strange fan speed information in HP PC Hardware Diagnostics Windows app

[Nunya_Envy]

Hi all,

Within, the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics Window app, the displayed CPU fans RPM number and the actual fan speed move in OPPOSITE directions. IE as the fan's RPM speed DECREASES (from 117 RPM, to 99 RPM, to 60 RPM), the fan's ACTUAL speed INCREASES, becoming noticeably louder as the RPM number moves DOWN.

Does this make sense to anyone? And why are the RPM numbers so low anyway? I thought PC fans ran in the THOUSAND RPM range. Screenshot below

Hi all,

Within, the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics Window app, the displayed CPU fans RPM number and the actual fan speed move in OPPOSITE directions. IE as the fan's RPM speed DECREASES (from 117 RPM, to 99 RPM, to 60 RPM), the fan's ACTUAL speed INCREASES, becoming noticeably louder as the RPM number moves DOWN.

Thanks,

-Nunya

[Nal_NR]

Hi @Nunya_Envy,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

I'd be glad to help you! 

I can understand how confusing and concerning it must be to see such unusual readings for your fan speed, especially when the actual noise doesn’t match the displayed RPM numbers. Let’s dig into this and find some clarity.

• Have you noticed any temperature-related issues, like overheating or unexpected shutdowns, while using your laptop?
• Have you checked if the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics app is updated to the latest version?
• Are there any other applications or BIOS settings showing similar discrepancies in fan speed readings?

Let's try these steps. 

Check for BIOS Updates

• Go to the HP Support website for your model and verify if a BIOS update is available. Updated firmware can correct fan control misreadings.
• Follow HP’s guidelines for safely updating your BIOS.

Test with Another Monitoring Tool

• Install a third-party hardware monitoring tool like HWMonitor or SpeedFan. Compare the fan speed and temperature readings with the HP Diagnostics app to see if this is a reporting issue.

Run Full Diagnostics

• Restart the laptop and press F2 during startup to access the UEFI Diagnostics. Run a full system test to check the health of the fan and thermal system.

Reset the BIOS to Default Settings

• Access the BIOS during startup (usually by pressing F10 or Esc) and reset it to default settings. This can correct any fan control misconfigurations.

Clean the Fan and Vents

• Dust buildup can cause the fan to behave unpredictably. Use compressed air to clean the vents and fan area gently. Ensure proper airflow around the laptop.

If the issue persists, it might be a calibration or sensor fault. In that case, contacting HP Phone Support for further assistance or a hardware inspection would be the best course of action.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

[OlofN]

Hi Nunya:

I ran into your earlier questions about the Envy 16 running hotter while I was investigating the same issue I'm having.  My computer was periodically stuttering and I thought it was a software issue.  After reinstalling windows from scratch, I was still experiencing frequent episodes where the computer slowed down.  I decided to check on the CPU temperature and was surprised that it was around 80C when the CPU was idle and almost reaching 100C when CPU was slightly used around 20%!  I cleaned up the vents and fan, but the issue persists. 

Have you had any luck cooling the computer down? 

I'm starting to think this is a design issue and the cooling system was undersized for this CPU.  Although the issue seems to have started after an year using the computer.  Maybe the thermal paste has expired (I had to Google this to know this was a thing) and needs to be replaced.

I also have the strangely low RPM readings on HP PC Hardware Diagnostics Windows.  It's currently 75 RPM while the CPU temp is 85C.

--Olof