Possible hardware issues on brand new 13.3' Spectre X360 (Ice Lake)

[CadeNYC]

I recently purchased a (pretty expensive) new Spectre X360. I had the Late 2016 model (Kaby Lake), and absolutely loved everything about it. I wouldn't have upgraded yet, but my Thunderbolt ports randomly died, so I was left with no choice. I selected the top trim OLED/i7 model, it is beautiful, and similar enough to the last that it feels familiar. That said, I am one week into ownership of this laptop and I've already noticed several glaring issues with it. Firstly, the thermal management leaves much to be desired. The keyboard deck and underside of the laptop will get extremely hot, to the point that I cannot even touch it, just simply browsing the internet on Chrome and playing a YouTube video in the background. The fan doesn't seem to come on as early as it should, it is letting the system run very hot for some time before it finally kicks in. I have no intensive apps running in the background, I've disabled Windows Security features (Defender and all of its associated apps and processes) and it has kind of helped, but it is still running extremely hot. All updates have been installed, OneDrive is not syncing in the background, and I even have the power mode on 'Best Battery'. RAM and CPU usage should be flawless considering it is the i7 with 16GB of RAM, but apparently that is not enough? Strange.

 Secondly, are the speakers just trash on this laptop? I have no other model to compare them to except for my 2016 Spectre, and they just sound awful. No bass, no volume, very distorted and unpleasant to listen to. The speakers on the 2016 model (13 Inch) are incredible, bassy, no distortion at 100% Volume, and it can fill up a small room. These are a major downgrade, either that or mine is just defective. I know that there are only 2 speakers this time instead of 4, but it should not be that bad, this model is even significantly thicker that the 2016 Model, you would think that they would put some good speakers on here, I mean look at the MacBook Speakers in 2020, this does not compare. I understand it is a thin and light 2 in 1, but so is the 2016 model, so what gives? 

Thirdly, I've noticed a few build and chassis issues as well on the 2020 Model. The keyboard deck makes some pretty unpleasant creaking noises just when the laptop is picked up from a table, like it's almost stressing under its own weight? Also strange considering how well built these usually are, they tend to be solid with no noises. Also, the left hinge emits a quiet but still very unpleasant creaking noise when opened to about a 150 degree angle, the 2016 model that I have has been opened and flipped around thousands of times and neither hinge makes any noise whatsoever. I would expect issues like this from a 4 or $500 device from HP, but definitely not their flagship Ultrabook convertible (which happened to cost me nearly $1700). I still have time to take it back and trade it for another one, but I'm wondering if these issues are normal for this model? I can live with poor speakers and thermal management, as those are not something that can be changed if it is just how it is on the laptop, but the hinge in particular worries me because I don't want it to break after a short amount of time. Any input will be appreciated. 

[asmita6658]

Hi @CadeNYC

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