. Close only apps you recognize and do not need.
5. Restart and retest. A restart can clear a stuck app or background task. After signing back in, wait for startup activity to settle, then run the same test again.
6. Check for a repeatable pattern. If only a particular app slows down, test it separately from the browser benchmark. If the whole computer slows during sustained work, note the task, time until slowdown, charger state, and whether performance returns after cooling. These details are more useful for support than one score alone.

When it may be a hardware problem

Fanless computers can become warm because the case helps dissipate heat. A warm surface or a lower score during a long task does not by itself mean the device is damaged. Be more concerned if it repeatedly shuts down, freezes under ordinary work, or remains unusually slow after cooling and restarting.

If the slowdown continues, back up important files and contact the manufacturer or a repair shop, especially if the computer is still under warranty. Do not open a sealed device just to inspect its cooling system. A browser test can show a performance pattern, but it cannot read the processor's exact temperature, confirm a failed part, or replace a hardware diagnostic.