Can I change the PCIe bus lane version for my GPU?

[Yeti78]

I used GPU-Z 2.59.0 to learn more about my GPU, an Nvidia Geforce RTX 3070 laptop. GPU-Z shows that the bus interface supports PCIe x16 4.0, but when I perform a rendering test, the maximum speeds I get are 3.0.

I read that I can change the PCIe bus speeds to the max setting in the BIOS, but I can't find where to do it in the BIOS menu. Or am I wrong, and I can't change this setting? Thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide. 

[Raj_05]

Hi @Yeti78,

Welcome to HP Support Community.

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

Changing the PCIe bus lane version for your GPU on a laptop, particularly on an OMEN 15.6 Inch Gaming Laptop PC with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070, can be a bit complex due to limitations in BIOS settings and hardware configurations. Here's a detailed breakdown of your situation and potential solutions.

Understanding PCIe Versions and Lanes

PCIe Versions and Compatibility: PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) has several versions, with PCIe 4.0 being faster than PCIe 3.0. The bus interface (e.g., x16) indicates the number of lanes available for data transfer.

Laptop Limitations: Laptops often have limited BIOS options compared to desktop motherboards. Manufacturers like HP (which makes OMEN laptops) tend to lock down BIOS settings to prevent users from making changes that could impact system stability or performance.

Diagnosing the Issue

Checking with GPU-Z: You correctly used GPU-Z to check the PCIe bus speed. GPU-Z shows the current bus interface speed and the maximum supported speed. If it's showing PCIe 3.0 under load, there could be several reasons for this:

• Motherboard Limitation: The laptop's motherboard may not support PCIe 4.0, even if the GPU does.
• Power Management: Laptops often throttle hardware to save power or manage heat, which could cause the PCIe speed to drop to 3.0.

Rendering Test Results: When you perform a rendering test and see PCIe 3.0 speeds, it could be due to thermal throttling or power-saving features kicking in to reduce strain on the system.

Potential Solutions

Check BIOS for Settings:

• Accessing BIOS: Restart your laptop and enter the BIOS by pressing the appropriate key (usually F2, F10, DEL, or ESC).
• Advanced Settings: Look for advanced settings or options related to PCIe configuration. However, many gaming laptops do not expose these settings.

BIOS Update: Ensure your BIOS is up to date. Sometimes, manufacturers release updates that unlock additional features or improve performance.

• Visit the HP support website for your OMEN model and check for the latest BIOS update.

Nvidia Control Panel:

• Open the Nvidia Control Panel and navigate to the "Manage 3D settings" section. Ensure that the power management mode is set to "Prefer maximum performance."

Driver Updates: Ensure that your GPU drivers are up to date. Download the latest drivers from the Nvidia website.

Power Settings:

• Windows Power Plan: Set your Windows power plan to "High performance." Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options and select "High performance."
• OEM Power Management: Some laptops come with OEM-specific power management software. Ensure it's set to high performance.

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 

[Yeti78]

Hello Alden4,

Thank you for responding. Long story short, I had already done everything you said in your last post before I wrote here. So, if I understand you correctly, does this computer's motherboard, an 88c8, only have PCIe 3 bus interfaces? Is the GPU connected to the CPU via a PCIe 3 x 16 interface? If that is the case, it all makes sense now.

I am confused with the BIOS firmware for this motherboard.   According to Windows Update and checking via device manager. I have the current firmware for this computer's motherboard. When I check on the HP website, I see a newer firmware version, but I am unsure if it pertains to my laptop.

The current software I have is the AMI f.35 version. The newer firmware version is F. 37 Rev. A, with a release date of May 21, 2024. Should I download and install this firmware? The description of the new firmware is also vague. It says the latest firmware will " provide improved security." Huh? I wasn't aware there was a security issue with my CPU and its firmware. By the way, my CPU is an Intel Core i7-10750H. I'm not sure if that matters.

FYI, the BIOS menu for this computer's motherboard does not give you the option to change the bus speed. You did mention it might be hidden. Do you know where I might find that setting in the BIOS menu?

Once again, I appreciate your time and energy. Take care.

[Raj_05]

Hi @Yeti78,

Thank you for your response, 

I'm sending a private message to assist you with the next action.

Please check your Private message icon on the upper right corner of your HP Community profile Next, to your profile Name, you should see a little blue envelope, please click on it or simply click on this link.

I hope this helps! Keep me posted.

Alden4

HP Support