Overclocking and heat.

[djrandolfs12]

-Hey guys so i just picked up this little guy, and its quite powerful. I want to see what it can really do so i'm interested in overclocking, however the omen command center tool does not have an option for overclocking? Anyone else have this issue? 

-Additionally, I seem to be generating A LOT of heat from this thing. I think it may be normal but i'm unsure. The CPU is running at about 96 degrees Celsius when playing World of Warcraft (not too graphics intensive). I am running over 200fps at some points and on maxed out ultra settings so maybe that has some to do with it? Just makes me worry if heat will be an issue when i load in Call of Duty Modern Warfare or Destiny 2? It's not giving me issues i would just like to avoid any.

*of course i know overclocking will generate more heat and i dont want to melt my brand new laptop haha*

[Photoray002]

You cannot overclock that laptop (or most any laptop for that matter). It would not be able to handle the heat from overclocking. And since it does not have an unlocked CPU, the command center will not offer the option. There is nothing in the bios that can be altered to change this. HP Bio's are locked down and cannot be manipulated.

Those models do run HOT, its been a controversial topic here on the forum.

Running certain games on Max settings will cause the laptop to work hard and get hot, yes. Don't do things like run the laptop on your bed where the vents can get blocked, etc.

If you are wanting to run cooler, Its possible the unit could do well with a re-paste. But usually the solution is to undervolt the CPU with a tool like XTU or ThrottleStop.

[djrandolfs12]

 I understand that games will make it run hot here and there, but from a game like World of Warcraft I really didn’t expect THAT much heat.

 I guess my next question is do you think more graphics intensive games will be a problem in the future? Or will the simply run at lower FPS but same levels of heat? 

 Like is this level of heat normal and the computer can handle it? If it’s something that’s going to be a problem in the future maybe I should think of returning it for a model that can handle more heat? Getting a brand new laptop running like a furnace for WoW is kind of a turnoff especially if I won’t be able to run anything more graphics intensive.

 As far as a repast goes, are there any tutorials you could point me in the right direction to? And I assume that would void my warranty correct?

[Photoray002]

What program are you using to determine the temps? If you wouldn't mind, could you post a screen shot of those temps?

I can look at it tomorrow.

Repasting could be done yourself but if you're under warranty, It would be best to have HP do it as to not take a chance of breaking something and thus voiding the warranty.

[djrandolfs12]

I’m using the omen command center to monitor temps and usage. It’s odd, processor doesn’t seem to go above 50% really but the temperature is up there, where the gpu is going a lot harder around 70/80% at times and the temperature stays about 50C. I will get a screenshot later today for you.

[Photoray002]

OK thanks and never mind on the screen shot, what you gave will work. Like I pointed out then, you could have HP warranty look at it for re-pasting, you could experiment with XTU or ThrottleStop to undervolt it which will drop CPU temps some, but will drop performance a little also. Or you could just return it before its too late to the store you purchased from for another system.

[Photoray002]

@djrandolfs12  I read your other post about how to using ThrottleStop.

The HP rep you spoke to cannot advise you to use third party software as per their rules. But yes you can use it.

I was advised recently by another Omen user of the DC series that the bios does now have a setting in the bios to reduce the wattage of the CPU.

With the notebook off, press the power button and rapidly tap the ESC key until an options menu opens.

Choose F10 for bios.

In the bios, go to System Configuration and look for the setting for CPU power. Should be below Boot Options.

Drop the wattage down one step below what its currently on. Save and Exit.

Test your machines heat output on a game.

Try dropping the CPU wattage down again one more step if needed.

Test again.

The user claimed he ran at his wattage at 30 and also used ThrottleStop and greatly reduced his temps. It did disable turbo boost, but he felt the reduction did not affect performance very much.

Let me know if you are able to do this. If not, you might need to update the bios.

It should be version F12. If not, here is the update link... sp97146.exe

[djrandolfs12]

@photoray002

So prior to your posting I updated the bios with their update tool, additionally I dropped my wattage using throttlestop by -.125 and my machine has dropped close to 20 degrees Celsius (very happy). I’m curious to ask you though, which feature is the one that affects the turbo boost? I want to make sure it’s enabled? And I guess what can I do to ensure that it is in fact enabled just to confirm? I paid for power and I’d like to make sure it’s being utilized. Thanks 🙂

[Photoray002]

If you undervolted with ThrottleStop, I believe turbo boost will be disabled already. Same with dropping wattage in the bios.

You have to run the CPU at full power to obtain turbo. You can monitor your cpu with various tools but I don't think your performance will take much of a hit with it off. How much will all depend on each individual experience and how much undervolting and what game and settings they use. Only you will be able to monitor your results.

Keep an eye on your fps when gaming and see what its at. I don't think you will have much to worry about.

[djrandolfs12]

So let me ask you this, the update that hp puts out to update bios settings, lowering cpu power, turns off turbo boost? Or that would only turn off turbo boost if I went in manually and adjusted it myself? 

If you’re saying the update lowers cpu power (Not manually adjusting myself), without affecting turbo boost, then I will revert my throttlestop settings in order to gain the ability to turbo boost back and see how my cpu temp responds. I did both of those at the same time but want to keep turbo boost on.