Aug 28, 2019 HWMonitor displays not only your CPU's temperature, core voltage, operating frequency, and load, but it is also able to monitor your GPU, your fan speeds, your storage devices, and plenty more. So, if you need a CPU temp monitor that can do more than just monitor CPU temperatures, HWMonitor is worth a look. Get HWMonitor Here. CPU, stock cooler, MoBo, 8 GB RAM: This came as a bundle. A guy on FB was selling the bones of his old gaming PC for $100. 4c/8t Sandy Bridge means we're in business. A guy on FB was selling the bones of his old gaming PC for $100. 4c/8t Sandy Bridge means we're in business.
Is your CPU overheating? Learn how to check CPU temperatures and discover which is the best CPU temperature software that you can download for free.
Difference Between CPU Temp and Core Temp
Checking CPU temperature is supposed a straightforward affair, but the varying definitions of CPU temps have confused many people (and techies). But no worries we're here to explain everything in plain English and clear the air once and for all:
CPU Temperature = Tcase
Tcase is CPU temperature measurement taken from the center of the CPU's topsurface (heat spreader). This temperature is measured by a diode embedded between the CPU cores.
When Intel, AMD and tech articles mention 'CPU temperature', they are referring to Tcase (unless otherwise stated).
In short, Tcase is the only temperature that most computer users should bother with (unless you intend to overclock heavily). It is useful for determining your CPU's idle temperature, normal temperature and maximum temperature.
Core Temperature = Tjunction
Tjunction (also known as TJ) is the CPU core temperature, measured by a digital thermal sensor DTS located within each CPU core.
While Tjunction is of little concern to most people, serious overclockers do need to pay attention to their CPU's Tjunction Max (or TJ Max). Tjunction Max is the highest temperature a CPU will tolerate before it throttles (lower its clock speed to prevent overheating).
Therefore the goal of a hardcore overclocker is to push a CPU's speed as far as possible without going over its Tjunction Max. However, we do not recommend this practice as running a CPU at such high temperatures will shorten its lifespan over time.
What is the Best CPU Temperature Software?
The good news is that there are a handful of excellent CPU temp software that you can download for free: Core Temp, HWMonitor, Real Temp and SpeedFan.
Among these popular freeware, we find HWMonitor to be the best CPU temp software for most people due to the following reasons:
- It measures actual CPU temperature (Tcase) - This makes its results simple to understand and compare. On the other hand, Core Temp and Real Temp measures Tjunction, which can be confusing to novice users who are learning how to check CPU temperature.
- It produces consistent and accurate temperature readings - While SpeedFan measures Tcase as well, its users have reported inaccurate readings for certain CPU models.
- It's an all-in-one temperature monitoring software - Besides checking CPU temperature, you can also monitor the temperatures of your hard drives and graphics cards as well.
If you're intending to overclock your CPU past the maximum safe temperature recommended by Intel or AMD, then we suggest Real Temp instead. With two calibration points (Tjunction Max and Tjunction Idle), it is the most accurate CPU temp software for measuring core temps.
Best App To See Cpu Temp Windows 10
How to Check CPU Temperature in Windows
1. Download and install HWMonitor.
2. Restart your computer and leave it to idle at Windows desktop for 20 minutes (to give time for CPU temps to stabilize).
3. Open the HWMonitor program to check CPU temperature:
4. Your idle CPU temperatures will be listed under Core #0, Core #1, Core #2 and Core #3 (outlined in red above). If your CPU has just two physical cores, the software will only display Core #0 and Core #1.
Now that we have our idle temperatures, let's find out what is your maximum CPU temperature. To do that, we'll need Prime95, a torture test that will push your CPU to its limit so we can record its highest operating temperature.
5. Download and install Prime95.
6. Open Prime95 > Choose 'Small FFTs (see image below) > Click OK
7. After running Prime95 for 20 minutes, open HWMonitor again to check CPU temperature. Take note of your Core #0, Core #1, (Core #2 and Core #3) temperatures - These readings will indicate your maximum CPU temperature.
Running Prime95 for 20 minutes is more than sufficient for checking CPU temperatures. To test your CPU's long term stability, you should leave Prime95 on for 12 to 24 hours.
Best App To See Cpu Temperatures
Recommended Motherboard CPU Combos
Budget Computer: AMD Athlon 3000G CPU + Gigabyte B450M DS3H Motherboard
Mid Range Computer: AMD Ryzen 5 3400G CPU + Gigabyte B450M Aorus M Motherboard
How Can I See Cpu Temperature
Gaming Computer: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 CPU + Asus AM4 TUF Gaming X570-Plus Motherboard
Difference Between CPU Temp and Core Temp
Checking CPU temperature is supposed a straightforward affair, but the varying definitions of CPU temps have confused many people (and techies). But no worries we're here to explain everything in plain English and clear the air once and for all:
CPU Temperature = Tcase
Tcase is CPU temperature measurement taken from the center of the CPU's topsurface (heat spreader). This temperature is measured by a diode embedded between the CPU cores.
When Intel, AMD and tech articles mention 'CPU temperature', they are referring to Tcase (unless otherwise stated).
In short, Tcase is the only temperature that most computer users should bother with (unless you intend to overclock heavily). It is useful for determining your CPU's idle temperature, normal temperature and maximum temperature.
Core Temperature = Tjunction
Tjunction (also known as TJ) is the CPU core temperature, measured by a digital thermal sensor DTS located within each CPU core.
While Tjunction is of little concern to most people, serious overclockers do need to pay attention to their CPU's Tjunction Max (or TJ Max). Tjunction Max is the highest temperature a CPU will tolerate before it throttles (lower its clock speed to prevent overheating).
Therefore the goal of a hardcore overclocker is to push a CPU's speed as far as possible without going over its Tjunction Max. However, we do not recommend this practice as running a CPU at such high temperatures will shorten its lifespan over time.
What is the Best CPU Temperature Software?
The good news is that there are a handful of excellent CPU temp software that you can download for free: Core Temp, HWMonitor, Real Temp and SpeedFan.
Among these popular freeware, we find HWMonitor to be the best CPU temp software for most people due to the following reasons:
- It measures actual CPU temperature (Tcase) - This makes its results simple to understand and compare. On the other hand, Core Temp and Real Temp measures Tjunction, which can be confusing to novice users who are learning how to check CPU temperature.
- It produces consistent and accurate temperature readings - While SpeedFan measures Tcase as well, its users have reported inaccurate readings for certain CPU models.
- It's an all-in-one temperature monitoring software - Besides checking CPU temperature, you can also monitor the temperatures of your hard drives and graphics cards as well.
If you're intending to overclock your CPU past the maximum safe temperature recommended by Intel or AMD, then we suggest Real Temp instead. With two calibration points (Tjunction Max and Tjunction Idle), it is the most accurate CPU temp software for measuring core temps.
Best App To See Cpu Temp Windows 10
How to Check CPU Temperature in Windows
1. Download and install HWMonitor.
2. Restart your computer and leave it to idle at Windows desktop for 20 minutes (to give time for CPU temps to stabilize).
3. Open the HWMonitor program to check CPU temperature:
4. Your idle CPU temperatures will be listed under Core #0, Core #1, Core #2 and Core #3 (outlined in red above). If your CPU has just two physical cores, the software will only display Core #0 and Core #1.
Now that we have our idle temperatures, let's find out what is your maximum CPU temperature. To do that, we'll need Prime95, a torture test that will push your CPU to its limit so we can record its highest operating temperature.
5. Download and install Prime95.
6. Open Prime95 > Choose 'Small FFTs (see image below) > Click OK
7. After running Prime95 for 20 minutes, open HWMonitor again to check CPU temperature. Take note of your Core #0, Core #1, (Core #2 and Core #3) temperatures - These readings will indicate your maximum CPU temperature.
Running Prime95 for 20 minutes is more than sufficient for checking CPU temperatures. To test your CPU's long term stability, you should leave Prime95 on for 12 to 24 hours.
Best App To See Cpu Temperatures
Recommended Motherboard CPU Combos
Budget Computer: AMD Athlon 3000G CPU + Gigabyte B450M DS3H Motherboard
Mid Range Computer: AMD Ryzen 5 3400G CPU + Gigabyte B450M Aorus M Motherboard
How Can I See Cpu Temperature
Gaming Computer: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 CPU + Asus AM4 TUF Gaming X570-Plus Motherboard
Home Theater PC: AMD Ryzen 3 3200G CPU + Gigabyte B450 I Aorus Pro Wi-Fi Motherboard
CPU GUIDE
- Recommended Motherboard CPU Combos
- AMD CPU Socket Types
- How to Check CPU Temperature
- Intel CPU Temperatures - Idle, Load, Max Temps
- How to Apply CPU Thermal Grease
- How to Install a CPU
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