Gaming Laptop Overheating

[vittorioperry]

Hi, my HP Pavilion 15 gaming laptop overheats while gaming, to the point of freezing completely. I have cleaned the fans several times and use a stand with additional fans to cool it down better, but the problem persists, can anyone help me?

[Max3Aj]

@vittorioperry, Hi there, and welcome to HP Support Community!

Thank you for reaching out with your concern about overheating of your gaming laptop. I'm glad to assist you today.

I understand how frustrating it can be when your gaming laptop overheats and freezes during gameplay. You've already taken some great steps by cleaning the fans and using a cooling stand. Let's go through a few more troubleshooting steps to help resolve the issue:

Update BIOS and Drivers

Outdated BIOS or drivers can cause thermal management issues.

1. Visit the HP Software and Driver Downloads page.
2. Enter your laptop’s model number (e.g., HP Pavilion 15-xxxx).
3. Download and install the latest:
   • BIOS update
   • Chipset drivers
   • Graphics drivers (NVIDIA/AMD and Intel, if hybrid)

Run HP Hardware Diagnostics

Check if the internal fans and thermal sensors are functioning properly.

1. Turn off the laptop.
2. Press Esc repeatedly, then F2 to open HP PC Hardware Diagnostics.
3. Run the System Tests > Extensive Test, especially the Thermal and Fan tests.

Deep Clean Internals (If Comfortable)

Even after cleaning the fans, thermal paste degradation can cause overheating.

• If you're comfortable, consider reapplying high-quality thermal paste on the CPU and GPU.
• Alternatively, have an HP Authorized Service Center perform this.

Adjust Power and Performance Settings

Reduce thermal load during gaming:

1. Go to Settings > System > Power & Battery > Additional Power Settings.
2. Select Balanced or create a custom plan with lower Maximum Processor State (e.g., 90%) under Advanced Power Settings.
3. In NVIDIA Control Panel, set Power Management Mode to Optimal Power.

Monitor Temperatures

Use tools like HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner to track CPU/GPU temps. Ideal gaming temps should be:

• CPU: < 90°C
• GPU: < 85°C

If temps exceed these regularly, thermal throttling or shutdowns may occur.

If the issue persists after these steps, it may be a hardware-related problem (e.g., failing fan, VRM overheating). In that case, we suggest you please visit the nearest HP authorized service center, the service team will check and assist you. 
Kindly follow this link to locate the nearest HP service center: Ricerca centro assistenza HP® - Italia | Supporto HP®
(Select the country from the dropdown menu and enter the city name or pincode) 

If the suggestions helped solve the problem, please let us know by clicking “Accepted Solution.” It really helps fellow users find quick answers.

A quick “Yes” also goes a long way in showing appreciation!

Take care and happy computing!

Best regards,

Max3Aj

HP Support