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HP OMEN and HP Victus PCs – Balancing temperature and performance in HP gaming PCs

HP OMEN and HP Victus computers use Performance Mode to balance between performance and temperature.

HP OMEN and Victus computers are designed to run the processor (CPU) and graphics chipset (GPU) at maximum capacity in Performance Mode. When the CPU is operating at maximum capacity, the temperature of the CPU and GPU increases. Performance Mode increases the fan speed to compensate for higher temperatures and power levels.

To protect the CPU, GPU, and surrounding components from overheating, the computer reduces CPU utilization to maximize cooling when it reaches a predefined maximum temperature. The reduction in utilization and increased fan speed indicates that the computer is functioning properly. Performance Mode returns to 100% utilization when the computer cools.

Maximum CPU temperature that initiates the cooling process
CPU	Maximum temperature
Intel	97°C
AMD R4000 series	105°C
AMD R5000 series	95°C

Ambient room temperature and proper airflow contribute to the CPU operating temperature. A lower temperature in the room and proper airflow around your computer helps your computer stay cool and increases performance usage, even at maximum CPU and GPU utilization.

Verify processor utilization and temperature in OMEN Gaming Hub

To monitor CPU and GPU utilization and temperatures, open HP Gaming Hub, select your computer, and then select the System Vitals tab.

The System Vitals tab displays the CPU and GPU temperatures in three colors, depending on the temperature.

Green temperature indicates low to moderate temperature.
Orange temperature indicates medium to high temperature.
Red temperature indicates maximum temperature.

OMEN Performance Control

Change the performance of your OMEN notebook to the mode that works best for the task you are performing. The notebook remains in Default mode until you switch to comfort mode or performance mode.

Note:

Performance Control and Fan Control are available only on certain computer models, including OMEN 25L GT11-1xxx Desktop PC, OMEN 25L GT12-1xxx Desktop PC, OMEN 25L GT13-1xxx Desktop PC, OMEN 25L GT14-1xxx Desktop PC, OMEN 25L GT15-1xxx Desktop PC, OMEN 30L GT11-1xxx Desktop PC, OMEN 30L GT12-1xxx Desktop PC, OMEN 40L GT21-0xxx Desktop PC, OMEN 40L GT21-1xxx Desktop PC, OMEN 45L GT22-0xxx Desktop PC, OMEN 45L GT22-1xxx Desktop PC, Victus 15L TG02-0xxx, OMEN by HP 15-dg0xxx Laptop PC, OMEN by 15-dh1xxx Laptop PC, OMEN by 15-dc0xxx Laptop PC, OMEN by HP 15-dc1xxx Laptop PC, OMEN by HP 15-dc2xxx Laptop PC, OMEN by HP 15-ekxxx Laptop PC, OMEN by HP 15-enxxx Laptop PC, OMEN by HP 17-cb1xxx Laptop PC, and Victus by HP 16 Laptop PC (16-d0xxx, 16-e0xxx).

On the Performance Control dashboard, CPU temperature, GPU temperature, and CPU utilization are displayed in real-time.

Performance Control screen set on Default

Comfort mode

Comfort mode lowers CPU and GPU temperatures, making it suitable for casual tasks. This mode keeps the computer cooler when convenient.

Comfort mode is only available on certain computer models. Comfort mode is only available by updating to the latest version of OMEN Gaming Hub (version 6.2.3.0 or later) and updating the BIOS to version F.06 (or later).

Performance Control screen set on Comfort

Performance mode

Performance mode optimizes gaming performance by dynamically allocating power between the CPU and GPU. Performance mode is available on certain configurations only.

Note:

Performance mode might increase heat and noise levels.

Performance Control screen set on Performance

Auto mode (select models only)

Auto mode allows the computer to choose the optimal fan speed for the selected performance.

Max Fan mode (select models only)

Max Fan mode enables the maximum cooling solution bypassing the default mode.

Performance Control screen set on Max Fan

Performance Control with Thermal Control (select models only)

The Performance Control with Thermal Control settings are available on select OMEN by HP notebook computers.

Performance Control screen with Thermal Control option

Balanced: Suitable for common tasks. Fan speed and power to the computer is balanced depending on the requirements of the activity.
Performance: Suitable for gaming and content creation. Power is increased to the CPU and graphics to add maximum performance. Additional fan noise and heat is generated by increased fan speed.
Thermal Control:
- MAX: The fan operates at maximum speed regardless of the load, cooling the system as quick as possible. Additional fan noise and heat is generated.
- AUTO: The computer adjusts the fan speed depending on the load (amount of work it is performing). This is automatically controlled in the BIOS. This setting is the most efficient option for matching the required fan speed to the load on the system.
- MANUAL: Setting Thermal Control to MANUAL enables the System Fan Speed slide bar. Move the slide bar to adjust the system fan speed to your preferred fan speed range, reducing or increasing the noise and heat generated. The computer automatically adjusts the power to the CPU and GPU to match your preferred fan speed.
  - If you need higher performance, adjust the slider to the right to increase the fan speed. Increased fan speed generates more noise and heat.
  - If you need a quieter environment, adjust the slider to the left to reduce fan speed. Reduced fan speed lowers the performance of the computer.

Tips for reducing temperature and improving performance

You can create an environment that allows the computer to cool efficiently to improve gaming performance.

Place the computer on a hard surface like a table or wood floor. Soft surfaces, such as carpets or beds, block the fan air inlet from the bottom cover on laptops.
Do not place the computer close to objects that can block the fan air outlet or inlet, such as a wall or a stack of books.
Do not use a laptop keyboard cover. A cover limits the airflow for the cooling fan.
Use a docking device to lift the laptop slightly and allow more airflow.
Clean the fan periodically.
Monitor the temperature in the room. A lower room temperature increases the amount of CPU and GPU utilization at lower internal temperatures.
Change fan speed to turbo, max, or high speed when playing games.
Switch to comfort mode when you are not playing games or running software with a heavy load. This decreases power to the CPU and GPU and lowers the temperature.

See HP Desktop PCs - Reduce heat inside the computer to prevent overheating or HP Notebook PCs - Reduce heat inside the laptop to prevent overheating for more information.

Balancing battery duration and performance on gaming PCs

There are many ways to achieve optimal battery life performance on your gaming PC.

Switch to Power Saver from balanced or high performance for maximum battery life. System performance is limited on battery power.
Close any applications that you are not using. Some applications might minimize to the taskbar.
Adjust the brightness on your notebook to dim your screen to the lowest readable level.
Disconnect any external devices or other peripheral devices when you are not using them.
Every two to three months, run a battery check using HP Support Assistant to check the condition of the battery and calibrate it.
If you do not plan to use your notebook for more than three months, charge the notebook battery to at least 70%.
The computer detects if the environmental ambient temperature is low, and might suggest moving to a warmer location to recover the battery capacity.

For more information, see HP Notebook PCs - Improve battery performance (Windows).

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