When working with a personal computer, it is necessary to monitor the load and temperature. This is especially true for those who use a PC for games and overclocking. In this case, temperature readings are extremely important. If you want to check the temperature of the processor during overclocking or out of your own interest, then use this instruction.
All ways
In the case of checking the temperature, as with any operation with a computer running Windows, there are several ways. All are listed below:
- verification without using programs;
- tracking indicators through third-party utilities.
We’ll figure out how to check the temperature of the processor and video card using these methods. You can also track the performance of another hardware of your personal computer.
We check the temperature without third-party utilities
The first way is to read indicators through the BIOS or UEFI. Both programs start when you turn on the computer, so you need to follow these steps:
- Open these instructions on another PC or phone, then restart your computer.
- When you turn on the first screen, find the hint with the key to enter the BIOS and click it.
- UEFI differs from BIOS in that it has a graphical user interface and supports mouse control. The launch is done exactly the same.
- Next, find the H / W monitor or Health Status section (depending on the manufacturer of your motherboard).
- In the section, find the line CPU Temperature or the like. Opposite it will be the current temperature in Celsius and Fahrenheit.
- In UEFI, checking the temperature of the processor is even easier. Most interfaces even have graphs displaying temperature changes over a period of time.
However, this method has one significant minus, which forces you to abandon it. The fact is that the indicated temperature in the BIOS or UEFI is relevant at the time of switching on the PC. Under load and long-term operation, the indicator can vary significantly. Also, you will not track the temperature changes during stress tests, since you must turn off the computer. In such cases, it is best to check the temperature in Windows using programs.
Check the temperature through utilities
Unfortunately, there are no standard tools (except for the command line) for checking temperature in the Windows operating system. Therefore, you will have to install third-party software. Consider several 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 indicators for each core, voltage, description of the characteristics of the processor. When minimizing the Core Temp program to the tray, icons with the temperature of each core appear. If desired, they can be turned off.
Hw monitor
Another simple application that allows you to track the performance of hardware in real time. In addition to data on the processor, here you will find information about the other components of the personal computer. Also, the software displays the speed of each cooler and voltage.
Speedfan
We continue a number of simple and understandable utilities. The next step is SpeedFan, which is downloaded from the official site. After installation and startup, 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 coolers. However, this feature works with one condition - coolers must be connected via a 4-pin connector.
Speccy
Let's move on to more comprehensive software. You can download Speccy in Russian and get comprehensive information about your computer. The main screen contains sections on the type of component. Opening each of the sections, you get a full description of the technical characteristics and the current state of iron. The data we need is in the tabs "Central processor" and "Graphic devices".
AIDA64
This application is very similar to Speccy, because 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 will have to purchase a license. In AIDA64, you get information about hardware and software. Russian language interface will help you check the temperature of the processor. Windows 7 and newer versions support this program, so you will not have compatibility problems.
Check the temperature through the 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 the command line as administrator. To do this, type cmd in the search bar, right-click on the application and select "Run as administrator".
- At the command prompt, enter the following: wmic / namespace: \\ root \ wmi PATH MSAcpi_ThermalZoneTemperature get CurrentTemperature.
- Press Enter to see the information in the command prompt window.
- Find the CurrnetTemperature item in the list and look at its value. This will be the temperature of the central processor of your computer.
- To translate the value into degrees Celsius, you need to divide this number by 10 and subtract 273.15 from the result.
If during the execution of this command cmd returns the same CurrentTemperature value, then this method is not suitable for your computer. Use one of the programs described above.
Now you know which program to check the temperature of the processor and other components of the PC.
Recommended CPU temperature
You know the temperature of the central processor and do not know what to do with this data? We will figure out what indicators are considered normal for the stable operation of the computer.
CPU operation modes can be divided into three stages. The first is idle mode. By it is meant a switched-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.
The load mode implies performance equal to 40-60 degrees. At this temperature, a maximum level of performance is achieved without the risk of overheating.
Each of the processors also has a maximum temperature threshold, after which it is not recommended to use a computer. As a matter of fact, AMD processors have this threshold slightly higher than Intel hardware: 60 versus 70 degrees Celsius.
When the indicator increases to 90 degrees and above, most modern processors turn on the throttling mode. The device automatically resets frequencies, resulting in dramatically reduced performance. This allows the processor to cool to operating temperature faster. If we are not talking about a new CPU, then the indicators may slightly differ from the standard and recommended ones in a big way. If you constantly monitor that the computer's cooling system is clean, then there will be no problems with performance and raising the temperature to a dangerous level. 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.