The laptop gets too hot while using the wall outlet.
The laptop gets too hot while using the wall outlet.
I recently acquired an HP EliteBook 845 G7 with an R5 4650U. It performs well on battery power, supports light gaming and some "triple A" titles (Sonic Frontiers runs smoothly at 720p). The main problem is overheating when connected to a power source. When unplugged, it stays cool without the cable, but plugging it in causes excessive heat. This seems hardware-related, though I’d like to reduce the issue. I noticed similar behavior on Linux, which suggests the problem might be linked to increased power draw when the charger is inserted. The temperature rises noticeably from 20W to 25W and from -80°C to +90°C under load. I’m curious if lowering the wattage when plugged in could help. Some aspects to keep in mind: the issue appears on Linux too; other cables didn’t fix it; battery overheating also happened when removed. The BIOS is up to date. I don’t have funds for a repair shop, so I’m considering fixing it myself. I’d prefer not to buy replacement parts since my budget is limited. Power settings remain consistent whether plugged in or not. Thermal paste was replaced and dust seems minimal. If more details come up, I’ll share them and update the post.
laptops can change Windows power options, which might mean they consume more energy when connected. I considered using RTSS with MSI afterburner, configured it, and compared power consumption during games while plugged in versus unplugged. Edited December 14, 2025 by Hellowpplz
I succeeded and your explanation is accurate. When under load, the CPU increases by about 5 watts, whereas it would normally reach its maximum at 20 watts. Thanks for helping me move closer to solving this puzzle. The mystery is still there, but what steps can I take to reduce power consumption when plugged in?
The BIOS or manufacturer's software might have power settings for when the laptop is plugged in but powered off from the battery. Raising CPU power usage usually boosts performance, so higher consumption isn't inherently bad. However, running at 70°C suggests a cooling problem. Check if fans are spinning, remove dust from the heatsink, and if temperatures remain high, try reinstalling or reapplying the cooler. This should lower temps and resolve the issue.
The cooling system performs adequately, though it tends to overheat when connected to a wall outlet. The problem appears to be linked to increased power draw in the wall plug setting. Reducing the wattage during plug-in seems like a possible fix. Since the thermal paste was replaced and dust hasn’t accumulated, the issue likely relates to power usage. I’m considering checking HP software to potentially lower consumption. Appreciate the advice!
I tried and it really made a difference, though I'm not 100%. I only had one choice left, which was balanced. For some reason, I can't switch between different modes, so I just changed the available one. I just reduced all the max and min settings (can't recall exactly), and now during idle while charging it's not screaming. Thanks for the tip—it helped, even if not completely.
I've consistently used throttle stop on my laptops to lower power consumption and minimize heat generation. Many features fail due to restrictive OEM settings, but the maximum wattage control still functions in some cases. It's likely governed by TPL. The PL1 and PL2 limits—each with its own purpose—represent long-term and short-term boost values. For instance, on a 14700F system I set PL1 at 200W and PL2 at 250W (prebuilt specs were 150 and 185, possibly to emphasize cooling). The PL2 duration is around 20-30 seconds. Results can vary depending on the model. *note: it might also stem from extra heat during fast battery charging if your laptop operates at high wattage.* Updated December 15, 2025 by Hellowpplz