Thermal Spikes on i7-14650HX with HP Victus 16 BIOS F.16: Possible Beta Build Issue?

[JulioRoca]

I'm experiencing thermal spikes on my Intel i7-14650HX, reaching over 100°C too quickly and frequently.

My HP Victus 16-r1016la is running BIOS version F.16. According to HP's website, F.16 was released on May 22, 2025. However, system tools (HWInfo, CPU-Z) report the BIOS date as April 16, 2025. If the system date is accurate, my firmware predates Intel's latest microcode update from May 2025, which could explain the excessive temperature spikes.

I reinstalled the BIOS using a USB recovery drive with the F.16 version downloaded from HP's website (released May 22, 2025), but the system still shows the April 16, 2025 date and still have temperature spikes. Could my laptop have a beta or pre-release F.16 build from the factory that isn't updating to the official version?

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @JulioRoca,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I understand your HP Victus 16 laptop with the i7-14650HX is experiencing thermal spikes and shows a BIOS date that seems earlier than the official F.16 release. Let’s go through a few steps to check what could be causing this.

Verify BIOS Version in BIOS Setup

Restart the laptop and press F10 during startup to enter BIOS.

Check the BIOS version and date displayed here; this is the authoritative version the system is running.

Confirm BIOS Update Procedure

Ensure the BIOS update was run from the official HP F.16 executable for your model.

If you used a USB recovery method, make sure it was created using HP’s BIOS Recovery Utility rather than manually copying the file.

Check for BIOS Recovery Issues

Some factory systems ship with pre-release BIOS builds that may not update using standard methods.

In such cases, the laptop may require a forced BIOS update via HP’s BIOS recovery mode (press Windows + B while powering on) to flash the correct official F.16 version.

Check Intel Microcode Version

Open HWInfo or CPU-Z → Check CPU microcode version.

Compare with Intel’s May 2025 microcode. If your system still shows an older microcode, it could explain thermal spikes due to power/voltage mismanagement.

Monitor Temperatures and Power Management

Ensure the laptop’s cooling settings (Fan always on / Performance Mode) are configured correctly.

Avoid running extreme workloads until the BIOS/microcode issue is resolved.

Optional: Re-flash BIOS via HP Support Assistant

If the USB method doesn’t update the BIOS properly, try updating via HP Support Assistant inside Windows.

Ensure Windows is fully updated and the laptop is on AC power during the update.

Thermal Considerations

If temperatures exceed 100°C frequently, reduce high-load tasks until the BIOS update is confirmed.

Ensure the laptop vents are unobstructed and cooling pad or ambient airflow is adequate.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[JulioRoca]

Thank you for your response
the Microcode is 0x12C

My crappy bios, doesnt show the date of the version.
I´ve been talking to HP support through whatsapp, and they tell me that even with the date, and the microcode version, that I have the latest.

I´ve run directly from the exe (sp158805.exe) with, and without secure boot, and forced with the USB drive, creating the drive with the same exe.

In the page of Intel Driver and Support assistant, there´s a reminder to update the bios of the system, and the date of the bios in the Intel site, is 16 april 2025. The same as in the actual bios.
Could it be than intel sent me back in june to a beta file of the bios or something similar?

The tech support in Chile is Awful, they denied me the possibility to create a case...  so I´m stuck with the risk of frying my cpu.

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @JulioRoca,

We understand how important it is to have your device functioning properly, and we're here to assist you.​

To ensure your device receives the appropriate care, we recommend visiting an authorized HP service center. Our certified technicians can provide a thorough diagnosis and offer the best solutions to address the issue.​

You can locate the nearest HP service center using our Service Center Locator:​

🔗 HP Service Center Locator

If you need further assistance or have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.​

Best Regards,