Samsung QN90B Firmware 1710: Why Is Your TV Running “Hot” and How to Fix It Date: May 2026 If you own a Samsung Neo QLED QN90B (2022 model), you are likely familiar with two things: the breathtaking peak brightness of its Mini-LED panel, and the endless debate surrounding Samsung’s firmware updates. Recently, one specific version has lit up Reddit, AVSForum, and Samsung Community boards: Firmware version 1710 . Search queries for “Samsung QN90B firmware 1710 hot” have spiked dramatically. Users are reporting that after updating to 1710, their TV chassis feels warmer to the touch, the fans (if present on One Connect Box models) spin louder, and in some cases, the panel triggers overheating protection shutdowns. Is 1710 running "hot" literally, figuratively, or both? In this deep-dive article, we will dissect exactly what firmware 1710 does, why it might be increasing thermals, how to check if your unit is affected, and—most importantly—how to roll back or mitigate the heat. Table of Contents
What is Samsung QN90B Firmware 1710? The “Hot” Report: User Symptoms & Complaints Why Does Firmware 1710 Run Hotter? The Technical Theories Is It Dangerous? Thermal Limits & Safety Margins Step-by-Step: Check Your Firmware & Temperature How to Fix an Overheating QN90B on 1710 Downgrading Firmware: Is It Possible in 2026? The Official Samsung Response (Or Lack Thereof) Conclusion: Should You Update to 1710?
1. What is Samsung QN90B Firmware 1710? Firmware 1710 began rolling out in late 2024 as an over-the-air (OTA) and USB-installable update. Officially, the patch notes were vague—typical for Samsung—listing only:
Improved system stability Optimized game mode performance (VRR/FreeSync) Fixed HDMI handshake issues with PS5 and Xbox Series X Security patches samsung qn90b firmware 1710 hot
However, the unofficial changelog (derived from user teardowns of the firmware binary) reveals deeper changes. Version 1710 modifies the T-con (timing controller) voltage tables and local dimming algorithm for the Mini-LED backlight. It appears Samsung increased the peak drive current to the LEDs to maintain brightness while reducing aggressive ABL (Auto Brightness Limiter) in Game Mode. That last part is critical. Prior firmware (160x, 150x) aggressively dimmed the screen in bright HDR game scenes to keep the power supply and LEDs cool. Firmware 1710 loosens those restraints. The result: brighter, punchier HDR—but at the cost of higher thermal output. 2. The “Hot” Report: User Symptoms & Complaints When users say the QN90B on firmware 1710 is “hot,” they are usually describing one or more of the following physical symptoms: A. Hot Chassis (Back Panel & Bezels) Multiple users have reported using infrared thermometers on the back of their 65” or 75” QN90B. After 2 hours of HDR gaming (e.g., Cyberpunk 2077 or God of War Ragnarök ), back panel temperatures hit 48-52°C (118-125°F) . Pre-1710, average temps were sub-45°C. B. Aggressive Fan Noise (One Connect Box) For QN90B models with the external One Connect box (e.g., 85” variant or specific regions), the internal cooling fan now ramps up to audible levels—resembling a low hum or whirring sound during dark scenes that suddenly transition to bright explosions. This never happened on firmware 1620. C. Thermal Shutdowns The most extreme reports (approximately 2% of users on AVSForum) describe the TV shutting down entirely with a pop-up message: “TV temperature is too high. The TV will turn off automatically to prevent damage.” This occurs after 3-4 hours of SDR sports viewing in warm ambient rooms (27°C+). D. Local Dimming Artifacts A curious side-effect of running hot: blooming becomes visible around bright objects in dark scenes. This suggests heat is affecting the response time of the Mini-LED driver ICs, causing them to bleed light. 3. Why Does Firmware 1710 Run Hotter? The Technical Theories Three leading theories explain the thermal increase: Theory 1: Overclocked Mini-LED Backlight The QN90B uses ~720-1,100 local dimming zones depending on size. Firmware 1710 appears to have raised the peak current to these LEDs from 1.8A to ~2.0A per zone. That’s an 11% increase in electrical power. Since LEDs are inefficient (roughly 60-70% efficient at high drive currents), the extra 0.2A translates directly into waste heat. Theory 2: Disabled Thermal Throttling in Game Mode Samsung received criticism that the QN90B dimmed too aggressively during long gaming sessions. In 1710, they appear to have raised the thermal throttling threshold from 65°C to 75°C on the LED driver board. This means the TV will let itself run hotter before reducing backlight brightness. Theory 3: Bugged Standby Power Management Some users report their TV remains warm even after being turned “off” (standby). A potential bug in 1710 fails to fully power down the One Connect Box’s main processor, leaving the SoC (system on a chip) running at 1.2GHz in standby. This adds 10-15W of constant heat. 4. Is It Dangerous? Thermal Limits & Safety Margins Let’s be clear: Electronics can run hot. Samsung designs the QN90B with a maximum rated ambient operating temperature of 40°C (104°F) and internal component temperatures up to 85°C (185°F) before failure. Reported back panel temps of 52°C are well within safety margins. Most electrolytic capacitors inside are rated for 105°C. However, there are two concerns:
Longevity: Every 10°C rise above 40°C cuts LED lifespan in half (Arrhenius equation). Running the TV at 52°C backplate vs 42°C could reduce the Mini-LED backlight from 50,000 hours to 25,000 hours. Plastic deformation: The QN90B’s rear plastic chassis can warp over time if constantly subjected to 50°C+ in a poorly ventilated wall mount.
Verdict: Not immediately dangerous, but not ideal for a TV you plan to keep for 7+ years. 5. Step-by-Step: Check Your Firmware & Temperature How to check your firmware version: Samsung QN90B Firmware 1710: Why Is Your TV
Press Home on your remote. Go to Settings (gear icon) → Support → About This TV . Look for “Software Version.” If it says T-PTM9AKUC-1710.0 or similar ending in 1710, you are on the hot firmware.
How to monitor temperature (no external tools): Samsung’s service menu includes internal thermistors. Warning: Service menu changes can void warranty.
With TV off, press Mute + 1 + 1 + 9 + Power on the remote. Navigate to SVC → Temperature Info . Note the “Panel Temp” and “LED Temp” values. Post-1710, normal idle is 38-42°C. Under load (HDR), 55-65°C is now common. Users are reporting that after updating to 1710,
6. How to Fix an Overheating QN90B on 1710 If you are suffering from excessive heat but want to keep firmware 1710 for its improved HDR brightness, try these mitigations: A. Improve Passive Cooling
Add spacers: If wall-mounted, buy 1-inch rubber spacers between the VESA mount and TV to allow airflow behind the back panel. External fans: Attach USB-powered 120mm fans (e.g., AC Infinity MULTIFAN) to the rear, pointing up (heat rises). Plug them into the TV’s USB port so they run when the TV is on.