We explain the acceptable temperature range for CPUs in laptops and PCs and how you can monitor your processor to check if it’s overheating.
The CPU is the chip inside your computer that is responsible for most of the daily numbers. In short, that’s the part where most of the work is to get Windows and applications running.
The ideal temperature is as cold as possible (which usually means room temperature) as a hot CPU can cause problems ranging from unexpected problems to physical damage to the microprocessor. Most modern CPUs have a protection feature that automatically turns them off if they get too hot, so the actual damage is zero.
You can check your specific CPU specifications at www.cpu-world.com, detailing the maximum operating temperatures for multiple processors. In general, you should consider 60 absolute full Celcius degrees for a long time, but aim at 45-50 degrees to be safe.
Allowing your computer to run hot for long periods is still not a good idea as it can lead to the failure of the CPU or other components, so you should perform the temperature test with how to use a free utility like SpeedFan.
Download it from www.almico.com/speedfan.php, and it will allow you to check not only the CPU temperature but also other sensors in your computer, such as the ambient temperature, the drive temperature. Look for Core 0, Core 1, Core 2, and Core 3 temperatures – each CPU core will have its thermometer, but they all have the same readings as below.
You can let it run in the background while you play a game or run any other application. Then, after a few minutes, you can switch back to SpeedFan and check your temperature.
If they are too hot, you will need to find ways to improve cooling. If you have a laptop, make sure any fans are not clogged with dust (use a careful vacuum to suck dirt and debris out) and invest in a laptop cooling stand. This can be a passive design that works like a giant heatsink or a radiator that works with its cooling fan.
For a personal computer, make sure the fan and filter are not too dusty and that the cables inside are not clogging the airflow.
You might also consider buying a more efficient CPU cooler, especially if your computer has an Intel heatsink and a standard fan. The after-sales cooler can be inexpensive (around £ 15) but has much better cooling.
