High temps at low CPU usage

Framework Laptop 16 Linux
1

Currently running Fedora 44 (KDE Edition) on Framework 16 (AI 9 HX 370, RTX 5070). I’ve noticed that playing games that aren’t very intensive (roughly 10 or 15% average usage depending on if running via Lutris or not, lower end if not), the CPU average temps are reaching 80 at about 10% and 90 at about 15%. I may be wrong, but from what I’ve gathered, that’s not normal, and it’s bad.

I wanted to ask if there’s any potential ideas on what could be up, potential steps to determine and/or fix issues, or if I’m freaking out over nothing.

auto-cpufreq is set up and has been for some time (a bit after I got the device directly from Framework this year and noticed the temperatures)

Everything is as up to date as possible, including bios. Kernel is 7.0.12-201.fc44.x86_64

Any and all help would be appreciated.

Thank you.

2

On Linux the CPU percentage is often under-reported
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While on Windows it’s often the opposite
over

Use btop or s-tui and check the CPU wattage, not percentage. Your CPU might consume 35W or higher at 15% load.

If you are playing games but the GPU is much cooler than the CPU, you can block half of the GPU’s cooling exhaust area to redirect more air through the CPU’s radiator

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For anyone interested in doing this, it does work. If you happen to have a 3D printer as well, I’ve got some files I made for making covers specifically for this: All the modifications I've made to my FW 16 (so far) - #23 by TechPriestNhyk

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