HP Envy x360 running worryingly hot!

[JDavies7]

Hi all,

I recently purchased the HP Envy x360 (the variant with an i7-8550U, 4GB MX150, 16GB DDR4 RAM) and it's absolutely fantastic - I love it to bits. However, I have found that it runs incredibly hot when running software that really isn't too graphically demanding, such as Civ 5 and Microsoft FSX; I realise the Envy x360 isn't a gaming laptop, and that isn't what I bought it for - primarily, I use it for work relating to my university degree, such as CAD projects etc. - but in theory running either Civ 5 or FSX should be a breeze for the Envy, and I thought they would be a good test. I have yet to run SolidWorks on the machine, but I am expecting similar results (searing heat, namely). It does also heat up a fair amount when charging, but nothing compared to when it was running Civ / FSX.

After about ten minutes of running either one of the aforementioned games, the Envy's fan is running at its maximum RPM and the entire body of the laptop save for the screen is almost uncomfortably hot, even when placed on a cooling pad, whilst blasting out hot air like a hairdryer. I have already updated the BIOS to F.22 and updated all the relevant drivers where possible, neither of which had any noticeable effect. I am concerned that the extreme temperature may cause damage to the laptop, however, its thermal cut-out hasn't kicked in at all yet. It's worth noting the Envy ran both Civ 5 and FSX flawlessly, with no evidence of throttling - it simply sounded as if it was struggling, but wasn't actually.

I used OpenHardwareMonitor to keep an eye on the temperatures of both the CPU and GPU, and I found that the CPU temperatures were comfortably low that I wasn't concerned, but the GPU temperature quickly surpassed 60-65 degrees.

I was wondering if someone who knows more about these things than I could tell me whether the high temperature is simply a function of the laptop's design, having crammed a powerful processor and plenty of RAM along with a graphics chipset into a relatively thin frame, or if it is cause for concern?

If this model of laptop simply runs hot then that's absolutely fine, but if it shouldn't, I'd like to get it sorted. I suppose what I'm looking for is a bit of reassurance that I can run whatever software I need to on the Envy and ignore the extreme heat, without having to worry that it's going to cremate itself. I'm loathed to take the laptop to anywhere to be checked over and/or serviced because I will be relying upon it heavily in the coming weeks, so I can't really afford to be without it. 

Apologies for the wall of text, but I thought it best to be as comprehensive as possible in case it helps.

Thanks in advance!

Jack Davies

[Echo_Lake · Accepted solution]

@JDavies7

Welcome to HP Forums,  

This is a great place to get support, find answers and tips,
Thank you for posting your query, I'll be more than glad to help you out 🙂

I see that you're experiencing computer overheating issue  I appreciate your efforts to try and resolve the issue. You’ve done an excellent job on diagnosing the issue from your end. It is always a privilege to work with tech-savvy and technically competent customers like you. We greatly value your relationship with HP. I am amazed by your technical skills and expertise.  Don't worry as I'll be glad to help, however, to provide an accurate resolution, I need a few more details:

• Did this happen after a recent window or software update?
• When was the last time it worked fine?
• Have you made any hardware/software changes?
• Does system boots to the windows desktop?
• Are you getting any error code or message?

While you respond to that, I recommend you to perform the following steps to isolate the issue and arrive at a fix:

Use the following steps:

1. Press Enter to clear the message and allow the system to boot to the Windows Desktop.
2. Shut down the computer, and then inspect and clean the exterior vents to remove dust buildup by blowing air through the vent openings. Dust can accumulate inside the vent openings and around internal cooling components, preventing the removal of heat.

For more information on reducing heat inside your computer, see Reducing Heat Inside the PC.

1. After you remove the dust, turn on the computer. If the error message persists, continue with these steps.
2. Perform a hard reset. Performing a hard reset can reset recorded thermal values in memory and enable you to use the computer again, even if only for a short time to access and save any important files before service.

For more information on performing a hard reset, see Use Hard Reset to Resolve Hardware and Software Issues.

1. In some cases, updating the BIOS might help prevent this error from occurring.

For more information on how to update the BIOS, see Updating the BIOS.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.

If I have helped you resolve the issue, feel free to give me a virtual high-five by clicking the 'Thumbs Up' icon below,

Followed by clicking on "Accept as solution" from the drop-down menu on the upper right corner,

Thank you for posting in the HP Support Forum.  Have a great day!