What temperature is considered normal for the processor is a complex and controversial question. It all depends on the manufacturer and the power of the processor itself. In addition, do not forget his generation: new, modern models emit much less heat than older ones. Of course, the normal processor temperature rarely bothers anyone until the PC starts to slow down. However, exceeding the norm does not appear immediately, but it can easily lead to failure of the entire system.
What is the normal processor temperature
It’s hard to answer this question unequivocally, since it all depends on which processor the PC has. For example, modern Intel models under load and with stock cooling operate up to 60 degrees. Of course, 70 is not a problem for them, but this already indicates a poor cooling system.
The normal temperature of the AMD processor has always been greater. During operation, the temperature can reach up to 80 degrees. If this figure is exceeded, it is necessary to clean or change the cooling system to a more efficient one. The operating range is between 35 and 70 degrees, depending on the load.
It can be summarized that the normal temperature is a range from 30 degrees in idle and up to 80 under load. To find out the normal temperature for your processor, you need to visit the manufacturer’s website and find the appropriate model. The specifications will indicate the normal operating temperature.
CPU critical temperature
A critical temperature can be called one at which chemical processes begin in crystals that destroy the aggregate. It should be noted here that the processor is capable of working for a long time with excess of normal temperature without visible changes. Able to withstand even significant excess. For these reasons, it is necessary to monitor the normal temperature of the processor, as the problem will become apparent when it is too late.
To summarize, then the critical temperature can be called 80 degrees. If your PC’s processor exceeds this mark, you must perform maintenance or upgrade the cooling system. Until then, do not load the computer with hard work or games, monitor the temperature.
It is especially necessary to closely monitor the normal temperature of AMD processors, since they are initially hotter and often they are literally 10 degrees from the critical limit.
Consequences of overheating
If normal temperatures are exceeded, throttling may begin. In other words, the processor frequency will begin to drop and its temperature will drop. This effect is not observed on all processors, most often the "blue screen of death" will simply appear or the computer will turn off, which is also protection. These are the first consequences of exceeding the norm for which a malfunction can be detected.
If the excess of the normal temperature was permanent, the processor will fail or kernel degradation will begin. This is a violation of its stable operation, which leads to constant voltage and frequency landings.
How to find out the temperature using regular means?
One of the ways to find out the normal temperature of the processor is through standard BIOS tools. To do this, during system boot, you must go into it by pressing F2 or Dell. After that, select the System Health tab, which contains information from various sensors. In modern motherboards, the tab may be called differently, since manufacturers began to produce a modified design near the BIOS menu.
Note that there are truncated versions of the BIOS in which temperature information may not be contained. In addition, this method will only know the temperature without load.
Third party programs
There are a large number of programs that can help you find out if the processor temperature is normal or not. For example, one of the most popular is HWMonitor. Just visit the official website and download the installation file.
After installation, you can see the temperature of the processor, video card, hard drive and information from other sensors. The program is able to record the maximum and minimum values, which is especially useful if you check the system in games or under load.
There are other programs, not to mention synthetic tests that can load the processor as much as possible and show its temperature.
Types of cooling systems
We know what the normal temperature of the processor should be. It is the cooling system that provides it. It is selected depending on the needs and performance of the assembly. There are 3 types:
- Passive cooling. It is a finned radiator made of aluminum or other metal with high heat conductivity. The larger its area, the better will be the heat exchange with the environment. Such systems are often used in mobile or compact devices, or if you need a quiet system. Of the advantages, it can be noted the absence of noise and low cost. The disadvantage is low efficiency, which is why this system is suitable only for weak aggregates. It is able to provide normal temperature for entry-level Intel processors.
- Air cooling. An efficient and relatively inexpensive system that can provide optimal cooling for even the most powerful PCs. It is made of a radiator with a longitudinal arrangement of fins and a fan, which drives air through the fins. Of the advantages, we note high efficiency. The disadvantages are excessive noise under load, large size. For some processors, it can be configured so that the system shuts down without load and works as a passive one. Provides normal temperatures for AMD and Intel processors, regardless of performance.
- Water cooling. This is the most efficient cooling system. Two tubes of water are supplied to the processor, which constantly circulates through the system. There is also a radiator in which heated water should be cooled. Quiet, you can’t name such a system. Often used for gaming computers, to ensure the normal temperature of the processor Intel and AMD.
How to deal with heat?
The normal temperature of a Core 2 Duo or Quad processor, or even an Intel I7, will vary. However, the methods for controlling heat are the same. If it exceeds normal or is on the verge, do the following:
- The first, easiest and often most effective step is to clean the computer from dust. Dirt can clog the cooling system and fans, completely blocking access to air. In fact, passive cooling is obtained with a very low efficiency due to the insulating layer of dust. To clean one vacuum cleaner will not be enough. It will take a soft, large brush to clean hard-to-reach spots. The radiator may need to be washed with distilled water or purged with compressed air.
- If cleaning does not help, change the thermal grease. You can do this on your own, just follow the instructions exactly. Before turning on the computer, carefully check that the cooling system is installed correctly.
- If the replacement does not help, it is necessary to adjust the fan speed of the cooling system. Perhaps they are understated.
- If the problem persists, then it may be covered in the fan. Bearings may be defective or need to be lubricated.
- The last step will be to replace the cooling system itself with a more efficient one.
If none of the steps helped to reach the normal temperature of the processor, perhaps the problem lies in the processor itself.
Tips for PC Owners
To maintain the normal temperature of the I5 processor and other PC owners, you need to make sure that the cooling system is suitable for the selected configuration. Of course, a regular cooler can do the job, however, it can often be missed for a high load or demanding games.
Also, at least once every six months, carry out a full cleaning of the computer, and once every two years, change the thermal grease and service the coolers.
Tips for laptop owners
Laptops due to the small size of the cooling system most often suffer from overheating. The problem is not only the normal temperature of the laptop processor, but also its graphics card. This is also due to the fact that they often have common cooling.
Clean dust regularly. Periodically monitor the temperature reading under load. Do not use the laptop on a soft surface, especially at work, as the cooling system partially closes. Also, nothing should interfere with the outflow of hot air.
If there are animals in the house, cleaning should be done at least once every six months or more often. With regular maintenance, your laptop will work long and stably.
External cooling for laptops
The best option is to purchase a special stand. They are great for use on soft surfaces, provide better airflow compared to monolithic surfaces such as a table.
Also, some stands are equipped with additional fans, which significantly increases the efficiency of the cooling system of the laptop itself, and the average operating temperature drops markedly.
In addition to increasing the cooling efficiency and ensuring the normal temperature of the laptop processor, the stands have a certain tilt angle. In some models, it can be adjusted. This provides better ergonomics and keyboard usability.
Exceeding normal temperature is not a rare occurrence. The most common cause can be commonplace dust, especially when it comes to laptops. Regular maintenance and cleaning, as well as periodic monitoring, will help ensure maximum computer runtime. It will help to avoid power landings, glitches and screens of death.