If you’ve ever used a computer, you’ve probably noticed a jump in the temperature of the central processor unit (CPU). It can also be the effect of outdated hardware. However, it can also occur during periods of high usage.
In any case, having your PC overheat is a rather typical occurrence. Unfortunately, it can have serious consequences, typically indicating future problems or a drop in peak performance.
That is why we should all strive to keep an eye on CPU temperature and know how to detect it. Fortunately, there are various options to examine, including a DIY method and a number of software solutions.
We’ll look at how to manage the essentials on your own in this guide, then show you how to stay up to date with a third-party CPU temp monitor. While the DIY option may appeal to more experienced users, software monitoring is typically more comfortable and easier to use.
Methods to Check your CPU Temperature
Method 1: Check your CPU Temperature Manually
You may manually check the CPU in a few methods. You might be wondering how to monitor CPU temperature on Windows 10 if you’re a Windows user.
Unfortunately, there is no simple way to confirm this, so you’ll have to rely on your basic input-output system to do so (BIOS).
The BIOS is the first software to load when you turn on your computer and is situated on the motherboard. It’s in charge of making sure the device’s hardware turns on and works properly.
The BIOS can be found in computers dating back decades, and it is gradually being phased out. The Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) software is used by many new PCs. This new app is significantly faster and has fewer restrictions.
When you reset your computer, you can check your BIOS/UEFI software. When your computer restarts, you’ll be given a key to access your processor settings (typically: F12, F2, ESC, or DEL).
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Method 2: Check BIOS/UEFI from Advanced Start Menu in Windows 10
Let’s start with the do-it-yourself approach for testing CPU temperature on a Windows 10 PC. You’ll use your device’s BIOS or UEFI (the modern version of a BIOS interface) to examine CPU temperature and other hardware information and settings in this approach. It’s also vital to keep in mind that particular strategies may only be applicable to certain types of users. The following is how you’ll get started:
- In the lower-left corner of your screen, open the Windows Taskbar.
- The Settings button, denoted by a white gear symbol, should be selected. It should be just above the Taskbar icon and the shutdown choices on your computer.
- Under the Windows Settings header, a new index and search bar will appear.
- At the bottom of the Windows Settings index, scroll down to the Update & Recovery tab.
- In the left sidebar, click the Recovery tab. Along with the Update & Recovery panel, the new sidebar should appear.
- Select the Restart now button under the Advanced startup heading. As is customary, your device will shut down and restart.
- It should appear right before your normal boot and login operations, and it will present you with a number of advanced launch options.
- Select the Troubleshoot option from the drop-down menu.
- Choose Advanced settings from the drop-down menu. You may also access the system restore and startup settings, as well as additional recovery options, from here.
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Check your CPU Temperature with Monitoring Software
CPU monitoring software is available from Intel and AMD, two notable CPU manufacturers. Try Core Temp, a popular and free third-party choice for an all-purpose solution. Many people use it when stress-testing their CPU, which is a procedure that involves running your computer at full speed for an extended length of time to evaluate its performance and dependability under high load and temperature. The following steps will show you how to utilize Core Temp on your computer:
- Install Core Temp after downloading it. The app will also install a desktop shortcut for a web game named Goodgame Empire unless you uncheck the corresponding box during installation.
- When you install Core Temp, you’ll also get a handy.TXT page with complete instructions on how to use the application.
- Focus on the bottom of the display, where it says “Core #0”, in Core Temp. Your window may differ somewhat from ours depending on how many CPU cores your computer has.
- You can choose to view your readings in Fahrenheit by going to Options, and then click the Settings option, that select Display.
- Core Temp displays four key facts about the temperature of each CPU core as you move from left to right:
- The temperature right now is
- The lowest temperature ever recorded
- The highest temperature ever recorded
- Currently, the workload proportion is
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Steps to Monitor your CPU Temperature Over Time
It’s pleasant to check your temperatures once in a while, but it’s not going to give you much valuable information. Monitor your CPU temperature over time to gain a more complete view of your computer’s health.
This is especially critical while conducting time-consuming operations like producing videos or playing resource-intensive video games. When working outside, make sure to utilize a laptop temperature monitor because direct sunlight can quickly heat things up.
You’ll need a software solution because UEFI/BIOS can’t act as a long-term PC temperature monitor. We’ll utilize Core Temp as our Windows 10 temperature monitor once more. Here’s how to get started:
- To examine your background apps after installing Core Temp, click the small upward-pointing arrow in your taskbar.
- The multicolored numbers at the top represent your CPU cores’ current temperatures. You may check them out here at any moment, or drag them to the taskbar to keep them visible all the time.
- You can choose to just see the maximum temperature at any one time to save space on your taskbar. Select the Highest temperature per CPU in Core Temp by going to Options, and click on the Settings option, then Notification Area.
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Monitoring CPU Temperature in Fullscreen Mode
Because you can’t see your taskbar while full screening a game or movie, we’ll need to find another way to monitor your CPU temperatures during those activities. RivaTuner is a handy little application that comes packaged with MSI Afterburner, a GPU overclocking utility that lets you see your CPU temps even in fullscreen mode.
You may download RivaTuner on its own, however, the developer suggests using it in conjunction with MSI Afterburner for the best results. How to set it up for fullscreen temperature monitoring is as follows:
- Open your background apps and click on the MSI Afterburner icon after installing MSI Afterburner and RivaTuner.
- Navigate to the Monitoring tab in the Settings menu. Scroll down and pick CPU Temperature, then Show in On-Screen Display from the drop-down menu.
- To bring up your monitoring data, go to the On-Screen Display page and configure a hotkey configuration.
- You can use your hotkeys to view your CPU temperatures whenever you’re in a fullscreen app.
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What is the Ideal CPU Temperature?
The optimal operating temperature for most devices varies based on how you use them, such as if you overclock or run resource-intensive apps. If you read through your owner’s handbook or conduct some research online, you should be able to find the exact specifications for your device.
It’s still a good idea to remember some fundamental CPU temperature rules of thumb or to construct your own based on your personal experience.
- The average running temperature for most users should be less than 140°F (60°C). When it comes to PC hardware, cooler temperatures are preferable in general.
- Temperatures of 160°F (70°C) to 195°F (90°C) are potentially dangerous.
- Is there anything above that range? At over 195°F (90°C), your hardware is under severe strain.
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Tips for Minimizing Temperature Issues
The easiest approach to minimize overheating is to use caution when using your gadget. Close any non-essential passive applications, and try to maintain a regular maintenance plan. Cleaning your workplace and keeping your equipment clean can make a great difference in terms of lifetime and, more importantly, the running temperature of your computer later on.
You can also make minor changes to your workspace to improve ventilation, such as installing an external cooling system or moving obstacles that hinder airflow. In extreme cases, you may want to consider raising your gadget for greater airflow.
Another simple technique to avoid overheating is to keep your computer malware-free. Malware can easily cause overheating and performance concerns since it uses the same energy and hardware as legitimate software.
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Conclusion
With simple alternatives for free CPU temperature monitoring, now is the ideal moment to start keeping track of yours on a regular basis. Most users won’t have any cause to check every day, but technological solutions have made it easier than ever to do so. While some heat is to be expected, keeping an eye on your CPU temperature is an excellent strategy to safeguard your technology investment.
