you may check both the core and package temperature of your CPU using areliable hardware monitoring utility, like HWMonitor, HWiNFO64 etc. Just navigate to the CPU section to access the data.
Alternatively, you may also check the CPU temperature in your Windows 11 System using themanufacturer’s companion application. While at it, look for CPU Core Temperature.
ensure not to confuse this with the CPU Socket Temperature though. The latter is one of thetemperature sensors on your motherboardand will have a slightly lower value.
For those who prefer not to install a separate software,the system’s BIOSalso includes a section for checking CPU temperature.
I usually prefer the first two methods when I need to check CPU temp. This way, I can simultaneously stress test the CPU and see how the temperature fluctuates.
Check Using CPU OEM Applications
Both Intel and AMD CPUs offer their own tuning utility. Intel’s OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) application is theIntel Extreme Tuning Utility. For AMD, it’sRyzen Master.
I have an AMD Ryzen CPU. So, I am using Ryzen Master for the process.
Using Motherboard OEM Applications
Motherboard manufacturers also provide users with their dedicated application to monitor internal components.
These applications are likelypre-installed on a laptop. For the desktop PC, you need to install themdepending on your motherboard.
They also provide a wide range of services from clock speed to usage. And this includes the CPU temperature as well.
Use Hardware Monitor Apps
If your motherboard doesn’t offer a companion application, you may opt for a third-party application. There arenumerous applicationsthat can access readings from the sensor built into your CPU.
Personally, I prefer an open-source application namedHWMonitor from CPUID.
Let me go through each of the temperatures, and what it means.
The temperature reading inPackageis the overall temperature of the CPU chip. This is a combination of each CPU core, L3 Cache, and GFX.
When you expand Cores, you will see the temperatures ofall your CPU cores.Since I use a Ryzen 7 5700G and have a total of 8 cores, I have Core # 0 through 7.
L3 cache and GFX reads your CPU’s L3 cache and integrated graphics card temperatures respectively.
If you areoverclocking your CPU, I recommend that you keep an eye onCore tempsinstead ofPackage temps.
From BIOS
Most, if not all, CPUs have a thermal sensor. You access data from this sensor using the BIOS.
Most motherboards, especially the latest ones, have aBIOS settingto check CPU temp.
What are Ideal and Dangerous CPU Temperatures?
Whether you are overclocking or using it normally, theCPU temperature should be well below 95°C. However, the ideal temperature also depends on CPU usage.
Furthermore, aCPU also has a maximum thermal limit. As long as the CPU stays below this temperature, it will operate without thermal throttling.
If you are looking for an ideal temperature, I recommend that you check your processor’s specification page online.
As a general rule of thumb, the CPU should stay under55° to 60°Cwhen idle. On medium or around 50% CPU load, it should stayunder 80°C. And finally, on high load, the temperature should staybelow 95°C.
TheCPU performance starts to degrade athigh temperaturesas it starts to thermal throttle.
Running aCPU at a high temperaturealso decreases its life span.
Personally, I try to keep my CPU tempunder 90°Con full load. If it starts to exceed 95°C, Ichange its thermal paste,and clean all the CPU fansand alsothe heatsinks.
If your CPU temp is constantly high, I recommend you do the same tolower CPU temp.
