When working with a personal computer, it is necessary to monitor the load and temperature indicators. This is especially true for those who use a PC for games and overclocking. In this case, temperature indicators are extremely important. If you want to check the temperature of the processor during overclocking or for your own interest, then use this instruction.
All ways
In the case of checking the temperature, as with any operation with a computer on the Windows operating system, there are several ways. They are all listed below:
- check without using programs;
- Tracking indicators through third-party utilities.
Let's figure out how to check the temperature of the processor and video card using these methods. You can also track other hardware on your PC.
Checking the temperature without third-partyutilities
The first way is to read the indicators through the BIOS or UEFI. Both programs run when you turn on your computer, so you need to follow these steps:
- Open this guide on another PC or phone, then restart your computer.
- When you turn it on, on the first screen, find the prompt with a key to enter the BIOS and press it.
- UEFI differs from BIOS in that it has a graphical user interface and supports mouse control. Launching is carried out in the same way.
- Next, find the H/W monitor or He alth Status section (depending on your motherboard manufacturer).
- In the section, look for the line CPU Temperature or similar. Opposite it will be the current temperature in Celsius and Fahrenheit.
- Checking CPU temperature is even easier in UEFI. Most interfaces even have graphs showing temperature changes over a period of time.
However, this method has one significant drawback, which forces us to abandon it. The fact is that the indicated temperature in the BIOS or UEFI is relevant at the time the PC is turned on. Under load and long-term operation, the indicator can change significantly. Also, you will not track temperature changes during stress tests, since you need to turn off the computer. In such cases, it is best to check the temperature in Windows using programs.
Checking the temperature through utilities
Unfortunately, standard tools (except command line) for checking temperature inWindows operating system does not. Therefore, you will have to install third-party software. Consider a few popular utilities from the list below:
- Core Temp;
- HW Monitor;
- Speccy;
- SpeedFan;
- AIDA64.
Let's figure out how to check the temperature of the processor and video card in programs.
Core Temp
A simple utility can be downloaded from the official website of the developers. Open the link and click the Download button. After a simple installation procedure, launch the application. On the main screen you will see all the useful information - temperature readings for each core, voltage, description of the characteristics of the processor. When the Core Temp program is minimized to the tray, icons with the temperature of each core appear. You can disable them if you wish.
HW Monitor
Another simple app that allows you to track your hardware performance in real time. In addition to information about the processor, here you will find information about the rest of the components of the personal computer. The software also displays the speed of each of the coolers and the voltage.
SpeedFan
Continuing a series of simple and clear utilities. The next step is SpeedFan, which is downloaded from the official site. After installation and launch, the utility scans the temperature and speed of all fans in the system unit. The main difference of this program is that it allows you not only to check the temperature of the processor, but also to change the speed of the coolers. However, this possibilityworks with one condition - coolers must be connected via a 4-pin connector.
Speccy
Let's move on to more complex software. You can download Speccy in Russian and get comprehensive information about your computer. The main screen contains sections by component type. By opening each of the sections, you get a complete description of the technical characteristics and the current state of the hardware. The data we need is in the "Central Processing Unit" and "Graphics Devices" tabs.
AIDA64
This application is very similar to Speccy in that it provides a full range of information about the computer. The main disadvantage of the program against the background of the above utilities is the paid basis. Of course, you can use the 30-day trial version, but then you have to purchase a license. In AIDA64 you will get information about hardware and software. The Russian interface language will help you check the processor temperature. Windows 7 and newer versions support this program, so you won't have any compatibility issues.
Check temperature via command line
If you do not want to download and install third-party programs, then you can check the processor temperature in Windows 10 using the command line. To do this, follow these steps:
- Run command prompt as administrator. To do this, enter cmd in the search bar, clickright-click on the application and select "Run as administrator".
- On the command line, type the following: wmic /namespace:\\root\wmi PATH MSAcpi_ThermalZoneTemperature get CurrentTemperature.
- Press Enter to see information in the command prompt window.
- Find CurrnetTemperature in the list and look at its value. This will be the temperature of your computer's CPU.
- To convert the value to degrees Celsius, you need to divide this number by 10 and subtract 273.15 from the resulting result.
If cmd gives the same CurrentTemperature value when executing this command, then this method is not suitable for your computer. Use one of the programs above.
Now you know which program to check the temperature of the processor and other PC components.
Recommended temperature for CPU
Have you found out the temperature of the central processor and do not know what to do with this data? Let's figure out what indicators are considered normal for the stable operation of a computer.
CPU operation modes can be divided into three stages. The first is idle mode. It means a turned on computer with a minimum set of running programs or games (only background processes necessary for the computer to work). In this mode, the normal temperature is 30-40 degrees Celsius.
Load mode implies workingindicators equal to 40-60 degrees. At this temperature, the maximum level of performance is achieved without the threat of overheating.
Also, each of the processors has a maximum allowable temperature threshold, after which it is not recommended to use the computer. Correctly, for processors from AMD, this threshold is slightly higher than for Intel hardware: 60 versus 70 degrees Celsius.
When the indicator rises to 90 degrees and above, most modern processors turn on the throttling mode. The device automatically resets frequencies, resulting in a sharp drop in performance. This allows the processor to cool down to operating temperature faster. If we are not talking about a new CPU, then the indicators may differ slightly from the standard and recommended upwards. If you keep your computer's cooling system clean all the time, you won't have performance issues or dangerously high temperatures. Now you know how to check the temperature on a personal computer or laptop. The described methods are also suitable for monitoring a video card.
