Overheating can be one of the quickest ways to degrade the performance of your CPU and, ultimately, your entire PC. Monitoring your CPU temperature is essential to prevent overheating and avoid potential hardware issues. In this guide, we’ll cover how to check your CPU temperature on Windows, the best tools for monitoring, and ways to reduce high CPU temperatures.

Why Monitoring Your CPU Temperature is Important

High CPU temperatures can cause significant damage to your computer’s internal components. When your processor gets too hot, other parts of your PC can also suffer, leading to system instability, sudden shutdowns, and a shortened lifespan for your hardware. That’s why it’s crucial to regularly monitor CPU temperatures and address overheating issues before they get out of hand.

How to Check Your CPU Temperature

The easiest way to check your CPU temperature is by using dedicated software. These tools give you real-time data, including current temperatures, maximum temps reached, and how hard your CPU is working. While it’s possible to check your CPU temperature via the BIOS or UEFI interface, that method only shows a snapshot at startup and isn’t practical for continuous monitoring.

Method 1: Using CPU Monitoring Software

One of the simplest tools to use is Core Temp, which provides real-time data about your CPU's temperature. Here’s how you can use it:

1. Download and install Core Temp from the official site.

2. Launch the app to see a dashboard displaying the temperatures of each CPU core.

3. Check the "Temperature Readings" section to monitor the real-time temperature. You can also see the highest temperature recorded under the “Max” column.

4. The "Load" column helps you track how much work each CPU core is currently handling.

Besides Core Temp, there are other excellent tools available:

• NZXT’s Cam: Offers a clean, user-friendly interface and lets you monitor your PC temps via a mobile app.

• HWInfo: Provides an in-depth look at your hardware’s performance, including overall system temperatures.

• Open Hardware Monitor: An open-source app that tracks temps, fan speeds, and more.

• SpeedFan: Allows users to monitor temperatures and control fan speeds.

• AMD System Monitor: For AMD users, this tool monitors both CPU and GPU temperatures.

Mac users can take advantage of apps like iStat Menus or XRG for similar temperature monitoring capabilities.

Method 2: Checking CPU Temperature via BIOS/UEFI

For those using Windows 11, Windows 10, or earlier, you can check your CPU temperature in the BIOS/UEFI system:

1. Restart your PC and press the designated key (usually F2, DEL, or ESC) during startup to enter BIOS/UEFI.

2. Once inside, look for the CPU temperature, which is often displayed on the main screen.

Keep in mind that BIOS/UEFI can only show the current temperature when the PC starts up and doesn’t allow you to monitor changes while using your machine.

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What Causes High CPU Temperatures?

Your CPU handles millions of processes per second, generating significant heat in the process. High CPU temperatures can occur when running intensive applications, dealing with hardware issues, or encountering problems with cooling systems. If left unchecked, excessive heat can lead to system instability, slow performance, and even permanent damage to your PC components.

Here are some common reasons why your CPU temperature might be higher than normal:

1. Running Intensive Tasks Simultaneously

When you run several demanding programs or applications at the same time, your CPU has to work harder, leading to higher temperatures. Tasks like gaming, video editing, or rendering can push your CPU to its limits. If the temperature spikes too much, your system may throttle performance to prevent damage, which can result in slowdowns. Consider optimizing your system by closing unnecessary programs or using a PC tune-up tool to free up resources and reduce the load on your CPU.

2. Overclocking

Overclocking pushes your CPU (or GPU) beyond its factory settings to boost performance. While this can give your system a speed boost, it also increases power consumption and heat output. If you're overclocking your CPU or a gaming PC builder, monitoring the temperature is crucial, as overheating can lead to crashes or long-term hardware damage.

3. Faulty or Inefficient Cooling Fan

Your computer's fan plays a critical role in maintaining safe CPU temperatures. If your fan is faulty, clogged, or inefficient, it won’t be able to cool your processor effectively. A loud or constantly running fan can be a sign that it's struggling to keep up. Check your Task Manager to see if there are any resource-hungry applications running, and consider replacing the fan if the problem persists.

4. Dust Accumulation

Over time, dust and debris can accumulate inside your PC case, especially around the fans and vents. This buildup can block airflow, causing your CPU to overheat. Regularly cleaning the inside of your computer with cleaning kit to remove dust will improve cooling efficiency and help keep your CPU temps under control.

5. Poor Ventilation

If your computer is in a space with poor ventilation or placed on a surface that restricts airflow (such as a soft bed or couch), it may not be able to cool properly. Ensure your PC or laptop has plenty of space for air circulation. For laptops, consider using a cooling pad or placing it on a flat, hard surface to allow heat to dissipate.

6. System Crashes or Freezes

Unexpected shutdowns or frequent crashes could be signs that your CPU is overheating. When temperatures rise beyond a critical threshold, your PC might automatically power down to prevent damage. If you’re experiencing regular crashes, checking your CPU temperature should be a priority. You can also adjust the max allowable temperature in the BIOS to ensure your system doesn’t run too hot.

By identifying and addressing these issues, you can prevent your CPU from running at dangerously high temperatures, keeping your system stable and performing optimally.

What’s Considered a Normal CPU Temperature?

The ideal CPU temperature largely depends on the processor model you're using. For most CPUs, a safe operating range during normal tasks is between 40°C and 65°C (104°F to 149°F). However, when running demanding applications, such as gaming or video editing, it’s common for the temperature to rise to between 70°C and 80°C (158°F to 176°F).

As a general rule, 80°C to 85°C (176°F to 185°F) or higher is considered too hot and may indicate a problem, especially if you're not running intensive programs. If your CPU temperature hits this level without being pushed by resource-heavy tasks, it’s time to investigate. When your system is idle or under light use, an ideal CPU temperature falls between 45°C and 60°C (113°F to 140°F).

For gaming PCs with good cooling systems, you’ll often see idle temperatures around 50°C (122°F). On the other hand, ultra-thin laptops, which have less room for cooling, may regularly see temperatures of around 75°C (167°F) during normal daily tasks.

If you notice your CPU frequently overheating, consider upgrading your cooling solution to avoid long-term damage. Also, cleaning up your system by removing old programs or malware can help optimize CPU performance and keep temperatures under control.

Checking CPU Temperature in BIOS/UEFI

If you're using Windows 10, Windows 11, or an older version, you can check your CPU temperature through the BIOS/UEFI interface. To access it, restart your PC and press the designated key during startup — usually F12, ESC, F2, or DEL. Once you're in the BIOS/UEFI, you'll find the current CPU temperature displayed on the main screen.

However, the BIOS only provides a snapshot of your CPU's current temperature. It doesn’t allow you to monitor temperature changes over time or while performing tasks in Windows, especially when your system is under a heavy workload. For real-time monitoring, third-party tools are recommended.

Learn more: Choosing the Right Motherboard Form Factor for Gaming PCs

How to Monitor CPU Temperature Continuously

When running demanding tasks or working in hot environments, it’s wise to keep an eye on your CPU temperature in real-time. Software like Core Temp allows you to do just that:

1. Install Core Temp and run the application.

2. In the taskbar’s notification area, you’ll see your CPU core temperatures displayed.

3. You can drag and pin these temperatures to the taskbar for constant visibility.

If you find the four core readings too cluttered, you can configure the software to display only the highest recorded temperature by going to Options > Settings > Notification Area and selecting "Highest temperature per processor."

How to Monitor CPU Temperature While Gaming

When you’re gaming in full-screen mode, it’s inconvenient to switch out of the game to check your CPU temperature. Tools like RivaTuner and MSI Afterburner allow you to monitor temperatures while gaming:

1. Download and install MSI Afterburner (which includes RivaTuner).

2. Launch MSI Afterburner and open Settings.

3. Go to the Monitoring tab, scroll to CPU temperature, and enable Show in On-Screen Display.

4. Launch your game, and you’ll see your CPU temperature overlay on the screen.

You can also track GPU temps, RAM usage, and other key stats using this tool.

Learn more: Choosing the Right PSU (Power Supply Unit) for Your PC

How to Keep CPU Temperatures Low

If your CPU temps are consistently high, try these strategies to cool down your system:

• Clean Your PC: Dust can accumulate in your computer’s fans and vents, restricting airflow. Cleaning your system regularly can help reduce heat.

• Improve Airflow: Ensure your computer or laptop has adequate ventilation. Avoid placing it on soft surfaces like beds, which can trap heat.

• Replace Thermal Paste: Over time, the thermal paste between your CPU and heatsink can dry out, reducing its effectiveness. Reapplying or upgrading to better thermal paste can help.

• Upgrade Cooling Fans: If your current cooling setup isn’t cutting it, consider upgrading your fans or switching to liquid cooling.

• Manage Background Applications: Use a tool like Avast Cleanup to close unnecessary background apps and free up system resources. This can reduce CPU load and lower temperatures.