Q&A for How to Monitor CPU Temperature

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Is there a way to do this with the BIOS or a third-party program?

Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist
Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Point Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is also the host of the Computer Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD covering central California for over two years.

Luigi Oppido

Computer & Tech Specialist

Expert Answer

You can estimate the CPU temperature using your hand. If you place your hand on your computer and you feel heat, that means it's at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If it's too hot to touch, it's probably around 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

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My PC fans are going faster, but the temp is fine on and in the PC. What could be the issue?

Community Answer

Some PC fans are controlled by the computer, so the hotter that your computer gets, the faster it makes the fans go. Your computer could be set to be kept at a specific temperature, so when it heats up by even a degree, the fans speed up to cool it back down to that temperature.

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Question

What's the ideal temperature for a PC?

Community Answer

At idle, a modern Intel CPU should be at 28-38 degrees Celsius (82-100 Fahrenheit), depending on the ambient temperature. AMD CPUs are a bit hotter. Load temps should be under 75 degrees Celsius (167 Fahrenheit).

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Question

I am a trader running a 9-screen array, and I am getting temperature readings on my CPU of up to 96 degrees. Is this normal?

Community Answer

Screens use a lot of CPU and graphics power. With nine screens, you should also watch the temperature of your graphics card. At 96, you're pushing the limits of your CPU. Minimally, you should think about a higher end CPU radiator (e.g. Cooler Master). When upgrading your system, tell the builder about your screen setup so they can recommend an appropriate system.

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My cooling fan is making noise. What could be wrong?

Community Answer

Try cleaning it. With power off, a vacuum cleaner brush can get some dust out. Any computer shop could sell you a compressed CO2 dust blaster for a few bucks, too.

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As soon as I start my PC, it shows me an alarm that my CPU temperature is high, around 80 C. Is that bad?

Community Answer

80 C is generally not good, unless you own one of the very few CPUs that operate at those temperatures. You should check your CPU cooler, and probably apply new thermal paste, too.

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