How to Check CPU Temp? – Before You Start
Is your computer too hot? If your computer starts to abruptly shut down, freeze or seem sluggish during intensive tasks, your CPU might be overheating.
Keeping tabs on the CPU’s temp is vital, especially when you’re overclocking it; you don’t want to inadvertently push the performance pedal too far.
Windows doesn’t offer a desktop solution to check the CPU temperature. Instead, you need to dive into your PC’s BIOS menu to find the CPU temperature information.
This can be a lot of hassle; however, there are plenty of 3rd party apps for checking a CPU’s temperature. In this review, we’ll look at how to check CPU temperature using BIOS as well as 3rd party applications such as core temp.
Check CPU Temp from BIOS
The BIOS menu can be found in old PCs, and PC manufacturers are slowly phasing it out. Now manufacturers are adopting UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) software. This new software is much quicker and has fewer restrictions.
When you restart your PC, you can check your BIOS/UEFI for CPU temp. As the computer reboots, it will give you designated access to your CPU settings. The process for checking CPU temperature using BIOS/UEFI is as follows:
- Start by clicking on ‘Settings’ in the taskbar.
How to Check CPU Temp
- Next, scroll down to ‘Update & Security.’
- Then click on ‘Recovery’ in the tab on the left side of your screen.
- Under ‘Advanced Start-up,’ click on ‘Restart.’
- When the restart screen appears, click on ‘Troubleshoot.’
How to Check CPU Temp
- Next, click on ‘Advanced Settings.’
- Then click on ‘UEFI Firmware Settings.’
- Next, click on ‘Restart.’
- Now you’ll be redirected to a screen where you can view your CPU’s temperature under ‘PC Health Status’ or ‘System Hardware Monitor.’
Check CPU Temp Using 3rd Party Apps
If you’re looking for a quick way to check your CPU’s temperature that doesn’t involve restarting your machine, then downloading a CPU temp checker is your best bet.
There are plenty of CPU temperature-checking apps for both macOS and Windows OS.
One of the best 3rd party apps for monitoring the temperature of all your PC’s processors is the Core Temp application. Follow these steps to check CPU temp with Core Temp:
- Start by downloading and then launching the app on your desktop.
How to Check CPU Temp
- Next, look for your CPU’s temperatures at the bottom of the app window.
How to Check CPU Temp
- Then head to the bottom of your taskbar and click on ‘Show Hidden Icons. This will prompt the application to access your CPU’s core temperatures quickly.
How to Check CPU Temp
What Is the Best Temperature for A CPU?
What Is the Best Temperature for A CPU?
The max supported temperature varies based on the CPU and its specifications. Most 3rd party CPU temperature checking apps like ‘Core Temp’ list the information as ‘Tj. Max,’ an acronym for temperature junction or the highest operating temp of the CPU.
However, this is the max temperature, is the point at which the CPU will shut down to prevent damage. Operating the CPU close to its max temperature is bad for its long-term life. That said, the following is a guideline for CPU temperatures:
Under 60° C: Your CPU is doing great.
Between 70° C and 80° C: This is hotter than usual unless you’re overclocking. If not, check to confirm that the fans are working and no dust is blocking the airflow.
Between 80° C and 90° C: The CPU is getting too hot. Check your PC for a faulty fan or dust accumulation, and if you’re not overclocking, dial back the settings, particularly the voltage, if you’ve modified it. One exception is for gaming rigs which will hit 80° C during a session when plugged into power. Be concerned if the temps exceed 85° C.
Over 90° C: You will definitely damage your CPU.
Note: If your CPU temp is between 60° C and 89° C, you need to clean the fans thoroughly so that the CPU temp stay under 60° C. If your CPU temperature hits 90° C, then you need to check if the fans are faulty and replace them.
Tips to Lower CPU Temp
Clean Your PC
There are several ways to keep the interior and exterior of your PC clean. You can use a compressed air duster or dust rag to remove debris from the interior and exterior. You can also remove the casing and carefully vacuum around the fans.
Replace The Thermal Paste
Sometimes your CPU will overheat because of an old layer of thermal paste. So you just need to buy a new tube of thermal paste and apply it to your processor.
Get A New Cooler
If you’re still having issues cooling down the CPU, it might be time to get a new cooling system. Maybe invest in a water cooling system for the best results.
Final Thoughts
With easy and accessible options for monitoring your CPU’s temperature, it’s high time you start keeping tabs on yours. Most people won’t find any reason to check CPU temp every day, but if you’re overclocking, it’s recommended so that you can protect your investment.
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