How to Monitor CPU Temperature? [2024]

The central processing unit, or CPU, is the most critical part of your computer system. It’s like a brain for the computer going through billions of calculations a second. In short, if a computer has no CPU, there would be no computations, so no computer—at least one that works anyway. But sometimes, the processor produces unnecessary heat for several reasons, such as lack of ventilation, dust, or faulty parts. If you start to notice that your computer is running hotter than usual, firstly, you have to measure the unnecessary temperature increase. 

Keeping your CPU temperature in check is one of the basics of maintaining your computer that is only possible when you know how to monitor CPU temperature. A hot CPU can result in throttling, which can affect your CPU’s clock speed and therefore slow it down. It can also cause BSOD (Blue screen of death) crashes and cause your CPU to degrade faster, shortening its lifespan beyond what it deserves. Moreover, if it’s way beyond the safer limits, it may also destroy other components. Read this post until the end to better grab everything related to the topic. 

What is normal CPU temperature?

The normal CPU temperature depends on what CPU you’re currently using. In general, anything between 104–149 °F (or 40–65 °C) is considered a safe temperature range for typical workloads. While running more demanding apps or games, the typical CPU temperature range can rise to 158–176 °F (or 70–80 °C). On a desktop gaming PC with adequate cooling and a high-end CPU, it’s normal to see CPU temperatures around 122 °F or 50 °C without demanding anything. On an Ultrabook, a very tight niche for a powerful CPU, it’s normal for core temperatures to hover around 167 °F or 75 °C during a typical workday.

How to monitor CPU temperature?

1. Checking CPU temperatures using BIOS/UEFI

You can check your CPU temperature in system BIOS or UEFI, but note that it will only show your CPU temperature at idle. In addition, this method is applicable to all PCs with Windows 10, 11, or even some earlier versions. This means you will see many usages when you boot into Windows or any other operating system. It’s easy to enter the BIOS to check your CPU temp. All you have to do is to follow a set of simple rules that are given below. 

• Step 1: First, restart your PC.
• Step 2: You must troubleshoot your system to access the BIOS/UEFI interface. For this, keep pressing the F2, F8, F10, or Delete buttons during the restarting process, depending upon your computer. 
• Step 3: Go to the Hardware Monitor section > view temperature here. 
• Step 4: Again Restart your PC and use it as you usually do. 

Undoubtedly, checking CPU temperature using BIOS/UEFI is a great way to get your answer. It has some benefits and a few downsides that must be discussed for better clarity. Let’s look at the pros and cons of this method!

Pros	Cons
No need to purchase or download software. Pretty easy to apply and do your job well.	It shows only the current CPU temperature. Takes a lot of time.

2. Checking CPU temperatures using software

Monitoring the CPU temperature is an important thing that you can do to better take care of your computer. We have already seen checking CPU temperature using the Windows system’s built-in BIOS/UEFI setting. In contrast, it’s time to do the same thing using some software. For your information, several applications and software can help you uncover your CPU’s temperature statistics. We have mentioned several such software in the section below this post. 

But we’re currently using the core temp software in this tutorial. It is straightforward to use, and lightweight that runs in your computer system to monitor the temperature of your CPU. It gives you some other options that you can manage to your taste. Moreover, it is an excellent app for monitoring CPU temp because it is used in all windows like Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11; it works efficiently in all Windows versions. Let’s start with how to check CPU temp with core temp software!

• Step 1: Download the Core Temp app > Install it on your computer.
• Step 2: Once the installation is complete, either run the core temp on your computer or simply click the arrowhead in the taskbar to show hidden icons.

Note: Suppose you have clicked the arrow. In this case, you will see multiple temperature numbers inside the different icons. These numbers would be equal to your CPU’s cores, showcasing each core’s temperature.

• Step 3: Just open each icon up to view the temperature whenever you want. You can even drag the icons to the taskbar to easily view the temperature at any time.  

Note: The ‘TJ Maxx’ value is the highest temperature (measured in Celsius) that the brand rated a CPU to run at. If your CPU temperature is near this rated temperature, it’s dangerous for your CPU. Keeping it down at least 10 to 20 a degree Celsius than the rated one is better for your CPU.

Remember, we have discussed checking the CPU temperature using only Core Temp software. But there are a lot of software out there that can be used to do the same thing. If you’re using some other application, the process of using it and viewing temperature could be different. So make sure to keep this fact in your mind. Anyhow, some benefits and some downsides to checking the chip’s temperature using some software. Let’s look at all the possible pros and cons of this method!

Pros	Cons
You get continuous temperature variations instead of static readings. Easy to configure the temperature reading.	You may have to buy software, install it, and then, use it.

What software to use to check CPU temperature?

The simplest and most straightforward computer temperature monitor is Core Temp. But some other CPU monitoring software are also on the market. Here is a List of CPU Temp Monitor Tools.

1. Open Hardware Monitor: An open-source hardware monitoring platform. It monitors temperature sensors, fan speeds, voltages, loads, and clock speeds.
2. HWiNFO: Free hardware and temperature monitoring tool. The tool comes with real-time monitoring ability and a customizable attentive system.
3. HWMonitor: The hardware monitoring tool with fan speed and temperature monitoring. It is compatible with sensor chips containing the ITE IT87 series and Winbond ICs.

Why is it Important to Monitor Computer Temperature?

It is crucial to monitor your CPU temp to protect your computer components from high-temperature damage when you can use heavy games or programs. It helps you to maintain the performance of your system. Suppose you cannot monitor your CPU temperature. In that case, it causes permanent damage to your components, since the temperature is the main factor that can damage your system. Above 90 Celsius temperature is dangerous for other components. Therefore, it’s essential to monitor your CPU temperature and protect it from overheating.

Conclusion

CPU temperature should be monitored to avoid thermal damage to the motherboard and other devices. Monitoring your CPU temperature helps you to maintain adequate computing performance, especially if you’re a heavy programmer or gamer. But again, you must know how to monitor CPU temp before taking the necessary step or doing something else. Well, you can either use the BIOS/UEFI to detect the CPU’s temperature or take help from different software. For your information, both methods have their pros and cons, so choose wisely. 

Checking CPU temp using the BIOS/UEFI method is quite an easy way to do your job. You have no need to install or purchase the software. Instead, all you have to do is to access the temperature section in the BIOS menu. But it provides only a one-time static temperature, so it’s the downside of this method. In contrast, checking temperature using software is an easy and effective way to perform certain operations. Unlike the BIOS method, you get a continuous temperature output to better visualize the CPU temperature rise.