What is the ideal CPU temperature: How Hot Is Too Hot?
The CPU is the chip inside your computer that’s responsible for most of the day-to-day number crunching. In short, it’s the part that does most of the work to make Windows and applications run..
The simple fact is, heat is a natural by-product of electricity. Anything that uses energy to set in motion an activity (whether that’s a computer, a car engine or our own bodies) results in heat transference. Of course, the amount of electricity needed is dependent on the task being performed. Components inside your computer easily exude heat, notably the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and Graphic Processing Unit (GPU) as electricity is carried across circuits and experiences resistance.Overclocking, especially, generates excessive heat; essentially, this is operating your CPU at a higher clock speed than intended by its manufacturers. The big benefit is a more efficient and faster operating speed, but it also requires a higher voltage to perform tasks. This greater need for electricity results in your CPU exuding more heat. In an effort to lower heat transference, some occasionally replace the oscillator crystal inside the component in a process called underclocking. This naturally decreases the system’s efficacy.
Your computer was designed to operate at its maximum capacity at room temperature – that is, a comfortable room which feels neither too hot nor too cold. The cold is certainly not as hazardous as excessive heat, so temperatures slightly below 20°C/68°F aren’t something to be fearful of.
A simple mercury thermometer can give you an accurate gauge of your worktop.
It’s a good idea to keep an eye on your CPU, accessible through your BIOS (find out more with our handy guide). After restarting your computer, you only have a narrow opportunity to check your BIOS. Here’s how to do so on different operating systems.
If you’re using Windows 8, holding Shift when clicking Restart will open up Advanced Start-up Mode and allow you to easily look at your motherboard settings (containing the CPU).
Alternatively, you can utilise various monitoring apps.
Your CPU will run at a higher temperature than the room, so don’t panic when you initially see it. You should consult your system’s documentation as it is dependent on what conditions your hardware is expected to function under normally.
Generally, though, your CPU shouldn’t be running at anything greater than 75°C/167°F.
Potentially simple solutions include changing its surroundings (moving your computer or laptop to a cooler room in the summer, for instance), and using a specialist air compressor to unblock vents. Laptops are easier to cool down than computers, but they are also prone to generating excessive temperatures due to smaller heat sinks and area in which to dissipate heat. If you’re concerned your CPU is overheating, there are numerous things you can do including delineating and installing your own fan.
If they’re too hot, you’ll need to look at ways to improve cooling. If you have a laptop, make sure any fans aren’t clogged up with dust (use a vacuum carefully to suck dirt and debris out) and invest in a laptop cooling stand. This can be either a passive design that acts like a giant heat-sink, or an active one with its own cooling fans built in.
For PCs, make sure again that fans and filters aren’t too dusty, and that internal cables aren’t obstructing airflow.
You might also consider buying a more effective CPU cooler, especially if your PC has a standard Intel heat-sink and fan. Aftermarket coolers can be inexpensive (around £15) yet offer much better cooling power.
If your computer keeps crashing because the fail-safe kicks in to reduce the risk of damaging components, it’s likely a new fan by the heat-sink is needed. It may be another fan that’s not working sufficiently, but unless you know this, it’s not advised to switch on your computer as this may permanently affect your CPU.
You can replace an internal fan relatively simply, but on some models, taking off the casing can void your warranty. Laptop and Windows 8.1 tablet fans can’t be replaced. And if you’re not experienced enough, there’s no point in jeopardizing your data. Take it to your local specialists.
- There are numerous things you can do to keep it cool, including:
- Keeping your PC well-ventilated;
- Clearing dust from vents and fans;
- Giving your computer time to cool itself down;
- Consulting the manufacturer’s manual
- ;)
- For seeing the Max Temp of Your CPU, see-
- http://www.cpu-world.com/
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