How Hot Is Too Hot?
Are you worried about your computer’s temperature? Excessive heat can affect your device’s performance and your hard drive’s lifespan.
But how can you tell if it’s overheating or just hot? What is a good temperature for your CPU? And what are the signs you should look out for that indicate that your PC is too hot?
How Is Heat Generated by Your PC?
Heat is a natural by-product of electricity. Anything that uses energy to set in motion an activity—whether that’s a computer, a car engine, or our own bodies—results in heat transference. The amount of electricity needed is dependent on the task being performed.
Components inside your computer easily exude heat, notably the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and Graphic Processing Unit (GPU), as electricity is carried across circuits and experiences resistance.
Overclocking generates excessive heat, for instance. This is when you operate your CPU at a higher clock speed than intended by its manufacturers. You can typically find out ideal clocking rates by visiting the site of your processor’s maker, but unless you’re well-versed in speeds, these won’t mean much to you.
The main benefit of overclocking is a more efficient and faster operating system, but it also requires a higher voltage to perform tasks. This greater need for electricity results in your CPU generating more heat.
Playing games, watching Blu-rays, and ripping, burning, and sharing files can all put a strain on your CPU, as does normal system maintenance, editing, and encoding. With several tasks being carried out at once, overheating can be a very real concern. Note that an overheating device could also be a sign of a hack: cybercriminals could have installed malware such as keyloggers or crypto mining software that may be running unnoticed in the background. These would make your PC run hotter and potentially damage your hardware too. At least run a security scan to give yourself some peace of mind.
Some users try to counteract the heat generated by standard systems operations using a process called underclocking.
This lowers heat transference by replacing the oscillator crystal inside the component. But this naturally decreases the system’s efficacy too. In fact, if you want to keep your room cool without AC, you might want to turn your computer off entirely.
How to Spot an Overheating PC
Even though heat affects performance, your PC temperature rarely gets high enough to disrupt everyday use.
However, if your computer is sluggish or regularly freezes, that’s a major indicator that you’re exceeding the maximum recommended CPU operating temperature.
The internal fans may also be noisier than usual, meaning they’re working faster to lower the temperature of the motherboard and processor. It does this by venting hotter air away from important components via the heatsink (a naturally heat-conductive component typically made of aluminum) and out of the case.
Computers have a fail-safe that shuts down overheating parts to prevent permanent damage. However, the whole system will shut down in some instances and refuse to fully restart until it has sufficiently cooled.
Even then, if there is malfunctioning hardware, it might allow you access to files briefly before shutting down again.
If you have access to the computer’s interior, unplug the computer from the mains electric, then gently touch the components. Expect them to be quite warm, but none should be too hot to touch.
Take care when doing this, in case you hurt yourself or damage anything inside your machine.
There are numerous others ways to check the temperature of your CPU, if you want to be thorough.
Is Your PC Overheating or Just Hot?
Don’t panic if you hear your PC’s fans working. That’s perfectly normal. Any strenuous tasks performed by the CPU, GPU, Hard Disk Drive (HDD), and, to a lesser extent, the optical drive (DVD or Blu-ray player) will raise your PC temperature. Computers typically generate heat without a detrimental effect.
Of course, if your fans constantly run at considerable, noisy speeds, that’s a sign of overheating. However, if you don’t hear the fan, that could also be the problem.
A broken fan can be the reason your system is too hot, but how else can you tell if the machine is too hot? Your main indicator is your PC’s performance.
Maybe it runs slower than normal, even when attempting to complete basic tasks like opening numerous tabs in your browser or running two programs simultaneously. Your PC might keep shutting itself down or restarting without any prior warning.
And of course, if it freezes completely and shows you the Blue Screen Of Death, something’s definitely wrong!
Performance issues don’t necessarily mean the ideal CPU temperature is being exceeded. Malicious software could also be affecting your computer, so employ good security measures to decrease this risk.
On Windows, you can check which applications are most CPU-intensive through the Resource Monitor. Just search for the app on your desktop, and you’ll see which programs are running in the background (and likely some that have recently been terminated). Don’t worry: this list will be extensive, and that’s perfectly normal.
Aside from a broken fan, poor airflow caused by badly-positioned components or blocked vents might also be the cause of overheating. Where is your PC? An enclosed space can trap heat in; dusty surroundings can clog up the vents.
You could also keep an eye on your PC’s heat with a temperature monitoring app.
What Temperature Should Your CPU Be?
Your computer is designed to operate at its maximum capacity at room temperature—that is, a comfortable room that feels neither too hot nor too cold. It’s simple to say, but everyone prefers a different temperature!
So what is a normal computer temperature? Scientifically speaking, ambient room temperature is between 20 degrees C (68 degrees F) and 26 degrees C (79 degrees F), averaging at about 23 degrees C (73 degrees F). A simple mercury thermometer can give you an accurate gauge of your worktop.
A room in excess of 27 degrees C (80 degrees F) can be detrimental to your machine, but there’s more to it than that.
So how hot is too hot when it comes to PC operating temperatures?
Your CPU will run at a higher temperature than the room, so don’t panic when you initially see it. What temperature is too hot for a CPU to operate at? You should consult your system’s documentation as it depends on what conditions your hardware is expected to function under normally.
So how hot can a CPU get? Generally, your processor shouldn’t run at anything greater than 75 degrees C (167 degrees F), but there is some wriggle room, especially if you’re running lots of apps at the same time. Edging towards 80 degrees C (176 degrees F) is typically okay for a short time.
Anything under 60 degrees C (140 degrees F) is perfect. Just above this temperature is okay, but as you creep above 70 degrees C (158 degrees F), you should look at how to cool your PC down.
Above 81 degrees C (178 degrees F) is too hot and could cause damage to your computer if you run it for a sustained period.
Beyond this, you should shut down your PC and let it completely cool down. Obviously, this is especially something to watch out for in the summer.
The cold is certainly not as hazardous as excessive heat. Don’t be too concerned if temperatures hit slightly below 20 degrees C (68 degrees F).
It’s a good idea to keep an eye on your CPU, accessible through your Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) or Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI). This system instructs the hardware to load the operating system just after the computer powers up. By necessity, this means you have a narrow window in which to access your BIOS.
What Should My CPU Temperature Be While Playing Games?
Gaming can be a strain on a CPU, so expect slightly higher-than-average temperatures when you’re playing apps.
They still shouldn’t be too high. Temperatures while gaming should be around 65 degrees C (149 degrees F) to 85 degrees C (185 degrees F), although the latter can affect your device if it’s for a long time.
Taking a well-deserved break from games can be good for your and for your PC.
How to Maintain a Safe CPU Temperature
Keeping your computer’s environment cool is key. That can be as simple as opening a nearby window or placing an oscillating fan in the vicinity.
Potentially simple solutions include changing its surroundings (moving your computer or laptop to a cooler room in the summer, for instance) and using a can of compressed air to unblock vents.
Laptops are easier to cool down than PCs but are also prone to generating excessive temperatures due to smaller heatsinks and narrower vents.
If you’re concerned your CPU is overheating, you do have options, including installing your own fan—but this is not advised for anyone unfamiliar with internal workings.
Should your fail-safe kick in, reducing the risk of damaging components, your device will crash. It’s likely you’ll need a new fan for the heatsink. It may be another fan that’s not working sufficiently, but unless you know this, don’t switch on your computer as this may permanently damage your CPU.
You can replace an internal fan relatively simply, but on some models, taking off the casing can void your warranty.
Laptop and Windows tablet fans can’t be easily replaced. And if you’re not experienced enough, there’s no point in jeopardizing your data. Take it to your local specialists.
What Is a Good Temperature for Your Computer?
So what should the normal operating temperature of your CPU be? Ideally, your processor shouldn’t be hotter than 75 degrees C (167 degrees F) nor significantly colder than 20 degrees C (68 degrees F).
There are numerous things you can do to keep your PC cool, including:
- Keep your PC well-ventilated.
- Clear dust from vents and fans.
- Give your computer time to cool down.
- Consult the manufacturer’s manual.
Problems with excessive heat are easy to fix and rare unless you regularly put your system under considerable strain.
What is the ideal CPU temperature range?
The central processing unit (CPU) in a PC needs to run at an optimal temperature to perform at its best.
Most CPUs operate at a relatively low temperature when they are under a light load, and the temperature increases as certain tasks demand more processing power.
If the temperature gets too high, it can lead to performance issues or damaged components. Modern CPUs have built-in thermal protection and can throttle performance if the CPU gets too hot. Sometimes a hot CPU can also cause the PC to shut down. Persistent high temperatures may damage parts or degrade faster than usual.
While many processors on the market have different tolerances, there’s generally a range of temperatures optimal for performance. The acceptable range is between 150 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit (65 to 70 degrees Celcius) when the PC is running essential apps. This temperature can quickly increase to around 175 degrees Fahrenheit (80 degrees Celsius) when playing games or running intensive software.
Laptops have more densely packed components and less airflow to run at a higher temperature than PCs.
The acceptable temperature range for laptops with a low load is around 160 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit (71 to 80 degrees Celsius). When a laptop is running games, temperatures can reach up to around 190 degrees Fahrenheit (88 degrees Celcius).
How to measure CPU temperature
Screengrab by Saeed Wazir
Motherboards have sensors to monitor CPU temperature, but they are usually accessed in the BIOS settings and don’t work for real-time monitoring. Most users add third-party apps like Core Temp, Open Hardware Monitor, and HWMonitor to display the temperature information in Windows.
These apps provide real-time temperature readings of the CPU and can even monitor each core’s readings. They are worth installing to ensure that the CPU is working optimally and to monitor other PC components. Some liquid coolers can also display the CPU temperature, but users either need tempered glass panels or open the case to view it.
Reasons why CPUs overheat
There are numerous reasons why a CPU might overheat.
A damaged or dirty CPU cooler is one of the most common issues leading to high temperatures. Other reasons include inadequate airflow or cooling in the case. In some circumstances, the high ambient temperature in the room or the stress from intensive tasks can also play a part in causing the CPU to overheat.
Ways to reduce CPU temperature
There are many ways to reduce the CPU temperature if it gets too high. One of the first things to do is check if the CPU fan or AIO is functioning correctly. It’s also worth checking if there’s enough airflow in the case and cleaning dust or lint buildup that may be blocking the vents. If the case doesn’t have enough airflow, it may be worth adding more fans to increase the air intake and expel the warm air. Sometimes the case itself needs replacing with one that’s bigger with more accommodation for fans and liquid coolers.
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What should be the temperature of the processor in a PC for it to work stably
In the summer heat, it is not only difficult for people, but also for technology.
Hot air is more difficult to cool PC components, so the effectiveness of coolers may be in question. The processor and the video chip are heated in the computer, mainly (if there is a separate video card). But is it really worth worrying about?
Why is it important to know the processor temperature?
Each processor has a critical temperature, after which protective mechanisms work: frequency and performance decrease. This phenomenon is known as throttling. For mainstream 11th Gen Core i5-1135G7 or i5-11500H processors, the maximum allowed die temperature is 100°C.
Processor temperature cannot be checked «by eye» — utilities like Core Temp are usually used for this. In some motherboards, the temperature is displayed on a small display — it can be seen in cases with transparent walls.
An inexperienced user in technology may simply notice that the computer often freezes and starts to slow down. The reason for this may be just the periodic overheating of the «stone».
What is the optimal temperature?
Among the numerous technical characteristics of a modern processor, whether it is an Intel or AMD solution, there is no indicator of the optimal operating temperature.
Authoritative sources and computer enthusiasts in idle mode or work with office applications call the optimal temperature of the processor at 40-50 ° C.
In this mode, the PC cooling system (excluding stock desktop fans) produces a minimum of noise and effectively cools the central chip. A slight excess will not lead to any tangible negative consequences.
The most desired CPU temperature in «heavy» applications and computer games is in the range of 70-80 °C. Note that many modern mobile processors in gaming laptops are able to work for a long time at even higher temperatures. As long as the cooling system is running smoothly.
Why You Shouldn’t Use CPU Stress Tests
It seems like a great idea to check how hot your CPU is by running a stress test.
Actually not very much. Synthetic tests load the «stone» above the limit, and the natural result is the same — the activation of protective mechanisms, a decrease in clock frequency and performance, also known as «throttling». No game or application can create such a load. To assess the level of CPU heating, you should use packages like PCMARK, or gaming benchmarks.
The processor is overheating: what to do?
First, make sure the cooling system is working properly and nothing is blocking the vents. Also try the following steps:
- Use our tips and clean your computer from dust, in the case of a laptop, clean the cooler, blow out the exhaust and air ducts of the cooling system.
- Replace thermal paste: this procedure should be carried out together with cleaning, but at least 1-2 times a year.
- Increase fan speed. In the case of desktop PCs, you will need to enter the BIOS and perform the necessary actions. In laptops, as a rule, the manufacturer’s proprietary utility is responsible for this: for example, Predator Sense from Acer, OMEN Command Center for HP gaming laptops.
- In the desktop, install additional case fans, or replace the CPU cooler with a more efficient one.
If, despite all the recommendations, you continue to encounter overheating, it is possible that your cooling system has not been chosen very well. For example, a cooler is installed, the possibilities of which are frankly lacking. Perhaps in your case it would be worth using a water cooling system: read in our other article what it is and how such a system works.
allowable and maximum temperature of processors
The stable operation of the computer will directly depend on the temperature components. Due to overheating, it is possible to freeze, slow down or completely turn off the process during the game or work. Severe overheating can negatively affect not only performance, but also the life of the PC. What is the optimal temperature for your computer to work? Let’s figure it out.
What processor temperature is considered normal for computers and laptops under different loads
The chipset of any processor is made of natural material — silicon. This is an excellent semiconductor. The state of the component will depend on how hot it gets. Due to the crystal structure, the maximum heating temperature is 150 degrees. It will also be heated above the established norm, then it will simply collapse. For stable operation of the processor, the normal heating temperature is 70-80 degrees.
You can find out the normal heating temperature of your device on the official website of the manufacturer. In addition, the specifications will list the maximum operating temperature for your equipment. Don’t think that if your PC’s CPU temperature is 90-95 degrees at the maximum allowable 100, it will work normally and without failure.
During the increase in the optimal temperature of the processor, which is 70-80 degrees, there is a slight decrease in the frequency of operation. When the maximum allowable temperature mark is reached, the frequency drops even lower.
Processor temperature is related to the cooling system, so when choosing high-end AMD Ryzen 3900X or 10900k processors, do not skimp on the cooling system.
How is the processor temperature determined?
There are two standard ways to check the processor temperature — using the BIOS and using the Windows PowerShell Optimization Tool. When using the first method, it will be difficult to understand whether the processor is overheating or not, because the temperature readings do not take into account the entire load.
An open source tool developed by Microsoft can get reliable information:
- Launch the start panel and find the PowerShell program through the search box.
- Run as administrator.
- In the window that opens, you must enter the following combination — get-wmiobject msacpi_thermalzonetemperature -namespace «root / wmi».
- Information will appear on the blue screen, in the left list find the inscription «CurrentTemperature».
- The number opposite will be your search parameter.
The temperature will not be indicated in Celsius, in order to convert the resulting figure into the usual degrees, you need to divide the number by 10 and subtract 273 degrees from it.
Attention! While entering the command, an error may pop up, so repeat the input procedure again, replacing the quotes using the English layout.
How to control the processor heating temperature
Specialized functional programs have been developed to control the critical parameters of the computer. If problems occur, they will signal problems that have arisen. Among the free programs you can install:
- HWMonitor is a useful software that analyzes the physical readings of your PC. With its help, you can vigorously decrypt information and diagnose modern models of video cards.
English is set by default, if necessary, you can download an additional Russian language. - Fresh Diagnose is a free application that tests your computer and provides you with all the information about processor performance. You can install the program only on a 32-bit Windows operating system. After scanning, the received information will be compared with other data of your system for the final conclusion on the operation of the video card, processor and hard drive.
- CPU-Z is a free utility that will signal the technical components of your PC. With its help, you can get all the information about the video card, motherboard and processor operation.
Factors affecting processor temperature
The operating temperature of the processor will depend on the manufacturer, the frequency and the number of programs that are running simultaneously at a given minute. There are also other factors that affect the temperature of your processor, these are:
- Room temperature.
The temperature in the room can affect the operation and increase the temperature of the processor by 5-10 degrees.
- Dried thermal paste. Thanks to the use of thermal paste, heat from the processor is removed to the heatsink by filling the voids between the connections. If the thermal paste dries out, then it is unable to remove heat, which can increase the temperature of the processor.
- Presence of dust in the cooler. The computer must be kept clean. Often, hair, dust and dirt get into the fan, which contributes to its poor performance.
- Cooling fan malfunction. Recheck that all fans are working properly and properly. Maybe some do not spin or make noise during operation. Inefficient operation contributes to an increase in CPU temperature. To correct the problem, it is enough to lubricate the mechanism with a drop of oil.
- Correct installation location. Make sure that nothing is blocking your computer from working. The processor must not be located in a drawer or cabinet.
Two inches of space must be provided in front and behind.
Critical processor temperature and signs of overheating
The maximum allowable processor temperature is a critical indicator, if exceeded, computer performance may be reduced or expensive equipment may be completely destroyed.
The main symptoms of processor overheating are:
- Unplanned reboot of the system suddenly starts because the burnout protection mechanism is automatically activated;
- the player freezes badly while watching movies or launching games, because the video card simply cannot cope with the task;
- the inscription «your computer cpu fan fail or …» appears on the screen, which indicates that problems have been found in the operation of the cooler.
How to cool the processor
Due to overheating of a computer or laptop, the load on all components will increase. To reduce heat generation and energy, it is necessary:
- reduce CPU load;
- change thermal paste;
- install additional coolers;
- check the operation of the cooling system and, if necessary, carry out additional cleaning.
