HP Spectre x360 : annoying fan noise (even during basic web browsing)

[KidLouie]

UPDATE: 

I am sending my laptop in to be looked at. I would just like to clarify something to people in this thread: there is nothing inheritently wrong with a "loud" fan and that is not really the problem I have...

My issue seems to show itself when the fan speeds up, usually during processor intensive activities, but I have heard it happen while just browsing chrome. The specific problem I have is with the sound that the fan makes. It is not a loud "whir" of wind flowing, but rather the sound of a fan slightly off kilter/balance and a faint clicking/grinding.

My HP support case manager has stated that she has not formally seen a spectre x360 come across her desk, and they are generally considered some of the "360" models. 

I would also like to take this opportunity to ask you guys about your track pad - i am having mine looked at when it goes in as well.....there is a lot of play in the trackpad, leaving you still feeling like you're clicking when you just want to "tap" click.

Anyways - I will keep this thread updated with my journey through getting my spectre back.......because if I can get the fan issue sorted, and hopefully the track pad "tighted" (assuming that's not the intended design) - this laptop is a dream. 

[nicksan]

Why don't you open up a new thread about the track pad given that your intent is to keep this thread specific to the clicking fan noise instead of the general revving up of the fan?

[Samantha_Issa]

I got the i7 model 2 days ago, and the fan kicks on randomly, even with just one tab open in Chrome, and the bottom gets very hot very quickly. Is it just the way the model is or is this a defect? I am deciding if I should take it back. This is a characteristic of an old PC, and should not be a problem with a brand new, top of the line one. 

[HPhelpplease123]

I too just bought this computer about a week ago. i7 8GB RAM and I find that with only a few tabs open the fan kicks in and revs up quite loud. For such a new and expensive machine I am quite dissapointed to be having this issue.

Currently considering returning this machine due to this, and other issues such as the battery life. However, I would love to keep it if fixes were available.

[RonanG3]

Just to keep you informed, I can say that durinf the last month, I have nnot been annoyd by the fan noise (even with high ambient in the south of France) So I m pretty sure this more software related than the hardware itself.

And since W10 is coming within the few next days, I assume it will be better and better .

[codex73]

I agree with @RonanG3. I haven't had any issues of prolonged fan noise after removing the software causing high cpu usage.  For me it was "Realtek I2S Audio Background Proc" the cause of the constant fan noise. (see previous post).

Yes, Chrome is a CPU intensive application, most of the time because of it's background processes or support for plugins eg flash.

Honestly I expect some fan noise at certain times of the day. This would vary per room temperature, applications running, processes running, power and so on.

I would suggest everyone to check your "Chrome Task Manager", check for high cpu usage and memory processes.

NEW TAB -> More Tools -> Task manager

Of course also check your systems task manager

CTRL -> ALT -> DEL , TASK MGR

I really love this laptop, it's the best I've had so far.  Already thinking what would be the next x360 iteration like....

Yep, I expect Windows 10 to take it to another level.

[RG-HP]

Is there a solution for this fan noise? it is mainly a loud wind flowing noise from the side of the computer where the fan is sucking air in... the fan will kick in even of the computer is vely lightly loaded..

Frankly, I am very disapointed with this computer, it looks good, has good specs but have many performace issues...  I hope HP will address all these issues such as the fan noise otherwise this would be my first and last HP.

[RobertNL]

Hi,

I was experiencing the same issues with my HP Spectre X360, until I checked the energy saving settings.

I noticed that 'Active cooling' was selected as the 'Energy' policy for the processor.

Changing that from 'Active' to 'Passive' solved everything for me: my notebook has been nice and quiet (except when do some heavy number crunching in Visual Studio, but that's expected. Browsing and Office is completely without any fan use for me now.

Hope that helps,

Robert

[mightymos]

With 'Active cooling' set to 'Passive', have you noticed your laptop being much warmer than usual since now the fans don't turn on as much as they used to?

[RobertNL]

I didn't notice any difference in temperature.

The only difference I noticed is that sometimes a website takes a little bit longer to load when I have many browser windows open (especially in Chrome). I guess the passive cooling prevents the processor to reach 100% usage in those circumstances.