CPU clock frequency down to0.4ghz

[nkhr221]

Hello there, 

My Laptop Specs:

CPU: Intel core I7 13700H

Ram: 32Gb 

GPU RTX 4060 Laptop

My laptop is experiencing a CPU clock frequency issue that has never happened before. The CPU gets hot under heavy load and locks its frequency at 0.4 GHz (I assume to bring the temperature down). For example, running Cinebench (multi-threaded CPU test) drags the frequency right down.

I've tried different approach to resolve this issue, but none of these below have helped.

1. Cleaned laptop fan and vent, as well as repasting CPU thermal paste

2. Updated BIOS to latest available (F.26 Rev.A)

3. Updated System Firmware to 15.22.0.0

4. Uninstalled unnecessary software. 

5. Confirmed power management in windows to either Balanced or High performance 

6. Confirmed my AC Adapter is HP OEM. 

7. Ran HP Hardware Diagnostic test, and confirmed no issue has been found except Fan thermal test. It says "CPU is too hot to run the test. Please make sure to cool down CPU to rerun the test. "

Please let me know if there is solution for this. 

[Mr_RadhaTech]

Using HWiNFO, confirm and let me know what the CPU temperature is when the clock speed drops. Also, did you clean the air vents? What thermal paste did you use?

[nkhr221]

Thanks for reply. 

Cpu temp hit 100 when the clock speed temperature, and CPU throttle is due to the heat. 

I cleaned fan and air vent, as well as tried pasting both Arctic MX4 and PTM7950.

[Mr_RadhaTech]

Check below video link I provided and confirm that you clean fans and air vents in same way:

https://youtu.be/uB39PPoHBpo?si=mvfKe0Vn24jX-8pR

(Model which is shown in the video is not your, but process is same so don't worry about that)

If you cleaned from outside then issue can remains. Also did you replace old thermal pads/putty with new one? And applied PTM7950 properly by taking YouTube guidance or similar guide?

[nkhr221]

I just repasted and cleaned the fans and vents. I am still experiencing the CPU frequency drops. 

[Mr_RadhaTech]

Okay, and this putty on vram? What you used in GPU/CPU?

[nkhr221]

Yes they are putty. I used PTM 7950 again.

Not sure what else I can do to approach this.    

[Mr_RadhaTech]

As a last try. Follow the guide below for best results.  It’s super easy if you’ve done it before, you should know. but that’s your decision to make. If you need to accept the risk and are confident you can do it, go ahead. 

Here are steps to do it properly:

Cleaning and repasting the CPU and GPU with PTM7950 can effectively improving heat transfer and airflow.

I’ll explain this only in short. Before opening your laptop, do your own research on what tools and materials are required and what important precautions need to be taken. Watch disassembly YouTube for your laptop (or a similar HP model) to understand the process. Prepare all necessary items in advance, such as basic tools, PTM7950, thermal putty (to replace worn thermal pads/putty on VRMs if needed), Cleaning supplies, etc. Again, Do your own research and proceed carefully and at your own risk.

Once opened, disconnect the battery, remove the heatsink assembly, and clean the fans and air vents from both the inside and outside. I don’t have an official video for this exact model, but the video linked below shows what needs to be done. Your heatsink design may differ, but the process is the same: detach it, open it, and clean the fans and vents as demonstrated.

https://youtu.be/uB39PPoHBpo

After cleaning, reassemble the heatsink. If the original thermal pads or putty on VRMs are worn or dry, apply new good quality thermal putty first like Thermal Grizzly TG Putty, UPSIREN UX PRO Ultra, Upsiren U6 Pro, etc in place of old thermal pads, or putty.. Then apply PTM7950 on the CPU and GPU (or thermal paste if you not using PTM7950). Use the video guide linked below, follow the thermal putty section if required, otherwise skip ahead and follow the PTM7950 application method.

https://youtu.be/0sOON88Oq_w

After completing, apply heatsink carefully, connect battery cable and attach back panel of your laptop.

[nkhr221]

This is the same video as the one you sent in previous thread. I've re-cleaned and re-pasted after your post, and still experiencing the same result. 

[Mr_RadhaTech]

I see. Then I might be out of ideas. Did you check if both fans are working properly?