How to Check CPU Temperature? (Multiple Ways)

The Central Processing Unit, commonly known as the CPU, is the main functioning part of any computing system. For this reason, it is of utmost importance to take care of and monitor the cooling system of this gadget. However, if you aren’t tech-savvy, it might be complex to find the answer to how to check CPU temperature.

Therefore, to help you maintain your CPU temperature during daily operations and intense tasks, we have listed a few essential steps and methods that will facilitate you in checking, monitoring, and enhancing your CPU temp monitor performance. So read till the end!

Efficient Steps to Check CPU Temperature on Windows (Using BIOS)

On the Windows operating system, BIOS stands for Basic Input and Output System. This feature allows you to identify, configure, test, and further integrate your computer with the operating framework. Moreover, this BIOS can help you to keep a CPU temp monitor. So keep reading to understand how to check CPU temperature on a Windows device. 

1. Navigate to the taskbar, and right-click on the Windows icon

   

2. From these options, hit Task Manager. 

   

3. Go over to the Performance page. 

   

4. Here, look at the GPU to find out your CPU’s temperature. 

   

CPU temp can also be checked through BIOS when the system starts. To check this thing, simply restart your system and press keys such as F2, F12, ESC, or DEL to know the CPU temperature. 

Nevertheless, using these steps, you can effortlessly find out your CPU’s temp monitor on all devices carrying the Windows operating system. 

How to Check CPU Temperature on a Mac Device?

If you are a macOS user and wondering how to check CPU temperature on your PC without downloading any additional software, here is how you can do it!

1. Click on the Search icon from the right corner of the screen. 

   

2. In the search bar, type and hit Activity Monitor.

   

3. Here, look at the extreme bottom to see the CPU’s usage. 

   

It clearly shows how much CPU is getting used (by the user as well as the system) while how much is being kept idle. However, these internal CPU temp monitors are complex to understand, and it takes time to show absolute results. For this reason, in the upcoming section, we have listed some valuable solutions.  

CPU Monitor Programs to Integrate in Your System

There are multiple programs and setups that can be incorporated in your system to check CPU temperature seamlessly and without any hassle. In this part, we have listed five of such applications, along with their installation guides, so read ahead!

Core Temp is the most reliable and fastest free utility program to check the CPU temperature. But its only limitation is the add-ons of “bloatware” that get installed on its own if permission is not removed. Despite this, one can easily manage and monitor their processor and CPU with the application. 

Here is how you can install Core Temp in your system for CPU temp monitor:

1. Go to the web page and click on the Download option. 

   

2. Give the application a name, and hit Save. 

   

3. The file will be saved in the Downloads folder; tap on it. 

   

4. In this prompt, choose Yes. 

   

5. Press to Next>.

   

   Now, tap I Accept the Agreement, and Next. 

   

7. You have the option to switch up the document’s location by clicking Browse and then selecting Next>. 

   

   Uncheck the marked options, and click on Next >.

   

   In this menu, press Install.

   

10.  Here, tap Next >.

    

     At last, hit the option of Finish. 

    

12.  With this application, you can keep frequent checks on the CPU temperature monitor.

    

Another CPU temp monitor in this list is AIDA64, which allows users to assess multiple benchmarking tests without putting any stress or load on the computer’s system. Moreover, this software helps in the evaluation of its stability for a particular period of time

Here is how you can install AIDA64 in your system for CPU temp monitor:

1. Download, install, and set up the AIDA64 application.

2. In this interface, select Operating System. 

   

3. You will be landed on this page, which will help provide CPU temp range. 

   

The HWiNFO is a great substitute if you are looking to find out a detailed overview of the technical details of your hardware. Its best feature is that the software showcases a separate category for general PC temperature monitors and another for CPU heat monitors for regulating heat levels in the long term.  

Here is how you can install HWiNFO in your system for CPU temp monitor:

1. Download the software from the main website. Then navigate to this page, and choose Settings. 

   

2. Look through all the relevant settings for privacy preferences. 

   

3. Once done, click OK. 

   

4. You’ll be navigated to the old menu. This time, tap Start.  

   

5. In this pop-up, tap to Close.

   

6. You can see your CPU temp range in here.

   

NZXT CAM offers an easy-to-read interface, which makes it stand out among other CPU temp monitor tools. Besides giving all the handy info about the system, this software has an in-game FPS overlay and overclocking tools. 

Further, you can keep a check on this software using NZXT Cam mobile app without opening your PC.

Here is how you can install NZXT CAM in your system for CPU temp monitor:

1. Download and install the software off the main website. 

2. Set it up in your system by following the steps. In this write-up, select Confirm. 

   

3. Continue down more of these privacy methods. Until you see this page, where you can see the CPU temp monitor.

   

HWMonitor lets you monitor temperature, voltage, current levels, and fan speeds as well through an easy-to-read and intuitive interface. This platform can be used for diagnosing problems, optimizing performance, and understanding how the computer is running. 

Here is how you can install HWMonitor in your system for CPU temp monitor:

1. Scroll on the page and press Setup-English. 

   

2. On this page, choose Download Now.

   

3. Go to system Downloads.

   

4. Install and set up the application. 

   

5. Scroll down the application and go to Temperatures. 

   

6. For more data, navigate around the page. 

   

These were the top picks for additional CPU mentoring programs that can assist in managing the usual temperature.

What is the Ideal CPU Temperature?

The normal CPU temp depends on the model, your device’s workload enduring capacity, and the cooling methods used by it. Another factor influencing the temperature is the workload related to the task for which the system is being used, such as gaming, designing, editing, streaming, etc.  

Generally, for decent CPU health, the safe range is between 40 and 65 degrees Celsius or 104 and 149 degrees Fahrenheit. But the maximum temperature that it can tolerate is up to 70 to 80 degrees Celsius, which means 158 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the system reaches there, it starts overheating and the processing decelerates. Here is a detailed list of tasks and the maximum CPU temp that can be reached during those operations. 

S.No	Type of Task	CPU temp range
01.	Heavy load gaming	70 to 80 degrees Celsius
02.	Graphics card related	55 to 65 degrees Celsius
03.	Multi-tasking	60 to 85 degrees Celsius
04.	Normal tasks	40 to 65 degrees Celsius
05.	Bad temperature	80 to 85 degrees Celsius

Now you are aware of what various degrees refer to in terms of safety and computing.

How to Stabilize CPU Temperature While Gaming?

65 to 85 degrees Celsius (or 149 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit) is a stable and good temperature to have while playing your favorite game. However, in the computing world, we take temperatures above 85 degrees Celsius normal as well when they are for 5 minutes. 

If your usual CPU temperature is fixed at more than 80 degrees Celsius for more than 8 to 10 minutes, it will start causing your system to slow down and, worse, become damaged. To help you with this issue, we have listed an effective solution that can vanquish this completely. 

1. Download, install, and set up the MSI Afterburner/RivaTuner Statistics Server, which allows one to keep a check on the CPU temperature.

   

2. On this interface, choose the Settings option.

   

3. Hit to Monitoring, present in the top section. 

   

4. Scroll down this menu and find out the things related to estimating the CPU temp monitor. For the items you want to see on your gaming screen, hit Show in On-Screen Display next to them. 

   

5. At last, click Apply to save everything. 

   

6. You can also switch colors of this pop-up by tapping the Upward Arrow, in the lower corner of the system.

   

7. Choose this icon, and an interface will open. 

   

8. Hit the On-Screen Display palette option. 

   

9. You can customize the color according to the game’s background, and then select OK.

   

10.  When you start your game, you will see this on the display.

    

Using these steps, you can effortlessly stabilize a normal CPU temp. 

Reasons Behind Your CPU’s Overheating Issue and Their Solutions

There are several reasons behind the overheating of any CPU; for your being able to avoid them, we have mentioned them in this section. Read till the end to understand why your PC or device might be lagging.

• Dust build-up in the CPU fans: This is one of the major reasons why the CPU overheats, as excessive dust restricts the required amount of ventilation. 

Solution: Unplug the CPU from the main current, remove the CPU cooler, apply isopropyl alcohol, and wipe it off with a cotton swab. Once they are dried off, then reattach the CPU cooler. 

• Multiple applications running in the background: Another case is the time when various tabs are opened in the browser or on the unresponsive programs.

Solution: It’s always beneficial to close every additional application or program that isn’t required for work, as they can leave the entire system loaded and constantly catch bugs.

• Excessive use of heavy workload programs: High-end gaming software requires a lot of processor energy, resulting in overheating.

Solution: Ensure the games you download are compatible with your graphics card and processor. Further, when you play them, close and shut down every other program. 

• The overclocking of the CPU: Some models come with strict specifications about the voltage to control the excess heat generated by electricity. 

Solution: Keep a frequent check of the voltage, specifications, temperatures, and power supply. Moreover, investing in a good power supply and cooling solution is the need of the hour. 

• Outdated version/software of current operating: Surfing the internet often gives an invitation to malware that can contribute to raising the overall temperature. Updated versions are immune against such malware, which causes overheating of the CPU. 

Solution: In a regular while, keep checking for the latest updates on the downloaded apps. Moreover, it’s always beneficial to get the original software on your system, as a pirated one can carry malware and bugs. 

• Improper cooling system: The physical aspect is as important; this includes proper ventilation for the heat generated inside the CPU to escape into the environment. 

Solution: A good air and liquid CPU cooler allows the heat to be distributed amongst the hardware, which is why investing in a good one really vital. 

By following these solutions, one can avoid the particular factor behind the overheating of the CPU.  

Easy Steps to Maintain CPU Temp Monitor

Modern devices and operating systems are pre-installed with temperature maintenance software; it is necessary to keep a check if your system has a healthy CPU temp at the individual level as well. 

In cases where intensive tasks like high-end gaming, video editing, graphic designing, etc. are being performed, overheating becomes a common issue. Here are some of the steps to reduce the temperature of the CPU that you can follow for a quick cooldown:  

• Cleaning the PC to remove any dust from the fans.
• Proper ventilation for excess heat release.
• Allowing effective airflow through the vents.
• Reapplying thermal paste.
• Scanning for any malware and viruses, installing antivirus.
• Shutting down the system after 7 to 8 hours of use.
• Charging laptops to 90% only and avoiding overcharging.

If you make use of these things in your daily computing activities, you will be able to maintain a healthy CPU temp.

Effortless Troubleshooting Steps for High CPU Temp 

High CPU temp can affect the functioning and user experience of the user. Keeping the same in mind, we have listed a few things that you can incorporate into your lifestyle to reduce and maintain a normal CPU temp. 

1. Vacuum your entire system, especially the fan part.
2. If you are a laptop user, it’s advisable to use a stand, as it allows the air vents to fully function and avoids the query of finding tips to fix your device being slow. 
3. In case you keep getting this issue, you must change your system’s fan. 
4. Make use of the free and useful antivirus software for Windows to keep all the malicious threats at bay. 
5. Always close all the unuseful applications and other programs, as they can run in the background, taking up unwanted space. 

Making use of these techniques can help to speed up your computer and adhere to a healthy CPU temp.

Wrapping Up

CPU coordinates a lot of valuable features related to the system, which is why having a CPU temp monitor is a vital asset. We hope the suggested steps and advice mentioned above can assist you in having an enhanced user experience with no hardware changes.

However, remember to download all the additional programs using authentic links, as fake or pirated ones can put your system under serious threat.