Abnormal Overheating on HP Pavilion x360 14-ek2006ns (Core i7 1355U)

[DiegoPC]

The laptop reaches extremely high temperatures even during basic tasks, such as web browsing (Brave Browser with around 8 tabs open), and with no demanding background processes running (just the usual Windows tasks, antivirus, and a few others).

I have monitored the temperatures using HWMonitor, and the system reaches 97-100 °C (206-212°F) on the P-cores and processor package, even though power consumption is low (around 20 W) and CPU usage doesn't exceed 50%. Additionally, the keyboard gets noticeably hot to the touch, causing discomfort during use. The area between the keyboard and the screen, and between the two hinges, becomes VERY hot to the touch. Furthermore, the fan is almost constantly running at maximum speed.

I’ve propped up the laptop to improve airflow, but it hasn’t helped. The laptop is placed on a desk.
I've set the system to Battery Saver mode (even while plugged in), and limited the CPU load to 90%.
I've updated the BIOS, firmware, and drivers. I've run all of HP’s diagnostics, and they all came back fine. However, the temperatures still seem completely abnormal for basic usage.
The laptop is only 3 months old.

When using the laptop on battery power, the temperatures remain much lower. So, the issue only appears when it's plugged into the power outlet.
I'm concerned there may be a problem with the thermal paste application or a poor contact with the heatsink, although in that case, the issue should occur even when running on battery. Could it be a faulty power supply? Again, this laptop was bought brand new in March.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @DiegoPC,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

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

Thank you for providing such a clear and detailed explanation of the thermal behavior you're experiencing with your HP Pavilion x360 14-ek2000.
 

First, I want to acknowledge your effort — you’ve done an excellent job in performing all the right steps: monitoring temperatures, running diagnostics, updating BIOS and drivers, and testing the system both on battery and AC power. Given your findings, your concern is valid, and I'm here to help.

Recommended Next Steps

1. Switch to a Cooler Power Plan

• Go to Settings > System > Power & Battery > Power Mode.
• Select Best Power Efficiency (even when plugged in).
• Also, try creating a custom plan with Processor Power Management > Maximum Processor State set to 80–90%.

2. Use HP Command Center (if available)

• Open HP Command Center and set the Thermal Profile to Cool or Quiet mode.

3. Clean Air Vents

• Even in a new device, dust or packaging residue can block vents.
• Use compressed air to gently clean the intake/exhaust vents.

4. Run HP Hardware Diagnostics (Thermal Test)

• Restart your laptop and press Esc > F2 to enter HP PC Hardware Diagnostics.
• Run the System Thermal Test.

I hope this helps.

Take care and have a good day.

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, as it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!

VikramTheGreat

HP Support

[DiegoPC]

Thank you for your reply. 
I had already cleaned the air vents with compressed air, so that couldn't/shouldn't be the issue.
I had already dropped the Maximum Processor State down to 80% (it's at 90% with battery). Even with a lower state, it was still far hotter than when running on battery. (Changed it back to 95% now)
I installed HP Command Center and switched between the different options, no change.
I changed the Power Mode to Best Power Efficiency and the temperature dropped to an average of around 65°C, which is better, but still with peaks of 95°C at times.
I changed the Power Mode to Balanced both when plugged in and when using battery, and checked the running temperature. When using battery, it runs at an average of 15°C cooler, even when the Power Modes are the same, and the only difference is a 5% Maximum Processor State, and it certainly doesn't peak to 95-100°C.
Now, with Power Mode in Best Power Efficiency, the overheating symptom is "taken care of", BUT I would suspect the issue is still there, because I've had several laptops in the past 20 odd years and I've never had this problem before, and I never had to use my laptops in Best Power Efficiency to keep the temperature down. It's like running a fever and taking Paracetamol. The fever may be gone, but whatever caused the fever will still be there. What's the point in having a powerful laptop if then one needs to drop its capacities to prevent it from burning? Also, why does the laptop run so much cooler when using battery, even when the Power Mode is the same? (I'm starting to suspect there might be an issue with the AC Power Adapter).
So, while at least now I'm not worried about my laptop frying, I am still quite positive there IS an issue with it, and I would like to know how to fix it or if I should send it to the warranty. Also, is this a known issue in these or similar HP laptops? I've never had laptops where using the keyboard made my hands sweat... Is this a design flaw?
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank you again.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @DiegoPC,

Thank you for getting back. Sorry to hear that you still have trouble.

Please help us with your HP unit serial number or the product number in a private message for further assistance.

Here is the link to find the product Serial number: - Click here

To access your private messages, simply click the private message icon in the upper right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your profile and send a private message to me with the serial number because we value your privacy.

VikramTheGreat

HP Support