Omen Max 16 fan never ever shuts off! Should I just return laptop?

[tsselling]

I purchased 3 Omen Max 5070 ti laptops. 2 with intel 255HX chips and one with AMD 350.  The fans on these laptops never ever stops. I have set the Fan Always On in the BIOS to Disabled/Off.  I have used every profile ECO, Balanced, Performance, Unleashed both on AC and battery only. The fans will not shut off no matter how cool the laptop is (like 33 C).  This is very annoying as the fans can be heard in a quiet setting when there is no need for the fans to be running. I have already returned one laptop as defective to HP.com for this issue and I am considering returning another one due to this issue. Is this something that is even being looked at? If not, I will just go ahead and return another laptop within 30 day return window.  Please Advise.

[Hawks_Eye]

Hi @tsselling 

Welcome to the HP Support Community! We're here to help you get back up and running.

I’m really sorry this persistent fan behavior is disrupting your experience—especially after trying every thermal profile and BIOS setting. 

You’ve done everything right, and I’ll guide you through a few deeper steps that may help reduce fan activity or confirm whether it’s a firmware-level limitation.

Step-by-step actions to reduce fan noise on Omen Max 16 (Intel 255HX / AMD 350)

 

1. Update BIOS and system firmware

Even if the BIOS setting is visible, it may not be functioning correctly without the latest firmware.

• Visit:
  HP Omen Max 16 Drivers & BIOS
• Enter your exact model and download:
  • BIOS Update
  • System Firmware
  • Embedded Controller (EC) Firmware if listed
• Install each update and restart the laptop.

This may restore proper control over fan thresholds and allow BIOS settings to take effect.

 

2. Reset Embedded Controller

This clears residual power and thermal states that may be keeping fans active.

1. Power off the laptop.
2. Disconnect the power adapter.
3. Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds.
4. Reconnect power and boot normally.

 

3. Use OMEN Gaming Hub with custom fan curve

• Open OMEN Gaming Hub.
• Go to Performance Control > Manual Mode.
• Set a custom fan curve with lower RPM thresholds for idle temperatures (e.g., below 40°C).
• Save and apply the profile.

This gives you direct control over fan behavior and may override BIOS defaults.

 

4. Test with external cooling disabled

If you’re using a cooling pad or elevated base, disconnect it and test the system on a flat surface.

• Some thermal sensors may interpret external airflow as load and trigger fan activity.

 

5. Run HP UEFI diagnostics

This checks for thermal sensor faults or misreporting.

1. Power off the laptop.
2. Power it on and immediately press F2 repeatedly to enter HP Hardware Diagnostics UEFI.
3. Run:
   • System Board Test
   • Thermal Test

If any test fails or hangs, note the error code and let me know.

 

Additional context

According to recent discussions, some Omen Max 16 models—especially those with high-performance CPUs like the Intel 255HX and AMD Ryzen AI 350—may have aggressive fan curves baked into firmware to ensure thermal headroom under all conditions. Even at idle, the system may prioritize cooling over silence, and BIOS settings like “Fan Always On” may not fully override this behavior.

If the fan remains active despite all adjustments and firmware updates, and it disrupts your environment, returning the unit within the window is a valid option. You’ve already shown great care and persistence—if you decide to keep one, I’ll be here to help you fine-tune it further.

If my response helped, please mark it as an Accepted Solution! ✅ It helps others and spreads support. 💙 Also, tapping "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" makes a big difference! Thanks! 😊

Take care, and have an amazing day!

Regards, 

Hawks_Eye