How to see cpu temp: How To Check Your Computers CPU Temperature

How To Check Your Computers CPU Temperature

If you’ve used a PC, chances are you’ve experienced a spike in central processing unit (CPU) temperature at some point. Sometimes, it’s the result of aging hardware. But it can also happen during periods of heavy use.

Either way, having your computer overheat is a relatively common problem. Unfortunately it can have significant implications, often foreshadowing later issues or a decline in peak performance.

That’s why we should all try to keep tabs on CPU temperature and know exactly how to check for it. Luckily, there are several different ways to do so, including a DIY method and a variety of software tools to consider.

In this guide, we’ll look at how to handle the basics on your own and then explain how you can use a third-party CPU temp monitor to stay up-to-date. While the DIY approach may be more appealing to experienced users, monitoring with software is often more convenient and easier to do.

How to check CPU temp from your BIOS/UEFI

First, let’s look at the DIY method for checking CPU temp on a Windows 10 computer. In this procedure, you’ll rely on your device’s BIOS or UEFI (the contemporary equivalent of a BIOS interface) to check CPU temperature, as well as other hardware information and settings. It’s also important to remember that different methods may only apply to some users. Here’s how you’ll get started:

1. Open the Windows Taskbar at the lower left corner of your screen.
2. Select the Settings button, indicated by a white gear icon. It should be just above the Taskbar icon and your PC’s shutdown options. This will open a new index and search bar under the Windows Settings header.
3. Scroll down to the Update & Recovery tab at the bottom of the Windows Settings index.
4. Select the Recovery tab in the left sidebar. The new sidebar should load alongside the Update & Recovery panel.
5. Scroll down to the Advanced startup heading and select the Restart now button. Your device will power down as usual and begin to restart. It should interrupt just before your typical boot and login procedures, and it will provide several advanced startup options.
6. Select the Troubleshoot button.
7. Select the Advanced options button. This is also where you can view the system restore and startup settings, as well as other recovery options.
8. Select restart. This should load your BIOS / UEFI interface, which for many Windows 10 users will include a CPU temperature readout.

Advantages

The primary advantage of this method is that it uses only your existing PC systems for monitoring. That means you don’t have to add any new costs, install additional software, or deal with account information for your registration or login. It also cuts out the risk of choosing the wrong software and getting saddled with malware or spam.

This is a good solution if you already prefer to directly manage your BIOS or UEFI for any other reason, since checking CPU temperature will be especially easy to integrate with your existing routine. It’s also just good to know in case you experience issues with a software-based CPU temperature monitor.

Drawbacks

The main drawback of this method is the amount of time it takes from start to finish. You’ll need to restart twice whenever you want to check your PC’s temperature reading, and also click through several different options and menus as you go.

From a practical standpoint, this also makes it more difficult for you to quickly gauge the severity of a problem as it’s happening. And because it only provides a one-time, static temperature readout, it cuts back on your workable data while troubleshooting.

Plus, it’s important to remember that not all users will have access to the same interface. Some of the information may be different depending on your device and software. Between the amount of time involved and the lack of detailed or uniform temperature information, this method will certainly appeal to a narrow group of users.

Monitor CPU temp with software

Now that we’ve covered the BIOS/UEFI method, you may appreciate the potential benefits of a software solution. Most use your device’s built-in digital thermal sensors to measure temperature. While some options may cost a bit more than the DIY method and all third-party software comes with potential risks, you’re likely to enjoy a much more user-friendly experience.

With a growing space for independent monitoring software and several standout options, software is a viable monitoring solution for the typical user. Monitoring software usually provides a more dynamic readout and additional ways to keep tabs on your hardware.

Cost is definitely a factor, however. Some options are free and provide a relatively simple experience, but others may involve subscription costs. In exchange for a fee, users tend to enjoy much deeper functionality. You can also shop around for the most intuitive interface and best functionality for your routine and budget.

Advantages

Monitoring software provides a much more in-the-moment look at your CPU’s temperature. Instead of a static reading, most monitoring software provides a continuously updated temperature readout. This means you can easily monitor how your routine behaviors impact the temperature of your device, which gives you a better opportunity to take preventative steps and avoid critical heat issues.

For most users, this type of configuration is also practical because you’re getting real-time information that’s easy to access and absorb. When your computer is overheating and you’re trying to keep up with work, clicking on a Taskbar icon for a quick temperature check is much more efficient than multiple restarts.

Drawbacks

Third-party software can sometimes have recurring costs, as well as the typical risks associated with downloading and installing software that may not be properly vetted. To avoid accidentally installing malware, do your research and read through user reviews for any software or app you’re considering.

Otherwise, the disadvantages of software are minimal. Monitoring programs occupy a relatively small amount of space on your PC and work just like any other software. You’ll even find a variety of free options with little research. And to make it even easier, we’ve done some of the research for you.

Third-party software recommendations

There are many options out there and lots of resources you can use to compare services. Here’s a list of 5 popular free and paid options with a few quick notes about each.

1. HWMonitor

Prioritizes accessibility with clear information and support. It also offers both free and paid versions.

2. CoreTemp

Simple and easy-to-use tool with clear temperature readouts for all of your processor cores. Developers can also customize their copy and add their own features. It’s free to use, but you also can choose to donate funds to the team.

3. NZXT Cam

Popular with gamers because of its well-tailored support and visually simple layout. It also provides support for in-game monitoring, particularly helpful if you’re overclocking your hardware. It’s free to download.

4. HWiNFO

Another popular freeware option that provides more functionality than most no-cost monitoring software. They can even cite NASA as satisfied customers.

5. Open Hardware Monitor

A great open-source option that offers monitoring for a variety of components in a streamlined and customizable interface. It’s available for free, but you can donate to the developers.

What is the ideal CPU temp?

The ideal operating temperature for most devices will vary depending on your type of use, for instance, if you overclock or run resource-heavy programs. Chances are you can find the exact specifications for your hardware by looking through your owner’s manual or doing research online. It still helps to remember some basic rules of thumb regarding CPU temperature, or to develop your own based on experience.

• Most users should be looking for an average running temperature below 140°F (60°C). Cooler temps, in general, are better when it comes to PC hardware.
• Temperatures between 160°F (70°C) to 195°F (90°C) may be a cause for concern.
• Anywhere above that range? Your hardware is under serious stress at over 195°F (90°C).

Why is my CPU overheating?

Most users encounter heat strain at your busiest periods of use, especially when you’re trying to run multiple programs and apps at once. While temperature spikes are typically associated with heavy use or stress from overclocking, there are other factors you should be aware of.

1. Poor maintenance, accumulated dust, malware, bad ventilation, and even undetected hardware problems can all contribute to heat-related issues.
2. Older hardware is more susceptible because of lower heat tolerances at the date of manufacture.
3. Thinner builds with performance components can also sometimes get too hot for comfort, simply because there’s more opportunity for heat to travel.

Tips for minimizing temperature issues

The best way to avoid overheating is to use your device conscientiously. Close down any passive applications that you don’t need, and try to stick to a regular maintenance schedule. Dusting your workspace and keeping your device clean can have a big impact on longevity and especially on your computer’s running temperature later in life.

You can also make small adaptations to your workspace in order to promote good ventilation, such as adding an external cooling system or rearranging obstructions that can prevent ideal airflow. You can even consider elevating your device for better airflow in extreme situations.

Keeping your computer malware-free is another easy way to prevent overheating. Since malware runs off of the same energy and hardware as legitimate software, it can easily lead to overheating and performance issues.

More about CPUs

The CPU is one of the most important components in devices like your tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. Although they’re sometimes referred to as a processor, CPUs actually feature a separate processing and control unit to guide behavior. The control unit works in tandem with the processor unit, and in doing so, the control unit manages how the processor unit (and memory) responds to new input.

Without an operational CPU, computers can’t execute their most basic functions, so you can’t really have a computer without one. Curious to learn more about the ins and outs of most CPUs? For a comprehensive background on the history and mechanics of your CPU, you can read our full guide on the subject. The more you know, the easier it is to effectively maintain and even customize your device over time.

Be careful when overclocking

Overclocking is a procedure that can improve your device’s speed and responsiveness, but it comes with a lot of risks. The risks will compound if you have an older device, limited existing hardware capacity, or poor ventilation.

An overclocked CPU is much more susceptible to heat build-up, which is why up-to-date components, good ventilation, and regular maintenance are crucial. Even with the best hardware and design, overclocking tends to stress components and reduce their life expectancy. For most users, the added performance of overclocking is a trade-off that inevitably means fewer years of optimum use.

In spite of the risks, overclocking is an increasingly common way to boost performance, especially for PC gamers. This makes monitoring computer temperature extremely important when using an overclocked CPU. Some systems provide their own management software, but you can find more info on upkeep and safety in our guide on How to Overclock Your PC’s CPU.

Conclusion: Check your CPU temp regularly

With easy options for free CPU temperature monitoring, it’s the perfect time to start keeping regular tabs on yours. Most users won’t find any reason to check every day, but software solutions now make the process easier than ever. While some heat is normal and to be expected, monitoring your CPU temperature is a great way to protect your technology investment.

About the Author

Dwight Pavlovic is a contributing writer for HP® Tech Takes. Dwight is a music and technology writer based out of West Virginia.

How to check your PC’s CPU temperature

Home / PCs & Components / How-To

How-To

Here’s how to monitor your computer’s CPU temperature, and lower it if needed.

By Brad Chacos

Executive editor, PCWorld Aug 31, 2022 7:52 am PDT

Image: Thomas Ryan/IDG

Is your computer’s CPU too hot? If your PC starts spontaneously shutting down, locking up, or acting sluggish during intense tasks, overheating could be the issue, especially when the intense summer heat is scorching. Keeping tabs on your CPU temperatures is crucial when you’re overclocking your PC’s processor, too—you don’t want to accidentally push the performance pedal too far to the metal when you’re supercharging your pricey Intel Core i9-12900KS or AMD Ryzen 5800X3D, after all. Melting one of the best CPUs around is always a bummer. And with next-gen Ryzen 7000 processors pushing power limits even further, keeping your chip cool will take more vigilance than ever.

this cooler will instantly send CPU temps plummeting

NZXT Kraken X63 280mm

Bizarrely, Windows doesn’t offer any way to check your computer’s CPU temperature. You could dive into your system’s BIOS to find the information, but that’s a lot of hassle to find a simple sensor reading. Fortunately, several free programs exist that make it easy to see your processor’s temperature. With that info in hand, you’ll know whether you’ll need to take more active steps to cool things down. We’ve included information on how to do that after the software recommendations below.

How to check your CPU temperature

The fastest, easiest way to check your CPU temp is using the aptly named Core Temp. Be mindful during installation though! Like many free programs, it tries to install bloatware unless you uncheck some boxes during setup.

Once installed, open Core Temp to see a no-frills look at the current state of your CPU, including an average temperature reading at the bottom of the window. If you want even more detail, click the Show hidden icons button in the system tray located at the right edge of your Windows taskbar. You’ll see a temperature listing for every individual CPU core in your computer.

Per-core CPU temperature readings provided by the Core Temp app.

Core Temp’s Settings menu allows you to tweak exactly what you’ll see in the system tray, and how you’ll see it, but the default configuration makes it dead-simple to see if your CPU is overheating or performing as expected.

Core Temp isn’t the only option though. HWInfo is an in-depth system monitoring tool that provides deep details about every piece of your PC’s hardware. If you choose to run it in sensors-only mode, scrolling down to the CPU section—the dedicated section, not the CPU temperature portion of the motherboard listing—reveals current temps and other nitty-gritty details.

NZXT’s Cam monitoring software.

NZXT’s Cam software is another popular option with a diverse skillset. Its slick interface is easier to read at a glance than those on most other monitoring tools, and the program shows all sorts of useful info about your CPU, graphics card, memory, and storage. Cam also includes an in-game FPS overlay and overclocking tools, among other features. You can use NZXT’s Cam mobile apps to keep tabs on your software when you’re away from your PC, too.

Open Hardware Monitor and SpeedFan are other well-regarded monitoring tools that can track system information. You’ve got options! But for simply checking your computer’s CPU temperatures, Core Temp’s straightforward focus can’t be beat.

If monitoring software (like HWInfo here) displays two CPU temperatures for Ryzen processors, look for the “Tdie” reading.

Mentioned in this article

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

Finally, note that if you’re running an AMD Ryzen system, including 3rd-gen models like the ferocious Ryzen 9 5900X or the more modest Ryzen 5 5600X, you may see two different CPU temperature readings. You want the “Tdie” reading, depending on how the program you’re using displays the info. It’s a measurement of the actual heat on the die.

The alternative “Tctl” reading is the control temperature reported to your cooling system and sometimes includes a temperature offset to ensure universal fan speed behavior between the various Ryzen chips. Any of the programs above that list a single temperature account for the offset already.

What’s the best temp for your CPU?

One of our favorite CPU air coolers

Noctua NH-D15 6 heatpipe with Dual NF-A15 140mm fans

The maximum supported temperature varies from processor to processor. Most of the free monitoring software mentioned above lists the information as “Tj. Max.” That stands for the temperature junction, or the highest operating temperature of the hardware. If you don’t see the information for some reason, search the CPU World website for your CPU’s model number to find the information. Every program listed above displays your processor’s model number, so it’s easy to find.

But that’s the maximum temperature—the point at which your processor freaks out and shuts down to avoid damage. Running anywhere near that hot regularly is bad for the long-term life of your hardware. Instead, follow this general rule of thumb regarding CPU temperatures under load.  

• Under 60° C: You’re running great!
• 60° C to 70° C: Still running fine, but getting a bit warmer. Consider cleaning the dust out of your PC if CPU temperatures continue to creep up over time.
• 70° C to 80° C: This is hotter than you want to run unless you’re pushing an overclock. If you’re not, definitely check to make sure your fans are working and there aren’t dust bunnies clogging up your system’s airflow.
• 80° C to 90° C: Now we’re getting too hot for long-term comfort. Check your hardware for broken fans or dust build-up, and if you’re overclocking, dial back your settings—especially the voltage if you’ve tweaked it. One notable exception: We sometimes see more powerful laptop processors hit the low 80s during gaming sessions when plugged in, at which point they start throttling back performance. This is expected, but if temperatures cross 85° C, be concerned.
• Over 90° C: Danger, Will Robinson!

How to lower your CPU temperatures

If you’re regularly encountering high CPU temperatures, there are some steps you can take to try and fix the issue.

Roll up your sleeves.

First, clean out your PC. High CPU temperatures are often caused by years of dust and grime built up inside a PC, clogging fans and crucial air pathways. Local hardware stores usually charge outrageous prices for canned air, but you can pick up a bottle for about $8 on Amazon. PCWorld’s guide on how to clean your PC can walk you through the process. While you’re at it, check to make sure that all your fans are working correctly, pointed the right way, and that none of the vents in your PC are blocked.  (Also, make sure your PC’s fans are set up for maximum cooling performance.) 

Hopefully that fixes the issue. If not, more intensive steps are in order. The thermal paste that transfers heat from your CPU to its cooler might have dried out if you’ve had your PC for a few years. That can cause temperature spikes.

Removing the old thermal paste with rubbing alcohol and applying a fresh layer can potentially help lower temperatures by a large amount. You can find small syringes of thermal paste by respected brands like Arctic and Noctua for under $10 on Amazon. (I’ve been a happy Arctic Silver 5 user for years now.)

If all that doesn’t help, your cooling solution simply might not be capable of keeping up with your CPU’s heat output, especially if you’re pairing a stock cooler or a modest third-party cooler with higher-end chips—and doubly so if you’re overclocking. Buying a new CPU cooler may be in order.

The Cooler Master Hyper 212 ($44 on Amazon) is a solid, affordable air cooler. With its larger heatsink and fan, it’s a solid step up over stock AMD and Intel CPU coolers. Moving up in size and price, the Noctua NH-D15 ($100 on Amazon) is one of the most effective air coolers ever to hit the streets, but its large size might block memory access or not even fit in smaller cases.

Mentioned in this article

EVGA CLC 240 closed-loop liquid-cooler

Closed-loop liquid cooling solutions (CLCs) provide far cooler temperatures than air coolers with minimal hassle and easy installation. Smaller 120mm units are available, but if you plan on overclocking, consider moving up to a model with larger 240mm radiator, like the straightforward-named EVGA CLC 280 ($90 on Amazon). Several brands are available, but we’ve been using EVGA’s closed-loop coolers in PCWorld’s powerful, dedicated graphics card testing system to great results.

We’re also partial to the even larger 280mm NZXT Kraken X63 ($150 on Amazon). All that extra metal and fans can accommodate the fiercest overclocks.  

Author: Brad Chacos, Executive editor

Brad Chacos spends his days digging through desktop PCs and tweeting too much. He specializes in graphics cards and gaming, but covers everything from security to Windows tips and all manner of PC hardware.

How to view CPU temperature in Windows 10

The computer works for a long time only if its component parts are in good condition, so experienced users regularly check the condition of PC components, paying special attention to assessing the condition of the central processor by checking its temperature. However, not all users know how to find out the temperature of the processor. Therefore, in this article we will tell you how to view the processor temperature in Windows 10 in several ways — using standard tools and using special programs to assess the current state of PC elements. At the end of the article, we will traditionally attach a useful thematic video.

Content

How to find out the temperature of the processor in Windows 10 without programs?
Programs for viewing the temperature of the processor

How to find out the temperature of the processor in Windows 10 without programs?

To check the CPU temperature, it is not at all necessary to download special utilities. Instead, you can take advantage of the operating system and get the CPU temperature in just a few minutes. There are several ways to get the required information, although most of them are not convenient.

1. Using the command line. Call the command line in any convenient way (the easiest way is to press the Win + R keys, then enter cmd and click OK). Next, type a special command in the window that opens (see the attached image) and press Enter. A four-digit number will appear on the screen. It is necessary to divide it by 10, and then subtract the number 273.15 from the resulting value. The result of these actions will be the actual temperature of the processor. In a specific (indicated in the picture) case, the CPU temperature is: 3452/10-273.15 = 72°C.

2. Using PowerShell. First you need to launch the PowerShell function (just enter this name in the Start menu, and then run the function as an administrator), enter the command, which is shown in the attached image just below, and press Enter. Next, it remains to find the number opposite the CurrentTemperature inscription and repeat the same mathematical operations with it as in the previous paragraph. In this example, the processor temperature is: 3122/10-273.15 = 39°C

3. Using the BIOS. This method allows you to get the temperature of the processor only in idle mode. This temperature is noticeably different (to a lower side) from the temperature of the processor under standard load. To check the heating of the processor through the BIOS, you need to enable this same BIOS (methods differ) and look at the necessary data in one of the sections (inside the section, you need to look for the CPU Temperature line or an equivalent).

Frankly, the methods are not the most convenient, but they allow you to check the temperature of the processor in Windows 10 without downloading utilities, therefore they are optimal in terms of speed and security of obtaining information. If the presented methods do not work (and this happens often), then you will have to use programs. Which software is better to download — we will tell in the next section.

Also Read: Best CPUs of 2022: Top CPUs for PC Gaming

Programs for viewing the temperature of the processor

A more convenient and efficient method of checking the CPU temperature is to use third-party specialized utilities. Next, we will present the simplest programs of this kind and briefly describe the features of their use:

AIDA64. The program is paid, but from the official website you can always download a free trial version valid for 30 days. After downloading, you need to install the program on your PC. Then it remains to run it, go to the Computer section on the Sensors tab and see the processor temperature in the CPU line. Visual instructions for using this software are presented in the video attached to the article.
Speccy. Not very well-known, but very convenient program with a simple interface. You can download a portable version of the program, thereby eliminating the process of installing it on a PC. To obtain data on the CPU temperature, you need to turn on the program, wait a few seconds (until the data is displayed) and pay attention to the Central Processing Unit column on the right side of the running software window. If you need more detailed information about the processor, it will be enough to click on the corresponding section on the left side of the program window.
core temp. A simple program designed specifically for evaluating processor parameters. To get the current CPU temperature data, you need to download and install the program, and then run it and look at the bottom line. It is there that the required information is displayed. By the way, the program shows the CPU temperature even in the background, so if you need constant monitoring, then using the utility will fully justify itself.

You can also use specialized programs from Intel and AMD. They are available on the official websites of the companies and are adapted to view the temperature and other parameters of the respective processors.

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The computer only works for a long time if its components are in good condition, so experienced users regularly check the condition of the PC components, paying special attention to assessing the condition of the CPU by checking its temperature. However, not all users know how to find out the temperature of the processor. Therefore, in this article we will tell you how to view the processor temperature in Windows 10 in several ways — using standard tools and using special programs to assess the current state of PC elements. At the end of the article, we will traditionally attach a useful thematic video. nine0003

Contents

2. Programs for viewing the temperature of the processor

How to check CPU temperature in Windows 10 without programs?

To check the CPU temperature, it is not necessary to download special utilities. Instead, you can take advantage of the operating system and get the CPU temperature in just a few minutes. There are several ways to get the required information, although most of them are not convenient. nine0003

1. Using the command line. Call the command line in any convenient way (the easiest way is to press the keys Win + R , then enter cmd and press OK ). Next, type a special command in the window that opens (see the attached image) and press Enter . A four-digit number will appear on the screen. It is necessary to divide it by 10, and then subtract the number 273.15 from the resulting value. The result of these actions will be the actual temperature of the processor. In a specific (indicated in the picture) case, the CPU temperature is: 3452/10-273.15 = 72°C. nine0003

2. With Power Shell . First you need to run the function Power Shell (just enter this name in the menu Start and then run the function as administrator), enter the command that is presented in the attached image just below, and press Enter . Next, it remains to find the number opposite the inscription CurrentTemperature and repeat the same mathematical operations with it as in the previous paragraph. In this example, the processor temperature is: 3122/10-273.15 = 39°C

3. By BIOS. This method allows you to get the processor temperature only in idle mode. This temperature is noticeably different (to a lower side) from the temperature of the processor under standard load. To check the heating of the processor through the BIOS, you need to enable this very BIOS (methods differ) and look at the necessary data in one of the sections (inside the section, you need to look for the line CPU Temperature or equivalent).

Frankly, the methods are not the most convenient, but they allow you to check the processor temperature in Windows 10 without downloading utilities, therefore they are optimal in terms of speed and security of obtaining information. If the presented methods do not work (and this happens often), then you will have to use programs. Which software is better to download — we will tell in the next section.

Also read: Best processors of 2022: top processors for gaming on PC

Programs for viewing processor temperature

A more convenient and effective method of checking CPU temperature is to use third-party specialized utilities. Next, we will present the simplest programs of this kind and briefly describe the features of their use:

1. AIDA 64. The program is paid, but you can always download a free trial version from the official website with a validity period of 30 days. After downloading, you need to install the program on your PC. Then it remains to run it, go to section Computer to tab Sensors and see CPU temperature in line CPU . Visual instructions for using this software are presented in the video attached to the article.
2. Speccy . Not very well known, but very handy program with a simple interface. You can download a portable version of the program, thereby eliminating the process of installing it on a PC. To obtain data on the CPU temperature, you must turn on the program, wait a few seconds (until the data is displayed) and pay attention to column Central processor in the right part of the running software window. If you need more detailed information about the processor, it will be enough to click on the corresponding section on the left side of the program window.
3. Core Temp . A simple program designed specifically for evaluating processor parameters. To get the current CPU temperature data, you need to download and install the program, and then run it and look at the bottom line. It is there that the required information is displayed. By the way, the program shows the CPU temperature even in the background, so if you need constant monitoring, then using the utility will fully justify itself. nine0124

 get-wmiobject msacpi_thermalzonetemperature -namespace "root/wmi" 

 wmic /namespace:\\root \wmi PATH MSAcpi_ThermalZoneTemperature get CurrentTemperature