My nitro ANV15-51 laptop gets Overheating and freezing during gaming. NEED HELP!!!

Hello everyone,

I have an Acer Nitro ANV15-51 with an i9 13900H processor, 40GB of RAM, and 2TB split across 2 Gen4 SSDs m.2.

I need help with my laptop. I've been experiencing severe performance issues while playing games like League of Legends and Marvel Rivals. The PC freezes for a few seconds, making it impossible to use. Temperatures are extremely high—for example, Core 3 shows 0% usage but spikes to +90°C. These temperature spikes cause the freezes.

Over the past few months, I’ve tried several fixes:

Replaced the dried-out thermal paste with a high-quality Cooler Master paste (purchased expensively from Amazon).
Bought a cooling pad.
Optimized Windows 11 extensively.

However, the issues persist. Enabling Turbo Mode worsens the situation: the laptop overheats excessively, the fans make unbearable noise, and the CPU reaches 100°C even without hitting 100% usage.

I regret purchasing this laptop. It was supposed to solve my needs but has been a complete failure. Acer’s warranty policy only covers repairs, not replacements, leaving me stuck. I feel devastated, like I’ve wasted all my money. I don’t know what else to buy or do to prevent freezes during gaming sessions or to achieve safer temperatures. Any advice from Acer or the community would be greatly appreciated.

Attached is an image of the temperature and performance metrics during gameplay.

Accepted answers

StevenGen

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/720191/my-nitro-anv15-51-laptop-gets-very-hot-i-need-help

Have you updated the bios of the Nitro ANV15-51 to the last dated 2025/01/14 bios version 1.23? As looking through all the ANV15-51 laptops bios updates, I can't see a microcode update from Acer for the i9-13900HX cpu (runs of DDR5-5600MT/s CL46 type ram) which is one of the Intel problematic cpu's that they released a patch to fix this cpu's overvolting/overheating issues and made this cpu run cooler. Btw, I'm running the i5-13500HX in my PHN16-71 which does have the cpu microcode updated to version 0x35 which fixes those overheating issues completely.

Also, why are you running a total of 40GB of DDR5 ram (24Gb + 16GB) as shown in your Task Manager, as the ram modules should be of equal size in each ram slot, as that could also affect the performance of your laptop in gaming as its not running in the 4x mode for DDR5. Another thing that I found that helps to run these laptops cooler, is to increase the ram like in your laptop to 64GB @ 2x 32GB DDR5-5600MT/s CL46 type ram as that also helps temps for high end gaming. I'm speaking from personal experience as I've done this to my PHN16-71 laptop that has the i5-13500HX cpu and its running 64GB 2x 32GB DDR5-4800MT/s CL40 and its performing perfectly with high end gaming gaming fps and lower temps, so if you want you can try more ram than your existing 40GB that you are running.

Install CPUz and under the Mainboard section > look in the bottom @ CPU Microcode and you should have version: 123, as that is the latest Intel cpu microcode update fix for this cpu overheating/voltage problems, if not, then Acer hasn't passed this fix onto this laptop yet and you will have to wait until Acer updates the bios for this cpu microcode, as that is the only solution for the i9-13900HX cpu to run cooler as you can't mod these cpu's at all. Good luck and hope this helps you out to solve this problem.

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All comments

GAMING6698

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/720191/my-nitro-anv15-51-laptop-gets-very-hot-i-need-help

When did you purchase this laptop? Is it like this from starting?

StevenGen

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/720191/my-nitro-anv15-51-laptop-gets-very-hot-i-need-help

Have you updated the bios of the Nitro ANV15-51 to the last dated 2025/01/14 bios version 1.23? As looking through all the ANV15-51 laptops bios updates, I can't see a microcode update from Acer for the i9-13900HX cpu (runs of DDR5-5600MT/s CL46 type ram) which is one of the Intel problematic cpu's that they released a patch to fix this cpu's overvolting/overheating issues and made this cpu run cooler. Btw, I'm running the i5-13500HX in my PHN16-71 which does have the cpu microcode updated to version 0x35 which fixes those overheating issues completely.

Also, why are you running a total of 40GB of DDR5 ram (24Gb + 16GB) as shown in your Task Manager, as the ram modules should be of equal size in each ram slot, as that could also affect the performance of your laptop in gaming as its not running in the 4x mode for DDR5. Another thing that I found that helps to run these laptops cooler, is to increase the ram like in your laptop to 64GB @ 2x 32GB DDR5-5600MT/s CL46 type ram as that also helps temps for high end gaming. I'm speaking from personal experience as I've done this to my PHN16-71 laptop that has the i5-13500HX cpu and its running 64GB 2x 32GB DDR5-4800MT/s CL40 and its performing perfectly with high end gaming gaming fps and lower temps, so if you want you can try more ram than your existing 40GB that you are running.

Install CPUz and under the Mainboard section > look in the bottom @ CPU Microcode and you should have version: 123, as that is the latest Intel cpu microcode update fix for this cpu overheating/voltage problems, if not, then Acer hasn't passed this fix onto this laptop yet and you will have to wait until Acer updates the bios for this cpu microcode, as that is the only solution for the i9-13900HX cpu to run cooler as you can't mod these cpu's at all. Good luck and hope this helps you out to solve this problem.

If this answers your question and solved your query please "Click on Yes" or "Click on Like" if you find my answer useful👍

DarkFire61

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1323493#Comment_1323493

Yes, it has been like this ever since I bought the computer.
The only thing Acer support has recommended are solutions that do not solve my problem, they did not detect anything wrong with my PC. I even have several posts on this forum about the subject.

DarkFire61

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1323501#Comment_1323501

Hello,
I contacted Acer’s official support in my country, and they claimed there are no issues with the laptop—everything is "normal." They advised me to always use Turbo Mode, keep the fans at maximum speed, and the laptop plugged into power. They also stated that if I’m unsatisfied, I could "buy a different laptop," but they do not offer refunds, replacements, or upgrades—only repairs.

I have the latest BIOS version dated January 14th. It’s true that my laptop does not include the specific microprocessor update you mentioned. Regarding RAM, I’m using one slot with a 32GB 5600MHz module and another slot with an 8GB 5600MHz module, both with identical specifications.

As for cooling, I noticed that your Predator model has a far superior cooling system compared to the Nitro ANV15-51. In this model, the heat pipes first pass through the processor, then to the GPU, and finally to the fans. The GPU remains cool and performs well, but the CPU is the problem. I’d like to undervolt it, but I’m annoyed at the idea of tinkering with internal software settings. I bought this laptop expecting a plug-and-play experience—otherwise, I would’ve built a desktop PC.

I don’t know how to communicate with Acer or explain that this model seems defective. If I keep pushing the CPU, it will eventually burn out, even though I’m not using it at 100%!

I want to resolve these gaming issues as soon as possible, especially in League of Legends, a game that shouldn’t lag on such a powerful machine. It’s incredible how poorly optimized this laptop is, likely due to both Acer and Intel. I hope this gets fixed soon.

I plan to upgrade to a 32GB DDR5 RAM module for a total of 64GB, though I doubt this is the root cause. My old ASUS Zephyrus G14 (2020) had 40GB of RAM (the max it supported) and never had issues like this.

Attached is a CPU-Z screenshot for reference. The last screenshot was taken when I turned on the PC after leaving it on for a few minutes. Right after all the programs finished starting.

StevenGen

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1323640#Comment_1323640

Yes, your Nitro ANV15-51 has a strange cooling system that doesn’t make sense when the previous Nitro 5 AN515-xx models had a similar setup cooling as my PHN16-71 model and worked 100%. I own an AN515-56 with an RTX3050/i7-11370H/32GB DDR4-3200MT/s CL22 type ram and its cooling was always perfect and never ever overheated, but the ANV15-51 is strange that the fans are on one side then you have the cpu on the other side and the gpu right down the bottom and the cooling air intermixes and both the cpu and gpu don’t get a fresh supply of cooling air at all, this is also after Acer knew that these 13th high performance i9-13900HX Intel cpu’s had issues of overvaulting/overheating. its not a good design and that is where this laptop fails. Unfortunately you can't undervolted these cpu’s as they are fixed and you are you are stuck with what you have got.

ANV15-51 Thermal module cooling

All you can do is this, as I don’t know if your ANV15-51 cpu microcode 0x5103 is an Intel microcode fix and to make 100% sure if this microcode is or is not a fix, Download Intels Processor Diagnostic Tool (64bit) and at the end, the software displays a test result. It will show "PASS" if you cpu is running fine or "FAIL" if some of the tests failed. Also, have a look at this guide here "How to check if your Intel 13/14 gen cpu is affected by instability problems" as this explains which tests you should do and what sign to look out for.

Good luck and I do appreciate your frustration(s) as these laptops are not cheap and for a similar price or maybe more, you could have build an AMD cpu gaming desktop that wouldn’t have had this nonsensical Intel cpu problems that Intel stuffed up on these cpu's with. If you haven't got the microcode fix, then change the paste of the cpu to a good liquid metal paste like Thermal Grizzly and the gpu to a high end normal paste and change the vram chips to high end thermal pads and wait for an Acer cpu microcode bios update if they ever release one, maybe write to Acer direct also.

This is the test results for my PHN16-71-50JG model with the Intel Processor Diagnostic tool test of its i5-13-500HX cpu.

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DarkFire61

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1323650#Comment_1323650

Yes, it’s a disaster. I ran the Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool, and the CPU technically "passed" the test. However, during the stress test, usage hovered around 90%...

I just played a few games of League of Legends with Turbo Boost active and the fans at maximum speed, and the FPS still wouldn’t go above 150. It’s unbelievable for a laptop with these specs!

Attached are some screenshots I took during gameplay. I’ll share more details later about the tests I’ve done to see if other users have faced similar issues or found solutions.

At this point, I’m tempted to strap a giant external fan directly onto the CPU. 😂 @GAMING6698

League of Legends (TM) Client 30_1_2025 9_17_28 p. m..png

GAMING6698

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1323664#Comment_1323664

Will able to repaste and clean fans, air vents again if I guide you?. I will guide you properly as it is possible you may did something wrong or miss something. Doing it again in my way will ensure you have do everything you can to fix

Axxo

Overheating can be caused by poor ventilation, dust buildup, or failing cooling fans. Prevention: Ensure that your computer is well-ventilated, regularly clean the dust from your components, and check that all cooling fans are functioning correctly. To help reduce the temperature, you can place the Laptop on a hard, flat surface, clean the air vents and fans, adjust power settings, use a cooling pad, or turn off the Laptop when not in use. If necessary, monitoring the temperature and consulting a professional is also recommended.

Get a powerful 5-fan cooling pad the size of your laptop and reduce the Max. Processor Power state to 95% when on power. Also use Balanced Power Plan instead of Maximum Performance Power Plan. Up to 95°C. under heavy load no issues, the CPU can sustain 100°C. Disable NVIDIA/AMD Dedicated graphics card for a while and test your temps.

Also boot in safe mode and open task manager with GPU ENABLED and see if you can check the temperature. If its hot, then graphics is the issue. Undervolting means to decrease power draw for better cooling and higher clocks of the cpu and can be done using Throttle stop.

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If this answers your question and solved your query please "Click on Yes" or "Click on Like" if you find my answer useful.

DarkFire61

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1323673#Comment_1323673

Hello, yes. I have already done everything possible to ensure good temperatures.... I cleaned it, changed the thermal pads and thermal paste to a good one, and it didn't work. I don't think it's a matter of cleaning the components since I did that in early January and the situation didn't change at all... I think it's due to the poor processor optimization and also because the computer is very poorly designed for gaming, as someone once told me in this same forum. "Your laptop is not for gaming, it's the lowest range of Acer and you should buy a Predator." Perhaps the only option left for me is to save up to buy a new laptop that meets my expectations, doesn't have such a bad design, and is from a brand that actually cares about its customers.

DarkFire61

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1323715#Comment_1323715

Hello, it's not because of dust, I cleaned the equipment recently, in early January, and today I just did another cleaning of the equipment, and it was more of a waste because everything was clean and the thermal paste was like new. The fans work because they blow out a lot of air. Currently, I have the equipment on a laptop stand because if I leave it on a flat surface, the temperatures do not drop below 80 degrees Celsius. And if I turn off the computer when I'm not using it. Acer support told me it was normal, that I had to use turbo active mode and the fans at maximum.

If I limit the power of my equipment to 95%, nothing changes, even in games it performs worse. This equipment does not have the option to disable the dedicated video card, and it really bothers me to have to adjust the laptop settings to do that. It is supposed to be a "high-end" laptop due to its components, but it doesn't perform like one. I previously had an Asus Zephyrus G14 with a Ryzen 7 4800HS and a 1650 and never had these problems, especially not in such low-demand games like League of Legends.

Another important point is that ThrottleStop is disabled by BIOS and Acer locks, so undervolting the laptop is not possible. I don't know if you are familiar with the model I mentioned, but it is a Nitro ANV15-51 with an i9 13900H processor, 40GB of RAM (32 + 8 DDR5 5600 CL46), and 2TB split across 2 Gen4 SSDs m.2.

Above, you can see an image of the organization of the internal components of the laptop.

GAMING6698

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1323936#Comment_1323936

Check my comment in below post I shared. It might help you somehow.

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/668301/high-temperature-nitro-517-51

DarkFire61

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/comment/1323950#Comment_1323950

Hello,

I wasn't able to reply to the forum earlier because I was running performance tests, changing the thermal paste, cleaning the laptop, and experimenting with different settings. In the end, my results remained the same. For now, I have left the system as it comes from the factory, including the operating system and all software-related settings.

Yesterday, a mode called "Turbo" appeared in my Nitro Sense. I enabled it and played some games—my laptop didn’t heat up beyond 60°C, there were no freezing issues, and the games ran perfectly. Then, I received the BIOS update to version 1.24. After restarting the laptop, the Turbo mode option was gone.

I believe Acer might be limiting its own devices or doing something that causes them to fail. I don't understand why the laptop stops working properly after having a mode that makes it perform so well.