Chip fan running at high speed while low CPU load

[VietLaptop]

Chip fan is running at high speed while CPU load is low. I have checked
- the load via <Resource Monitor>

- the temperatures via <Open hardware monitor>

- the processes via <Task manager>

- controlled the fan speed with <Speed fan>
I have tried in vain all the mentioned possibilities recommended by HP.

Often the chip fan started running fast when the Internet is connected, but kept running speedy. Sometimes it slowed down again. I had the impression it is controlled remotely by external software.
Could someone gives me by chance a solution to the problem?
Thanks in advance.

[Max3Aj]

@VietLaptop, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

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

It sounds like you've done a thorough investigation into the issue. Since you've noticed that the chip fan starts running fast when the internet is connected, a few possible causes come to mind:

Possible Causes & Solutions

1. Background Network Activity (Malware or Remote Control)

If you suspect that the fan behavior is being triggered remotely, malware could be a factor. Try the following:

• Check for hidden network activity: Open Resource Monitor (Win + R → resmon → Network tab) and check if there’s unusual internet usage from unknown processes.
• Scan for malware: Use Malwarebytes or Windows Defender Offline Scan to check for threats.
• Check Task Scheduler & Startup Programs: Look for unknown or suspicious programs that might be running on startup.

2. BIOS or EC (Embedded Controller) Issue

Sometimes, firmware bugs cause fan control issues.

• Update your BIOS: Check HP support site for a BIOS update for your laptop.
• Reset BIOS Settings: Enter BIOS (F10 at startup) and reset it to default settings.

3. Windows Power Management & Fan Control

• Check Power Plan Settings:
  • Go to Control Panel > Power Options > Change Plan Settings > Advanced Power Settings.
  • Under Processor Power Management, set Minimum Processor State to 5% (or lower if possible).
• Disable HP CoolSense (if installed): Some HP laptops come with CoolSense, which may cause erratic fan behavior.

4. Network Drivers & Background Services

• Update/Reinstall Network Drivers: Go to Device Manager > Network Adapters, right-click your Wi-Fi and Ethernet adapters, and update or reinstall the drivers.
• Disable Windows Connected Standby (If Applicable):
  • Open Regedit (Win + R → regedit).
  • Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power\CsEnabled.
  • If the value is 1, change it to 0 and restart.

5. Hardware Issue (Fan Sensor or Thermal Paste)

• Check Fan Sensor Readings: If the fan sensor is faulty, the system may falsely detect high temperatures.
• Reapply Thermal Paste: If you haven’t done so, consider replacing the thermal paste on the CPU and GPU.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

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

Max3Aj

HP Support 

[VietLaptop]

Subject: Re: Chip fan running at high speed while low CPU load

@VietLaptop, Welcome to HP Support Community.    Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you.  It sounds like you've done a thorough investigation into the issue. Since you've noticed that the chip fan starts running fast when the internet is connected, a few possible causes come to mind: Possible Causes & Solutions 1. Background Network Activity (Malware or Remote Control) If you suspect that the fan behavior is being triggered remotely, malware could be a factor. Try the following: Check for hidden network activity: Open Resource Monitor (Win + R → resmon → Network tab) and check if there’s unusual internet usage from unknown processes.

          Yes, I did check and saw from time to time high internet usage. I couldn't identify the unknown processes. The "trojan" horse seems to be very clever, checks if laptop owner is actively working or not. In case not working and the laptop is on sleep mode, the chip fan started unexpectedly running, but only the chip fan, no extra software. That means the malware is hidden in some standard software.
I have now to use the hibernate mode.

Scan for malware: Use Malwarebytes or Windows Defender Offline Scan to check for threats.
Malwarebytes or Windows Defender didn't find any thing suspicious.

Check Task Scheduler & Startup Programs: Look for unknown or suspicious programs that might be running on startup.

         Via CCleaner I restricted to the minimum of startup programs. Under 'Windows" only 7 programs startup automatically.

Under scheduled tasks only 5:

2. BIOS or EC (Embedded Controller) Issue Sometimes, firmware bugs cause fan control issues. Update your BIOS: Check HP support site for a BIOS update for your laptop. Reset BIOS Settings: Enter BIOS (F10 at startup) and reset it to default settings.
         These steps were done without better result.

3. Windows Power Management & Fan Control Check Power Plan Settings: Go to Control Panel > Power Options > Change Plan Settings > Advanced Power Settings. Under Processor Power Management, set Minimum Processor State to 5% (or lower if possible).
         The recommended steps were also done.

Disable HP CoolSense (if installed): Some HP laptops come with CoolSense, which may cause erratic fan behavior.
          CoolSense could not be installed, so is probably not installed.

4. Network Drivers & Background Services Update/Reinstall Network Drivers: Go to Device Manager > Network Adapters, right-click your Wi-Fi and Ethernet adapters, and update or reinstall the drivers. Disable Windows Connected Standby (If Applicable): Open Regedit (Win + R → regedit). Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power\CsEnabled. If the value is 1, change it to 0 and restart.
          CsEnabled is not listed

         Are the <User> <PowerSchemes> ok/usual?

5. Hardware Issue (Fan Sensor or Thermal Paste) Check Fan Sensor Readings: If the fan sensor is faulty, the system may falsely detect high temperatures.
          The temperature sensor seems to work normally

Reapply Thermal Paste: If you haven’t done so, consider replacing the thermal paste on the CPU and GPU. I hope this helps.   

          I will check this step.

Take care and have a good day.    Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping!    Max3Aj HP Support 
         Thank you much for suggesting solutions.
Kind regards, VHV

[Max3Aj]

@VietLaptop, Thank you for your response. 

Please feel free to reach out to us. We are here to assist you and provide any necessary support.

I will be archiving this case for now however, you can respond to the same thread to continue the conversation.

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

Take care and have a great day ahead!

Regards, 

Max3Aj