EU4 Unplayable, Causes Laptop Overheat

[HappyMooMoo]

Hey guys, i have a new SPX 13 Laptop with the really long battery life and the core I7 but i only have issues playing EU4.

Like whenever i try to load it up and start getting into a game, it simply begins to start intensely heating up and eventually windows (I have Windows 10) for some reason just reaches a point where it begins to shut it down after some time.

I don't have this issue with any other games including Age of Empires, Victoria 2 and Company of Heroes. Is this just something up with EU4 or is it something else completely???

Like i do live in Australia and it can get quite hot here with temperatures being over 30 degrees celsius. However i've still even had it shut down when i try to play it below 25 degrees celsius (coolest temperature i can do or know of).

I also did hear that there was something about a windows 10 update that would cause issues of this sort and should be rolled back but i honestly have no idea at all.

What's the fix to this issue to be able to ideally 1) play EU4 with as minimal heating as possible
and 2) play it without having windows automatically shut it down after a certain period of time. ???

[tonypa]

It is very unlikely single game can cause extreme overheat to the computer unless the cooling system itself is not working properly.

You can try to reduce graphics reolution of EU4 first, since I think all these laptops use integrated graphics which makes the tiny CPU area really hot. In the very first screen EU4 pops up click on the graphics settings button (looks like a cog next to sound settings) and reduce resolution. Once you are in the main screen there is Options in the bottom row, pick Video and start to turn OFF everything. In the Game tab turn off compress autosaves.

If none of this helps, maybe try changing compatibility:
Steam\SteamApps\common\Europa Universalis IV\EU4.exe
Properties >> Compatibility >> Run this program for compatibility mode for

[kaiyl_kariashi]

use V-Sync or force an FPS cap with your GPU.

That's usually how I fix that issue for any game that does it.

Some games interact weirdly with some system settings will attempt to run at thousands of FPS which causes the computer to pre-emptively shut-down the PC to avoid damage.

It won't really cause damage as these spikes are usually only brief flashes but it sometimes fools the computer anyway.

[HappyMooMoo]

Okay, tonypa i tried what you said and it seems like it works but i don't like the bad graphics settings i have to run my game on.

[HappyMooMoo]

kaiyl_kariashi, how do i get V-Sync software for free or if that's not possible how do i force an FPS Cap for my GPU?

[kaiyl_kariashi]

did you try setting V-sync in the video options? EU4 supports it.

As for FPS limiters, it depends, some GPUs have a built-in interface that can do it.

All of mine can, so I haven't needed any 3rd party limiters. But I could look right quick for some.

So far as I can see it should have a built-in interface which is apparently standard now, as I can't find any recent posts about them.

What GPU are you using? That Intel based one?

[HappyMooMoo]

Yeah i keep my V-Sync at 60 frames or hz, seems like its the lowest possible.
Well i think my GPU is Intel based although i idk.
The only games i have this sort of problem with are EU4 and CK2.
Ironically i can even run HOI4 just fine without having to adjust my settings at all.

[neofutur]

check your fan settings. on my thinpad laptop I have to use tpfancontrol to set the fan to full speed. also if your fan is dead or weak/cant reach 7000 RPM, change it. the problem is not the intel GPU its the CPU heating /cooling.

[HappyMooMoo]

Okay, is tpfancontrol free software? If not, do you have any other software of that sort you can reommend? Also about checking the fan, how would i say clean my laptop or something or tell if its weak hardware wise (may be a bit self-intuitive i know, but i'm really clueless with computers).

[neofutur]

Originally posted by HappyMooMoo:

Okay, is tpfancontrol free software? If not, do you have any other software of that sort you can reommend? Also about checking the fan, how would i say clean my laptop or something or tell if its weak hardware wise (may be a bit self-intuitive i know, but i'm really clueless with computers).

tpfancontrol is free but afaik it works only for thinkpad laptops, dunno for your laptop, try and find something tat tells you if your fan is working and how fast, and possibly give you control to tell the fan : go full speed !

[HappyMooMoo]

Okay thanks neofutur! I'll go and search for some fan control laptop corresponding to my laptop type and then tell my fan to go full speed.

[Taipan]

For laptops it also depends on their architecture, the cooling systems might be badly strangled. And it also depends where do you keep it when you play, you could contribute even more to its heating. As a new laptop you should have absolutely no problem with playing EU4, unless what's been previous said. A low quality laptop, even if new, could have terrible design issues that could create a predisposition to heating.

A cooling stand can help in such situations, but I repeat, the problem can't be EU4, but the laptop itself or its positioning.

PS: As a sidenote, as a heavy PC user, I really don't see laptops as an alternative for working or playing unless you use them when away from home/office. The only advantage is their mobility, else, laptops are way far behind desktop computers for the same price. So, a hardcore desktop for day to day operations, and an average laptop for mobility should do it.

[HappyMooMoo]

Okay thx Stefan but i don't have the money to buy an ultra gaming desktop or high power one.

Btw what's a cooling stand or what do they look like to buy and how can i even cleam my laptop?

I also place my laptop standardly on a desk and try not to choke or smog it in surrounding objects.

[Taipan]

Search google for "cooling stand" because Steam removes my links.

I would advise you against cleaning the laptop yourself unless you are a trained tech guy, I tried to, and I had to put all the pieces in a bag and go to a service shop so they can clean it and pack it back because I was totally lost :)) Here laptop cleaning is quite cheap, and it takes 1-2 hours at very most for a pro to do it.

Also, every 1-2 years it's good for your laptop CPU to have a silicone thermal compound treatment, again, it's very cheap, it's just a basic paste that's applied on the CPU because the old one diminishes. Cleaning and adding that thermal paste does wonders for an used laptop.

[HappyMooMoo]

Thanks.

The cooling stand shouldn't be hard to get at all.

However, where i'm from things are usually more expensive relative to the rest of the world, and my laptop is only a few months old so i shouldn't really need to clean it yet.

[Taipan]

You are welcome. I think it's cooling pads too if you want more results. And if it's new there is no need to clean it, and unless you are a very heavy smoker you are safe for 3-4 years.