For the fact that Your computing or central processing unit (CPU) performs millions of operations per second, which can cause the processor to become quite hot. If it gets too hot, you might experience system stability issues, crashes, and computing slowdowns, or even create long-term damage.
Here are a few situations where checking for your computer temperature might be a good idea:
You’re overclocking: If you are pushing your cpu beyond its limit by overclocking it, its temperature will definitely increase — quite significantly in many cases! As an overclocker or a gaming PC builder, monitoring your temperatures should be on your To Do list.
You have a super-thin ultrabook: Ultrabooks are usually very thin, giving your laptop little space for proper cooling. If you work very hard on such a computer (such as gaming or graphics rendering) or if you live in a hotter climate, keeping a close eye on temperatures is a must.
You have an older PC or laptop: Over time, dust can gather inside the computer chassis, which can slow down or even block its fans. It’s smart to check for high temperatures, as doing so is an indicator of whether it’s time to clean out dust bunnies or replace fans.
You experience constant system freezes and crashes: If your PC shuts down randomly, it might not be a hardware or software defect. A system that runs too hot may turn off automatically to prevent long-term physical damage.
Checking the CPU Temperature Manually
There are some ways that you can manually check CPU temperature. If you are a Windows user, you may be wondering how to check CPU temperature on Windows 10.
Unfortunately, there is no easy way to check this, so you will have to opt to check your basic input-output system (BIOS). The BIOS is located on the motherboard and is the first software that starts when you power on your computer. It’s responsible for making sure all of the hardware in the device turns on and runs properly.
The BIOS can be found in computers from decades ago and is slowly being phased out. Many new PC’s operate with the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) software. This new software runs much faster and has fewer limitations. You can check your BIOS/UEFI software when you reboot your computer. As your computer restarts it will give you a designated key to access your processor settings (typically: F12, F2, ESC or DEL).
How to check BIOS/UEFI from advanced start menu in windows 10:
Step 1: Go to Settings in the taskbar.
Step 2: Scroll to Update & Security.
Step 3: Select Recovery in the side panel.
Step 4: Hit Restart now under Advanced startup.
Step 5: Select troubleshoot from reboot screen.
Step 6: Select Advanced options.
Step 7: Click UEFI Firmware Settings.
Step 8: Click Restart to confirm.
From here you’ll be taken to a screen where you can find what your CPU temp is under the PC Health Status or System Hardware Monitor.
How to Check the CPU Temperature With Core Temp App
If you are looking for a fast way to check your CPU temp, it can be done quickly by downloading apps. There are apps to check CPU temp on both Windows and Mac devices. One of the most accessible ways to monitor the temperature of all your computer’s processors is with the Core Temp App.
Follow these steps to check CPU temperature with Core Temp App:
Step 1: Open the application from your desktop.
Step 2: Locate the temperatures of your processors at the bottom of the widget.
Step 3: Maneuver to the bottom of your taskbar and select “show hidden icons” to quickly access core temps.
If you are looking to check CPU temp for macOS then you can download the Fanny Widget that allows you to monitor your fans and CPU temp right from your menu bar. For more control, you can even download SpeedFan, which allows you to manually control the speeds of your fans. For gamers and those wishing to access more information, you can download HWMonitor for a more detailed layout.
What’s the Best CPU Temperature for Your Computer?
To keep your computer in the best possible shape, it is ideal that you keep your temps under 60°C. Anything under this temperature and your computer should be able to perform its best without inflicting damage to your computer.
If you find that your computer is consistently sitting between 60°C and 80°C, then it’s probably time for a cleaning. Check to make sure your fans are running properly and not hindered by dust.
Make sure that your processor is not reaching temperatures over 90°C. This will cause serious damage to your computer. If CPU temperature is high, look into replacing fans and reverting any overclocking adjustments you might have made.
5 Tips for Keeping Your CPU Temperature Normal
Keeping your computer free from any internal harm and external damage is the best formula for a long-lasting device. Try some of these tips and techniques to keep all of your parts in top shape:
1. Clean Your PC Always
There are a few ways to keep the inside and outside of your computer clean. You can use a dust rag and a disposable compressed air duster to keep debris off of the interior and exterior. You can also open the casing to carefully vacuum around the fans and other hardware components.
2. Replace Your Thermal Paste
There are times when an overheating issue can be easily solved by removing the old layer of thermal paste and adding a new one. This is what transfers the heat from your CPU to the cooler, and when it dries up your CPU temp can increase.
3. Purchase a New CPU Cooler
If you are still having trouble cooling down your computer, it might be time for some new fans with a new cooler. You can easily install a water cooling solution in addition to your fans, or even in place of them.
4. Use a Laptop Stand For Your Pc
An effective way to increase airflow and protect your device is to use a laptop stand. A hard and flat surface is the best way to keep your laptop free from suffocating. Laptop stands also hold your computer at the optimal angle for staying cool and user performance.
5. Keep Your Laptop Virus And Malware Free
Malware is software written for the purposes of harming you and your device. Malware can be used by governments to attack other foreign government systems. It can be used to spy on personal information, destroy files, make threats and send you advertisements. Installing Antivirus Software is the most effective way to keep your hard work and personal information secure.
If you have an old computer that is constantly running too hot, it might be time to perform some of these basic checks. Consistent monitoring of CPU temps can prevent years of damage to your computer. Unfortunately, if you cannot seem to lower the temperature no matter what you do, then it might be time for new parts or even a new computer. It is advisable you monitor your pc temperature by performing a constant check of your CPU. Hope you enjoyed this article,feel free to drop your comment.