How to check the temperature of your PC’s CPU
The article explains how to check a computer’s CPU temperature using free monitoring tools, especially HWiNFO, and why it can help diagnose sluggish performance or unusually loud fans. Monitoring temperatures under everyday and demanding workloads can help identify overheating before it causes persistent slowdowns or instability.
HWiNFO shows live readings in its Sensors tab; Core Temp and HWMonitor are alternatives. As general guidance, 60°C or below is considered a good everyday baseline, while sustained temperatures of 70–90°C warrant investigation and readings above 90°C may signal serious overheating, though safe ranges depend on the processor. Suggested steps include closing demanding apps, cleaning dust from fans and filters, and, if needed, renewing the thermal paste.
- Free tools can show live CPU temperatures.
- Around 60°C or below is a useful everyday guide.
- Check sustained high readings and improve cooling.
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A CPU is the main chip that carries out instructions in a computer. It produces heat while working, and cooling fans and other parts help keep its temperature within a safe range.
If a computer becomes slow or its fans grow unusually loud, heat may be one possible cause. Checking the CPU’s temperature while the computer is idle and while running demanding programmes can help show whether it is getting too hot; suitable temperatures vary between processors.
Free monitoring programmes such as HWiNFO, Core Temp and HWMonitor display temperature readings. High readings over time can point to a cooling problem, which may relate to dust around fans or the need for maintenance.