Question Charger is normal until I play games - it stops and starts working randomly causing some massive FPS drop making games unplayable

Aug 3, 2019
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Hi guys!

I appear to have a problem with my laptop and i just cant figure out whats going on. I bought the HP Pavilion Gaming 15 (cx0818no version) laptop a few weeks ago and this has been an occurring issue. When im just running the laptop on a daily basis doing normal things, there are no problems - but i enjoy playing Rocket League, and i play it at a decently high competitive level so this issue is a major problem for me.

A while after i start playing, the charger apparently starts cutting in and out, (not to be confused with "plugged in, not charging" - although that sometimes comes up too), like one moment it's charging, the next moment it doesn't even recognize that the charger is plugged in (even though i have done absolutely nothing, the icon is literally appearing and disappearing several times a minute). I've had 2 of the same laptop, and it did the same on both, so im thinking that it's either a general hardware issue, or a software issue.

But!

The moment my charger stops charging, my game immediately drops from around 200+fps to 50-80 fps (but it is extremely bitty and "framey", not consistent at all) . I have looked into the Nvidia battery booster, and have turned it off, but still whenever the laptop loses charge, the fps goes mad. So as you can imagine, when the charger is working and not working several times a minute it makes the game unplayable :( Please help me!
 

WaltzWorker

Reputable
Mar 18, 2015
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Generally that's a 'charger' cable issue. Please note that the charger itself probably has an "AC" plug - that plugs into what can look like a "Brick" - it maybe as simple as that part not being securely plugged into 'the brick.' The next time you see it charging - grab the connector at the end of the wire for your charger. Try to hold it firmly and then wiggle the wire... This is testing the charger wire to the laptop. It may 'drop in and out' as noted if that is or is related to your issue. IF Not - Holding the laptop firmly down on a solid surface, try wiggling the connector while its connected... This will test the connection from the charger into the laptop. If it drops in and out - then that's your issue.
PLEASE NOTE: This 'probably will not' damage your charger, considering it maybe already damaged... it may damage it further to non-functionality... Just saying. But since you only bought it a few weeks ago - it might be a good idea and time to backup what ever you have on it and see about bringing it in... ESPECIALLY if this isn't the issue, or if you've located it to the charger, at least have them replace that one.