Ideal CPU Temperature? How to Check and Monitor It

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is one of the most important components of a computer. And, like the human body, it needs a certain temperature to survive.

The CPU temperature will vary depending on how you use it and how much load it has to bear.

When the computer is idle, or not running something intensive, it will certainly differ from when you play games, render videos, or run several applications at once.  The greater the load or the more activity you do, the higher the CPU temperature will be.

To work optimally, the CPU must be kept at the ideal temperature. When the temperature rises too high, it can cause performance problems or component damage. Modern CPUs include heat protection and can limit performance if they overheat. A hot CPU might cause the computer to shut down. Constantly high temperatures can cause components to break down or deteriorate faster than usual.

Ideal CPU temperature

The normal temperature on the CPU is between 40-70 degrees Celsius. However, the ideal temperature for a CPU varies depending on specifications and varying working conditions. Some brands of CPUs have varying normal temperatures, and higher temperatures can cause performance issues or safety issues.

While the various processors on the market have varying tolerances, there is usually a temperature range that is best for performance. When a PC is running a vital program, the temperature should be between 65 to 70 degrees Celsius. When playing games or operating complex applications, these temperatures can quickly rise to approximately 80 degrees Celsius.

cpu temperature

The safe maximum temperature for a CPU varies depending on the make and model. Typically, the safe maximum temperature for a CPU is between 80-95 degrees Celsius. However, those temperatures may still be too high for some CPU models and may cause performance issues or long-term damage.

Therefore, it is very important to monitor the temperature of the CPU and ensure that the temperature does not exceed the limits set by the manufacturer. If the temperature is too high, consider adding a cooler or checking if there are any problems with the cooling system.

How to check CPU temperature

Here are some ways to check the CPU temperature:

  1. Using command-line commands: such as the “sensors” command on Linux, or “wmic” on Windows. The way to use it is to open a terminal and type the command, then look at the temperature information from the “CPU” section.
  2. Using temperature monitoring software: such as Speccy, Core Temp, or HWMonitor. The way to use it is to download and run the software, and then view the temperature information from the “CPU” or “Core” section.
  3. Using BIOS or UEFI: some motherboards have settings to monitor the temperature in BIOS or UEFI. The way to use it is to go into BIOS or UEFI and look at the temperature information of the corresponding section.

How to check CPU temperature using Windows Command Line

To check the temperature of the CPU using the command line in Windows, you can use the “wmic” command. Here are the steps:

  1. Open a Command Prompt.
  2. Type the command:
wmic /namespace:\|root\wmi PATH MSAcpi_ThermalZoneTemperature get CurrentTemperature
  1. The CPU temperature information will be displayed. To get the temperature in Celsius, divide by the number 10 and subtract that temperature by the number  273.15 (for example (3182/10)-273.15 = 45.05 Celsius).

Note: This command may not work on all systems, depending on the hardware and drivers used. If this command doesn’t work, try using temperature software like Speccy, Core Temp, or HWMonitor.

How to check CPU temperature using Core Temp

To check CPU temperature using Core Temp in Windows, follow these steps:

  1. Download and install Core Temp from the official website.
  2. Open Core Temp after the installation is complete.
  3. Core Temp will display CPU temperature information in degrees Celsius, including the temperature of each core.
core temp

You can also change the Core Temp settings to display CPU temperature information on the system tray or via gadgets. Ways to do this can be found in the settings menu or Core Temp documentation.

How to check CPU temperature using HWMonitor

To check the CPU temperature on a Windows system using HWMonitor, follow these steps:

  1. Download and install HWMonitor from its official website.
  2. After the installation is complete, run the application.
  3. In the main window of HWMonitor, look at the “Sensors” or “Temperature” section. The CPU temperature will be displayed in degrees Celsius (°C).
HWMonitor

Note: Make sure that the system has a properly functioning temperature sensor and is properly installed. Otherwise, the displayed CPU temperature may be inaccurate.

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How to check CPU temperature using BIOS

To check the CPU temperature using BIOS, follow these steps:

  1. Turn off the system and make sure that all computer components are properly connected.
  2. Turn on the computer and press the specified key to enter the BIOS. This button is usually listed on the screen when the system boots. Typically is the Del, F2, or Esc key.
  3. After entering the BIOS, look for a section that displays system information, such as “System Information” or “Hardware Monitoring”.
  4. Find the CPU temperature in this section. The CPU temperature will be displayed in degrees Celsius (°C).

Note: Access to the BIOS and display may vary depending on the brand and model of the motherboard used. If you can’t find the CPU temperature, please refer to the motherboard reference manual or contact the manufacturer for help.

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