is my laptop cpu overheating?

[Edra]

i got victus 16 r1209tx with intel i7 14650hx processor, the cpu temp goes up to 100⁰c and staying around there (90-100⁰c) when playing rdr2 while other models or brand with the simillar specs running the game with much cooler cpu temp (70-90⁰c), i've read all over the internet and wacthed many yt vids, many of them said that it is a normal thing for a gaming laptop, but i still kind of aware bcs some of them said although its normal but it could damage the hardware for a long period of time, thats why im concerned bcs im planning to use the device for a long period. so the questions are is it normal? and is it safe for a long periods of time? btw i've tried many ways to reduce the cpu temp from undervolting cpu from omen gaming hub to reduces the power plan setting and none of that really make a diff

[Garp_senchau]

@Edra, Welcome to HP Support Community,

Thank you for posting your query.

I totally get the concern — when your laptop’s hotter than a summer day in the desert 🌞🔥, it's hard not to raise an eyebrow! But don’t worry, I’m here to help break down this ‘scorching’ situation for you. 😎

1. Is it normal for the CPU to reach temperatures around 90-100°C during heavy gaming like RDR2?

• Yes, it’s fairly normal for high-performance laptops, especially with powerful processors like the Intel i7-14650HX, to hit these temperatures under load. Gaming laptops are designed to push performance, and CPU temperatures in the range of 90-100°C can occur during intense workloads like gaming. However, this is typically the upper end of what is considered acceptable.

2. Is it safe for long periods of use?

• While the CPU can handle temperatures up to 100°C, consistent operation at this temperature over long periods might contribute to thermal throttling (where the CPU reduces its speed to avoid overheating) and potential long-term wear. The thermal design of gaming laptops often includes heat management systems like heat pipes, fans, and thermal paste to handle this. But prolonged high temperatures could slightly reduce the lifespan of your components, especially if the thermal management system is not operating at peak efficiency.

3. What can you do to manage temperatures better?

• Ensure that your laptop is well-ventilated. Ensure that the fans and vents aren’t obstructed, and use the laptop on a flat, hard surface.
• Use a cooling pad. This can help keep your laptop cooler by providing additional airflow.
• Update your drivers and BIOS. Sometimes, driver or BIOS updates from HP can help with better thermal management, including fan speed adjustments.
• Clean the cooling system. Dust and debris can clog up the fan and heat sink, reducing cooling efficiency. Periodic cleaning can help maintain optimal performance.
• Use HP's Omen Gaming Hub settings effectively. You’ve already tried undervolting and adjusting power settings but be sure to also check any fan speed profiles in the Omen Gaming Hub to see if increasing fan speed at the cost of noise could help with cooling.

If you’re looking for more solutions to help manage your CPU temperature, here are some additional tips:

Adjust In-Game Graphics Settings:

• Lower Graphics Settings: In demanding games like RDR2, reducing the graphics settings (such as shadows, anti-aliasing, and texture quality) can significantly reduce the load on the CPU, keeping temperatures lower.
• Frame Rate Limiting: Consider enabling frame rate limiting (FPS) within the game. This reduces the load on both the GPU and CPU, potentially keeping temperatures in check.

[Garp_senchau]

External Cooling Solutions:

• Laptop Cooling Pad: As mentioned earlier, a cooling pad can make a noticeable difference by boosting airflow underneath the laptop. Many cooling pads come with multiple fans to keep things cool during long gaming sessions.
• External Fans: Some people also use portable USB-powered fans placed beside or behind the laptop to increase airflow and assist in cooling.

Thermal Paste Reapplication:

• Over time, the thermal paste that sits between your CPU and the heatsink can degrade. Reapplying high-quality thermal paste can improve thermal conductivity and result in lower temperatures.

System Power Settings:

• Battery Saving Mode: While this can reduce overall gaming performance, using the "Battery Saver" or "Balanced" power plan can reduce power consumption and heat output during less demanding tasks. It’s a temporary solution if you're looking for a cooler laptop during long play sessions.
• Custom Power Plan: In Windows, you can create a custom power plan that limits maximum CPU performance to around 80-90%, which can help lower temperatures. It might reduce gaming performance slightly, but it helps with thermal management.

Check for Background Processes:

• Ensure that there are no unnecessary background applications or processes consuming CPU resources. Sometimes, apps running in the background, like web browsers or third-party software, can add extra load on the CPU while gaming, causing unnecessary heat.

Use Windows Performance Monitoring Tools:

• You can monitor the temperature, CPU usage, and other critical factors with Windows' built-in Task Manager or third-party apps like HWMonitor or Core Temp. This can help you identify what’s stressing the CPU the most, and whether any specific apps or processes are the main culprits.

Environmental Factors:

• Make sure the room you’re gaming in isn’t too warm. External temperature can impact how much cooling is needed. It’s ideal to game in a cooler environment to help your laptop manage heat better.

At the end of the day, as long as you're staying on top of your laptop’s cooling game, you’ll be all set! If the heat gets too intense though, don’t hesitate to reach out, and I’ll be here faster than a cooling fan on overdrive. Stay cool! 😎

I hope these steps help resolve the issue

Please feel free to reply here if you have any questions or if you need further clarification on any of the steps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

If this reply nailed it, 🔨 mark it as the "Accepted Solution"—it’s like a spotlight for future problem solvers. ✨ And clicking 'yes' under 'Was this reply helpful?' is the cherry 🍒 on top of the solution sundae. Sharing is caring! 💕

Regards,