@peridoc 

The router will run hot. As long as the router is not enclosed the device will be fine.

@peridoc I noticed that with mine too.... It does have duel cores and this router is one of the more powerful ones in a small case so heat can build up, I went about purchased a small laptop coolers and after a few minutes noticed a huge difference, better safe than sorry 

@peridoc I also feel it runs little hotter than my previous router. Hope it will not effect in the long run. 

@peridoc Mine runs super hot too, especially the bottom part right under the product serial # sticker. Have ordered an aluminium heat sink, hopefully will dessipate the heat quicker without burning my wooden TV console top.

@Jcullers How do you plugin the cooler? is it directed to Ax50's USB port?

@peridoc Mine is super hot too.  I've never had a router running this hot.  I had mine since November 2019.  So far, it's lasting ok, but I'm afraid it will not last long due to the heat.

@peridoc I bought one of these routers on Wednesday and returned it today (Friday) due the heat issue.  I'm not comfortable with it running this hot as I'm thinking it could be a fire hazard.  Obviously a poor design by TP-Link.  They should have installed a fan in the case to keep things cool.  Yes, I could have used a fan of my own to keep it cool, but I shouldn't have to do that with new equipment.

Just my $0.02 worth;

Gord

I disabled the 2.4 radio since I don't use it and the temperatures are way better.

@peridoc I compare the temp of my old vs this AX3000 router

my old router is running about 40°c while this AX3000 runs 65°c 

this could be a big problem

@jvincents 

same here. Mine was running smooth for months but suddenly it is dropping connection. I don't know if it is compensating for us moving to an area with more WiFi interference but it is very hot. I just ordered a laptop cooling pad. We will see if that resolves the heat/connection issues.