Reference number: CH000687

What temperature should my processor be running at?

Question:

What temperature should my processor be running at?

Answer:

Depending on the type of processor, the manufacturer, how fast it runs, where the sensor is located, and what programs it is currently running will determine the temperature of what the processor should be. However, this document should give you a general idea of what the processor should be running at as well as what is acceptable and what is not.

The majority of today's desktop processors should not exceed temperatures of 95C and most will run between 70-90C. Below are some charts of many of the processors and their average temperatures. Keep in mind this is only to give our users a general idea of what their processor should be running at. If you believe your computer is running to hot, you may wish to skip to the bottom of this document for additional details on how to get exact information about what your processor should be running at.

How will I know if my processor is running too hot?

If a processor gets too hot you will notice one or more of the below situations. Often these issues will be encountered when running programs or especially when playing an advanced game.

1. Computer runs much slower - Additional causes to this issue can be found on document CH000179.

2. Computer restarts - Additional causes to this issue can also be found on document CH000605.

3. Computer turns off - Additional causes to this issue can also be found on document CH000689.

Continuing to use a computer that has a processor that is exceeding its temperature will reduce the life expectancy of the processor.

Note: It's possible that with some computer configurations that the thermal sensors may not be positioned in an optimal location, causing the temperature to be reported cooler or hotter than it actually is. If your temperature is close to exceeding the maximum temperature or you are experiencing the above issues, you may want to continue reading the below recommendations for getting your computer cooler.

What can I do to get my processor cooler?

The cooler the processor runs the more performance you are going to get out of it. Therefore, if you're looking to overclock your processor or if it's getting too hot, you may need to consider any or all of the below recommendations.

1. Improve computer's environment - Make sure the computer is running in a good location. The computer should not be in an enclosed space such as a drawer or cabinet unless there is plenty of ventilation such as the back of the drawer or cabinet is removed. The computer should not be in a tight space, there should be at least a two-inch space on both sides of the computer as well as in the front and back of the computer.
2. Verify fans - Make sure all fans in the computer are properly working. Some motherboards and computers have fan monitors that will display the RPM of each of the major fans in the computer and if they are operating properly. Otherwise, you will need to check each of the fans and look for any type of spinning issues or listen for any abnormal noises to determine if the fans are properly working.
3. More fans - Consider installing additional fans into the computer. Almost all computers will come included with a heatsink and fan, as well as a case fan. However, most cases will have the availability to install a second case fan that can help bring in additional air and help keep the computer cool. Computer enthusiasts and many overclockers may also create their own air ducts with fans to help bring in additional air or take out more of the hot air.
4. Better fans - Many computers and processors will come with cheap fans to help bring down the overall cost of the computer. Installing improved fans and/or heatsinks that can move the heat away from the processor better and faster can keep the processor cool.
5. Alternative solutions - More advanced users or users who are overclocking may also wish to consider alternative solutions such as water cooled solutions to keep their processors cool. 

My computer displays the temperature in Fahrenheit and not Celsius

Visit our JavaScript Celsius to Fahrenheit converter to convert a Celsius value into Fahrenheit.

Third-party information

For more more specific information about the processor you're running, you will need to either consult your product documentation, the processor's specification, and/or visit Chris Hare's Processor Electrical Specification page.

Additional information:

• See document CH000100 for additional information about how to determine the temperature of your CPU.