Issues with inconsistent electricity supply. Device changes between connected and portable power sources.
Issues with inconsistent electricity supply. Device changes between connected and portable power sources.
Hello,
I’ve noticed a recurring issue with my laptop since May 2025 where it switches between AC and battery for just 1-2 seconds before returning to AC. This mainly occurs when using things like 3D rendering in live viewers or GPU plugins in software such as Davinci or Photoshop. Video editing programs or normal photo editing don’t trigger the problem, nor does it happen while idling or browsing the web.
I’ve tried updating drivers, testing the power adapter with a multimeter, changing power plans, and even checking the cable connections. The cable seems fine and the switching still happens.
Could this be connected to the BIOS? Even though manufacturers claim newer BIOS versions don’t have power management fixes, it’s possible something else is affecting it.
My laptop from May 2025
You didn't specify the brand, model, and SKU of your device.
Is this problem connected to the BIOS? Even though manufacturers claim no power management fixes in newer BIOS versions, could it still be an issue?
Motherboard and laptop manufacturers don't clearly outline the updates included in successive BIOS releases or microcode changes. If your laptop is awaiting a BIOS update, ensure you've installed the latest chipset drivers for your platform before proceeding with the BIOS upgrade.
The laptop model is MSI GS66 11UG with BIOS version E16V4IMS.116. It features an 11th generation Intel processor and NVIDIA RTX 3070. The Nvidia APP along with Intel Driver & Support Assistant appear to be current. The latest BIOS available on the manufacturer's site is version .119, though.
The laptop model is MSI GS66 11UG with BIOS version E16V4IMS.116.
The most recent BIOS is available on the manufacturer's site, version .119.
Updating to this BIOS version and then applying the Intel ME firmware update via the tool above is recommended.
The system uses an 11th generation Intel processor and an NVIDIA RTX 3070 graphics card.
Do you have any undervolt settings configured for the GPU?
I haven't adjusted my laptop's GPU settings since buying it. I have an overclocking option in MSI Center, but I never used it or changed the voltage. Maybe I should try updating the BIOS.
I updated the bios to version .119. After updating the Intel ME firmware and checking with the CSME tool, my system still reports as Vulnerable. Testing the battery switch with a GPU plugin in one program didn’t fix the problem, so I suspect there are only a few possible causes left: the DC jack on the motherboard is damaged, the power brick is failing or has internal damage not detected by a multimeter, or the laptop battery has degraded significantly. I don’t have any other ideas at the moment.
Jst to get it out of the mix....try a different wall socket and also a different power cord.