Gaming laptops are known to run hot due to their powerful components packed into a compact space. Here are some effective ways to keep your gaming laptop cool:

1. Elevate the laptop: Use a laptop stand or cooling pad to improve airflow underneath. Even propping up the back with a book can help.

2. Clean the vents: Regularly clean dust from air intake and exhaust vents using compressed air.

3. Update thermal paste: If you're comfortable, reapplying high-quality thermal paste between the CPU/GPU and heatsink can improve heat transfer.

4. Optimize power settings: Use balanced or power saver mode when not gaming to reduce heat generation.

5. Monitor temperatures: Use software like MSI Afterburner to track CPU/GPU temps. If they consistently exceed 90°C (194°F), take action.

6. Undervolt CPU: Advanced users can try undervolting the CPU to reduce heat without sacrificing performance.

7. Ambient temperature: Keep your room cool and ensure the laptop has space around it for airflow.

8. External cooling: For extreme cases, consider an external laptop cooler with additional fans.

9. Limit background processes: Close unnecessary programs to reduce CPU load and heat generation.

10. Cap frame rates: Use software to limit in-game frame rates, reducing GPU load and heat.

Remember, some heat is normal for gaming laptops. If temperatures remain dangerously high despite these measures, consider professional servicing or upgrading to a laptop with better cooling.

Few key things that worked for me:

• Elevate the back of the laptop for better airflow (even a couple books work)
• Limit FPS in games to reduce GPU load
• Repaste CPU/GPU if your laptop is over a year old
• Run on a hard surface, never on bed/couch