HP Spectre x360 13.5 Running Hot Near Hinge Fix
HP Spectre x360 13.5 · Core Ultra 7 155U · Windows 11 · Thermal fix
Switch Windows power plan to Balanced Quickest fix
The HP Spectre x360 13.5 is a thin 2-in-1 with a tight thermal envelope. Running on the Best Performance power plan pushes the Core Ultra 7 155U at maximum clocks continuously, making the hinge area — where the heat pipe exits — extremely hot to the touch. Switch to Balanced in Power Options for normal use.
Update the BIOS for thermal improvements
Go to HP Support and install the latest BIOS for the Spectre x360 13.5 (Core Ultra 7 155U). HP ships BIOS updates specifically for thermal management on Meteor Lake platforms. A firmware update can reduce sustained CPU power limits, which directly lowers heat output without affecting burst performance.
Update the Intel DPTF thermal driver
Go to HP Support and download the latest Intel Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework (DPTF) driver for the Spectre x360 13.5. The DPTF driver manages CPU throttling in response to sensor readings. An outdated version allows the CPU to sustain higher temperatures than the thermal design intends.
Keep the vents clear and avoid blocking the exhaust
The Spectre x360 13.5 exhausts heat through small vents near the hinge. When used in laptop mode, ensure these vents are not covered. Using the laptop on a desk rather than on a blanket or lap allows hot air to escape freely. The hinge area being warm is normal — it is the exhaust zone by design.
Close high-CPU background applications
Open Task Manager → Processes, sort by CPU usage, and close any application consuming over 10% CPU while the laptop appears idle. Antivirus scans, cloud sync tools, and browser tabs with video or JavaScript are common hidden sources of sustained CPU load that drive up temperature.
Use HP Command Center to control fan behavior
Install HP Command Center from the Microsoft Store. This app provides thermal profiles including Cool, Default, and Performance. Switching to Cool profile increases fan speed earlier to keep temperatures down at the cost of a slightly louder fan during moderate workloads.
Siti, Shah Alam: “My Spectre x360 13.5 was uncomfortably hot near the hinge during Zoom calls. Switching to Balanced power plan and using the Cool profile in HP Command Center brought the temperature down to a comfortable level.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for the HP Spectre x360 13.5 hinge area to get hot?
Yes. The hinge area is where the heat pipe exits and the fan exhausts air. Warmth in this area is expected and by design. However, if the area becomes painful to touch during light tasks like web browsing, the power plan or DPTF driver needs adjustment.
What temperature is normal for the Core Ultra 7 155U under load?
The Core Ultra 7 155U can sustain up to 95°C under short bursts and typically settles to 75–85°C under sustained load on this laptop. Temperatures above 100°C for more than a few seconds indicate thermal throttling and warrant the DPTF driver and BIOS updates mentioned above.
Can I use the HP Spectre x360 13.5 in tent or tablet mode without overheating?
Yes, but airflow is reduced in tablet mode. Windows automatically throttles the CPU in tablet mode to limit heat. Avoid running demanding applications in tablet mode for extended periods and keep the surface below the laptop clear of obstruction.
Will repasting the CPU fix the heat problem on the Spectre x360 13.5?
Not usually on a relatively new unit. Thermal paste quality on the Spectre x360 13.5 is adequate from the factory. Repasting is worth considering only after several years of heavy use when factory paste degrades. Software fixes with power plan and BIOS should be tried first.
Ryan holds a Computer Science degree and has over 20 years of hands-on experience with PC hardware, software, and driver troubleshooting. He is the author behind softwaredriverdownload.com, where he helps everyday users fix driver issues quickly and accurately. Ryan has personally tested most of the fixes on this site across a range of Windows 10 and Windows 11 machines.
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