Google's Diagnostics article says that if a Chromebook fails the CPU tests, it may indicate CPU failure or improper device cooling, and that CPU tests can stress the device. So the first job on a hot Chromebook is finding out whether something is using the processor: the Diagnostics CPU graph shows usage and identifies which applications use the most. Then the ordinary causes: many tabs, video calls and extensions keep the processor busy, a Chromebook on a bed or sofa blocks its vents, and charging while under load adds heat.
Google's video chat article advises closing tabs and apps you are not using and using only one monitor to reduce load. Some Chromebooks have no fan at all, so a fan that never spins is normal, and this page treats noise and heat as separate faults: if the Chromebook has a fan, loud running under load is expected, and loud running at idle is the sign to investigate.
Differential
Likely causes of “Acer Chromebook Plus 514 runs hot or the fan is loud”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A tab, app or extension using the processor
What separates it The Chromebook is hot with little open because of a tab, app or extension using the processor
How to confirm Check the Diagnostics CPU graph and close or remove the heavy item
- 2
Blocked vents
What separates it The Chromebook is on a soft surface and the base is hot
How to confirm Move it to a hard, flat surface, and clear the vents
- 3
Sustained load
What separates it Video calls or long jobs heat the case because of sustained load
How to confirm Lower the load, with fewer tabs and one monitor, and check the fan
- 4
Charging under heavy use
What separates it It is warmest while plugged in and busy because of charging under heavy use
How to confirm Warmth while charging is normal; excessive heat is not
- 5
A cooling fault
What separates it The Diagnostics CPU tests fail because of a cooling fault
How to confirm Google says a failed test may indicate improper cooling; contact Acer
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Which app or tab tops the Diagnostics CPU graph and whether the noise or heat is at idle or under load
- What surface the Chromebook is on and whether the vents look blocked
- Whether the case is unusually hot, smells or has swollen
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedCheck the CPU graph
ReversibleCheck the CPU graph, in Settings, About ChromeOS, Diagnostics, CPU, and look at the usage.
Close tabs, apps and extensions
ReversibleClose tabs, apps and extensions, to reduce the load that keeps the processor busy, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Move it to a hard surface
ReversibleLift the laptop off soft surfaces such as a bed or sofa so the vents are clear and the fans can move air.
Restart
ReversibleRestart the Chromebook, since a restart clears stuck processes that keep the fan running, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Run the CPU tests
ReversibleRun the CPU tests, and save your work first, since they stress the device, and then test again to see whether it helped.
Contact Acer if tests fail
ReversibleContact Acer if tests fail, since Google points to the manufacturer for a failed test.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Processors
- AMD Ryzen 7520C or Intel Core i3-N305 per Acer's page. Both are efficient chips; sustained heat with little running is unusual.
- Repair cost
- Cleaning vents and closing heavy tabs costs nothing. A thermal or board repair falls in the usual range: an independent shop repair is typically $99 to $299 per BadgerLayer, with a free diagnostic.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the case swells or smells of burning, unplug it and contact Acer immediately
- !If the Diagnostics CPU tests fail, contact Acer Support
- !If it shuts itself down from heat at idle on a hard surface, contact Acer Support
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
The CPU graph and CPU tests, and the note about improper cooling.
Closing tabs and apps and using one monitor to reduce load.
Google points hardware problems to the manufacturer.
The Chromebook and ChromeOS platform.
Shop price ranges for screen, battery, keyboard and charging-port repairs.
Exact questions
Common questions
Does the room matter?+
Yes. A hot room or a car on a summer day limits cooling. Keep the Chromebook out of direct sun and enclosed spaces.
Does charging while gaming heat it?+
Yes. Charging and heavy work together add heat, so play on a hard surface with the vents clear and lower the settings if it gets very warm.
Do I need to clean the vents?+
A light dusting of the outside is enough. Do not open the case or blow hard air into it.
Why is the Chromebook warm when I am only reading?+
A tab playing video or an extension running in the background keeps the processor busy. Check the Diagnostics CPU graph to find it.
Can I keep it in a bag while it updates?+
Avoid it. Updates use the processor and a closed bag traps heat, so leave it open on a hard surface.
Does a Chromebook have a fan?+
Some do and some do not. Check your model's specification; a Chromebook without a fan is silent and relies on its vents and body to shed heat.
What does a failed CPU test mean?+
Google says it may indicate CPU failure or improper device cooling. Contact the manufacturer.