Laptop overheats under gaming load but only while plugged in

[XD90Smash]

The laptop has normal temps of 41c while idle, but second I get in game and plus in the charger for FPS Boost the temps skyrocket to upwards of 88c and 99c and jump between them. I updated everything from drivers to BIOS updates but its just staying at super high temps when plugged in. This problem occurred around 2 weeks ago and I already tried applying new thermal paste. Sometime it will occasionally have normal temps while plugged in but just otherwise overheats completely. 

[NonSequitur777]

@XD90Smash,

Welcome to our HP Community forum!

Thank you for your detailed post.

According to HP’s specs, your Victus Gaming Laptop 15-fa1093dx (7N3S2UA) is built with the following key hardware:

• Motherboard: Part number N49871-601 (includes i5-13420H CPU + RTX 3050 6GB GPU)

• Cooling Assembly: Dual-Cooling Fan unit, HP part number N13304-001

You’ve already done some solid troubleshooting by:

• Updating BIOS and drivers

• Reapplying high-quality thermal paste (e.g., Arctic MX-4)

• Noting that the overheating mainly occurs when plugged in and gaming

These are all key steps. Let’s dig deeper.

---

Next Steps and Suggestions:

1. Clean & Inspect Fans:
   Since you’ve had the laptop open, I assume you used compressed ("canned") air to clean both fans and exhaust vents. It’s also crucial to:

   • Spin each fan by hand to ensure they rotate freely.

   • Check that no wires are interfering with the blades.

   • Listen for unusual noises that could indicate a failing bearing or unbalanced rotor.

2. Replace the Fans If Needed:
   It’s not uncommon for one fan to partially fail -especially under higher voltage when the system is plugged in and performance mode is enabled.

   Here’s a quality replacement fan set for your model on Amazon for $21.99: LANDALANYA replacement fan kit (N13304-001)
   (Double-check your exact fan model before purchasing.)

3. Check Windows Power Mode (when plugged in):

   • Go to Settings > System > Power & Battery > Power Mode and try both Balanced and Best performance.

   • Monitor how temps change under each setting.
     Victus laptops don’t include HP Command Center, but power mode can influence voltage draw and heat.

4. Monitor Background Loads:

   • Open Task Manager > Performance tab

   • Check CPU and GPU usage right after plugging in—any spikes from background apps like Windows Defender, Indexing, or Steam auto-updates?

5. Optional: Fan Curve or Undervolting Tools:
   While HP BIOS-level undervolting isn’t supported, you might explore tools like:

   • ThrottleStop (for CPU undervolt and power limits).

   • HWiNFO64 + Custom fan tuning, if supported.
     Use with care—some HP firmware limits third-party control.

6.  Watch: Cleaning Guide
   Here's a solid teardown tutorial that closely resembles your laptop: YouTube: HP Victus thermal maintenance guide
7. Optional Cooling Pad: I personally never use a laptop without one -especially a gaming laptop.  Here is an Amazon purchase example: https://www.amazon.com/HV-F2056-15-6-17-Laptop-Cooler-Cooling/dp/B00NNMB3KS/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dib=eyJ2....

Kind Regards,

NonSequitur777