Webcam gets too hot after a couple of minutes

[AdamB1991]

Hi! A couple of days ago I bought a HP 960 4K Streaming Webcam. It is a great product, but my only problem with it is that after using it for around 5 minutes in any resolution, it gets hot,  40-42 Celsius (measured it). It does not get hotter than that, it keeps that temperature and it seems that the camera is functioning normally. 

Is it normal that the webcam gets this hot? I am worried that the internal components might get damaged because of the heat. Thank you for your assistance!

[Raj_05]

Hi @AdamB1991,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.

It's not uncommon for webcams, especially high-resolution models like the HP 960 4K Streaming Webcam, to generate some heat during use. However, a temperature of 40-42°C (104-107.6°F) is on the higher side for prolonged use. While this temperature might not immediately cause damage, consistent operation at elevated temperatures can lead to long-term reliability issues.

Here are a few points to consider.

• Normal Operation: Some heat generation is expected during operation, especially when streaming at high resolutions or frame rates. However, if the heat feels excessive to you, it’s worth monitoring.
• Ventilation: Ensure that the webcam is placed in a well-ventilated area. Avoid blocking any vents or placing it in direct sunlight.
• Usage Duration: If you're using it continuously for long periods, consider taking breaks to let it cool down.
• Firmware/Software Updates: Check for any firmware or software updates for the webcam. HP sometimes release updates that can improve performance or reduce overheating.
• Alternative Usage Settings: Try lowering the resolution or frame rate temporarily to see if that reduces heat generation.

If the temperature remains stable and the camera continues to function properly, it might be normal for your specific unit. Just keep an eye on it!

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4

HP Support 

[AdamB1991]

Dear Alden, thank you for your reply. Is it possible to find out what the normal, minimal and maximum operating temperatures are for this webcam? I could not find anything about it on the webcam's webpage of the official HP website or in the documents in the webcam's box. But I do know that it is listed in the case of many products.

[Raj_05 · Accepted solution]

Hi @AdamB1991,

Thank you for your response, 

It can be concerning when a webcam gets too hot after only a few minutes. However, specific operating temperatures for many consumer webcams, especially built-in or lower-end external models, are often not listed in the documentation. That said, most consumer electronics like webcams are designed to operate comfortably at temperatures between 0°C and 40°C (32°F to 104°F), while some high-end models may specify an upper limit closer to 50°C (122°F).

If the webcam is heating up significantly beyond this range or becoming too hot to touch, there might be an issue with airflow or internal components like the sensor or processor overheating due to insufficient cooling.

To avoid overheating, you can try.

1. Ensuring the webcam is placed in a well-ventilated area.
2. Limiting usage duration to give it time to cool down between sessions.
3. Reducing resolution or frame rate settings, as higher-quality output can cause the device to heat up more quickly. 

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

Alden4

HP Support