How to Test Your Computer's CPU Temperature

This article explains how to test the CPU temperature on your computer using a downloadable app for Windows, Mac, or Linux computers.

How to Test Your Windows Computer's Temperature

Use a free or low-cost monitoring program to check the internal temperature of your computer's CPU to see if it is running too hot. If your PC shows symptoms of overheating, such as the fan constantly running or the screen frequently freezing, such utilities can help you determine if you need to take steps to cool down your PC.

Several temperature monitoring programs are available that can show you the CPU temperature as well as other system details such as the processor load, voltages, and more. Some programs can also automatically adjust the speed of your computer's fan for the best performance. The programs you can use depends on your OS.

Temperature monitors available for Windows PCs include:

• SpeedFan: In addition to monitoring fan speeds, voltage, and processor temperatures using your computer's internal sensors, SpeedFan can also determine your hard disk's temperature. The lightweight application offers manual fan control and easy-to-understand charts and graphics.
• Real Temp: Real Temp monitors temperature for all Intel single, dual, and quad-core processors. In addition to displaying the temperature and load of the processor, it shows you the CPU's safe maximum operating temperature. Real Temp also tracks your computer's highest and lowest temperatures.
• CPU Thermometer: CPU Thermometer is another free Windows CPU temp tester that's simple and effective. The program shows the temperature for each CPU core. You have the option to switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit.
• Core Temp: Core Temp supports a range of CPUs and can show the temperature for each core beside your Windows 10 notifications. It includes a useful overheat protection option that notifies you when a critical temperature is reached. Core Temp includes other options, such as showing the highest temperature per processor or including the temp for all cores, letting you monitor other things like load and RAM use, changing the temperature polling interval, and showing detailed CPU-related information like bus speed and maximum VID. Core Temp tries to automatically install a video game along with the CPU tester. Remove the check mark next to that option during setup.

Linux and Mac CPU Temperature Testers

Linux users can read the CPU temperature from a shell prompt via the lm_sensors package. Just install the Linux package and run the appropriate command. You can also use the Intel Power Gadget tool if your PC has an Intel Core processor.

Mac users should download System Monitor. System Monitor is a software suite for macOS that sits on the menu bar. In addition to the CPU temperature, it also displays the processing load, RAM consumption, disk activity, storage space, and more.

What Is the Ideal CPU Temperature?

You can look up temperature specifications for your computer's Intel or AMD processor, but the maximum temperature for most processors is around the 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit) range. Your computer will likely shut down on its own before it reaches that upper limit.

The optimal operating temperature is 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) or below, according to the SpeedFan temperature monitoring program, although many newer processors are comfortable at 70 degrees Celsius (158 degrees Fahrenheit).