Those things just cook you!
So have you ever wondered exactly what temperature your CPU is running at?
(However, it may be displayed in your machine’sUEFI firmware or BIOS.)
There are quite a few Windows programs that you’re able to use to monitor the temperature.
Here are two of our favorite options.
Download Core Temp from its home pageand install it on your machine.
Be very careful to uncheck the bundled software on the third page of the installation!
While the program is free and works well, it tries to bundle junkware in its installer.
Right-tap on the icon to show or hide the main window.
Take particular note of the “TJ.
Max” value, if one is displayed here.
This is the highest temperature (in Celsius) at which the manufacturer has rated your CPU to run.
If your CPU is anywhere near that temperature, it is considered overheating.
For most modern CPUs, Core Temp should be able to detect the Tj.
Max for your specific processor.
Every processor is a little different, and having an accurate Tj.
Max value is very important, as it ensures you’re getting the correct temperature readings for your CPU.
To configure some of Core Temp’s more useful features, head to Options > parameters.
Download the “classic” version fromthe HWMonitor home page.
Generally, you’ll want to monitor the Core temperature.
See our note below about AMD temperatures for more info.)
Feel free to poke around and see temperatures for other components in your system, too.
For example, you will likely see temperatures for yourGPUand anysolid-state drivesin your setup.
A Note on AMD Processor Temperatures
Monitoring temperatures for AMD processors has long puzzled computer enthusiasts.
“CPU Temperature” is an actual temperature sensor inside the CPU’s socket.
“Core Temperature”, on the other hand, isn’t really a temperature at all.
Some programs, like HWMonitor, show both.
CPU Temperature is more accurate at low levels, but less so at high levels.
Core Temperature is more accurate when your CPU gets hot, which is when temperature values really matter.
So, in almost all cases, you’ll want to pay attention to Core Temperature.
While Core Temp doesn’t display this information—it’s all about CPU temperatures—HWMonitor does.
SinceWindows 10’s May 2020 Update, the Task Manager has displayed GPU temperature information.
To find it, open your Task Manager.
In the Task Manager, nudge the “Performance” Tab.
(If you don’t see it, click “More Details” at the bottom.)
Your GPU temperature will be displayed under the GPU name in the left column.
Click Options > Always on Top first if you want to keep the floating panealways on topof other windows.
The Task Manager will let youmonitor which programs are using the most GPU resources, too.
