Acer Predator Helios neo 16 CPU underperformance and thermal issues test results below expectations

JoshuaSawian

I'm currently running the Acer Predator Helios neo 16 (i7-13700HX and RTX 4060) I purchased this laptop somewhat last year in the months of April-June and the CPU has been underperforming since the get-go. I ran a stress test using Cinebench and monitored the individual core temperatures using Hwinfo, I only got a Cinebench score of 16900 on multicore whereas as per the YouTube reviews the multicore score was around 21,000 - 24,000. During the stress test all of the P cores thermal throttled and the temperature difference between the coldest core and the hottest core was around 15 degrees Celsius. What seems to be the issue? Have I gotten a defective laptop?

GAMING6698

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/718908/acer-predator-helios-neo-16-cpu-underperformance-and-thermal-issues-test-results-below-expectations

Gaming laptops/PCs typically require thermal paste replacement annually due to performance degradation. Acer's default thermal paste is often less effective long-term, and dust accumulation in fans and air vents can significantly impact cooling efficiency..

You need to apply new thermal paste, clean fans, and air vents properly. I can guide you if you think you can do it yourself. If not, then contact Acer customer care and ask them to send a technician for laptop maintenance and thermal paste replacement. It would be a good idea to get a high-quality thermal paste like Arctic MX-6 and have the technician apply it for you.

Before buying discuss it with customer care first and act accordingly.

Here's the link to contact-

support.acer.com

Edit to add important detail-

Also make sure that you place you laptop in this way that it get proper air flow otherwise all above steps will be useless. Use cooling pad with stands and if you don't have one then check below image and do that trick-

(Make sure books are on the edge not blocking air flow)