Smart Adapter Failure

[YusufArda]

Hi everyone,

I am writing this as a university student who urgently needs help with my laptop. I own an HP OMEN 16 with an Intel i7-13700HX, RTX 4060 (140W), and 16GB RAM.

Recently, I experienced a massive performance drop while playing BeamNG.drive. I am getting stuck at 16 FPS on a system that should easily handle 80+ FPS.

The Symptoms & Error Messages: Upon investigating, I found two critical errors indicating a power delivery issue, even though the original 280W AC adapter is plugged in securely:

1. OMEN Gaming Hub Warning: It displays: "Performance settings are overridden by system default settings while on battery or low-wattage AC adapter." My performance mode is locked, and I cannot change it.

2. HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI (F2 Test): I ran the AC Adapter test, and it FAILED. The error message is: "The Smart Adapter feature failed to return valid data... Please check whether the pin inside of your AC adapter jack is bent or broken."

The Confusion (Why only some games?): What confuses me is that I can still play games like GTA V, It Takes Two, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance without noticeable stutters. However, BeamNG.drive is completely unplayable. It seems the system is throttling the CPU heavily due to the adapter signal failure, crippling physics calculations.

Troubleshooting Steps I Have Taken:

• Checked the physical connection: The adapter is original and plugged into a working wall outlet.

• Performed a Hard Reset (Held power button for 30s with everything unplugged) to discharge static electricity.

• Tried ThrottleStop: I wanted to bypass the throttle, but "Disable Controls" in TPL is checked/grayed out, and I cannot uncheck "BD PROCHOT" (it is locked by the BIOS/EC).

• Visual Inspection: The pin inside the adapter connector seems straight, but the laptop refuses to recognize it as a high-wattage charger.

My Question: Since I am a student on a tight budget, I need to know: Is this definitely a dead AC Adapter (cable/pin issue), or could this be a motherboard/charging port failure? Is there any software workaround (BIOS setting, older driver, etc.) to force the laptop to ignore the "Smart Pin" check and draw full power?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[Jerry_57]

Hi @YusufArda

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

Experiencing a significant performance drop due to a smart adapter failure can be frustrating, especially as a student needing reliable performance from your HP OMEN 16. Here's what you can do to troubleshoot and possibly resolve the issue:

Check Power Connection

1. Verify Connections: Ensure that the AC adapter is firmly connected to both your laptop and the power outlet.
    
2. Inspect the Adapter: Look for any signs of damage on the power adapter or the cable. If damaged, consider replacing it.

Adapter and Battery Diagnosis

1. Use HP Hardware Diagnostics: HP laptops often have built-in diagnostics for hardware issues. Check for tools like HP Support Assistant to run diagnostics on the power adapter.
   HP App – For HP Printers, Laptops, and Tech Accessories | HP® Official Site
   
    
2. Battery Status: Use HP Support Assistant or access BIOS to check the health of your battery and adapter for any issues.

BIOS and Drivers Update

1. Update BIOS: Outdated BIOS might be causing power regulation issues. Ensure your BIOS is updated to the latest version provided for your model. Official HP® Support
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2. Drivers Update: Similarly, make sure all your drivers are up-to-date, especially those related to power management and graphics.

Test with Another Adapter

• If possible, test with another compatible 280W adapter to see if the issue persists. This can help identify if the adapter is the faulty component.

Performance Check

1. Thermal Issues: Make sure thermal throttling is not contributing to performance drops. Clean vents and verify that airflow is not obstructed.
2. Performance Settings: Check your power settings under control panel or HP OMEN Gaming Hub to ensure they are set for high performance.
   
   
   I hope this helps.

Take care and have an amazing day!
 

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Jerry_57

HP Support