How to Monitor Your CPU Temperature

Restart your computer. The BIOS menu lets you adjust essential system settings. Most BIOS interfaces come with hardware monitoring programs, allowing you to check your machine’s temperature. To access BIOS, you need to press the correct key during boot-up.

• If you're using Windows 8, open the Power menu and hold the Shift key while clicking Restart. This will bring you into Advanced Startup Mode, where you can access the UEFI settings in the Troubleshooting menu.

Press the BIOS key. This key varies by hardware manufacturer. Common keys include F2, F10, and Del. The correct key will usually appear on the screen along with the manufacturer's logo.

• If you miss the prompt, the computer will boot normally, and you'll need to try again.

Find the Hardware Monitoring Program. Different BIOS programs have sections with different names. Some common ones include Hardware Monitor (H/W Monitor), Status, PC Health, and others.

Check the CPU temperature. CPU temperature limits vary depending on the model. Generally, it should be under 75° C (167° F). Check your CPU documentation for the exact temperature limit.

• Check other components' temperatures. While checking the CPU temperature, make sure to also check the temperature of other system parts. Most hardware monitoring software will report the motherboard, graphics card (GPU), and possibly the air temperature inside the case.

Install a hardware monitoring program. Most motherboards come with hardware monitoring programs either on the installation disk or available on the manufacturer's website. You can also download free software that can read and report temperature data from the BIOS. Some popular programs include:

• Open Hardware Monitor
• Speedfan
• Core Temp
• HWMonitor
• Real Temp

Run the program. Once you have downloaded/installed your selected program, open it to view the temperature data of your computer. Most programs display the complete temperature data along with fan speeds and voltage readings. Compare these values with the recommended levels from your system's documentation.

• Some programs may require special permissions to access system settings and may prompt you to continue before they can function.

Let the computer breathe. Make sure no fans or air vents are obstructed. Open the computer and use compressed air to blow out any dust. If the computer's components aren't properly ventilated, temperatures will start to rise.

Apply fresh thermal paste. Thermal paste transfers heat from the CPU to the cooling device. Over time, thermal paste degrades. Opinions vary on how often it should be replaced, but when your computer is running hotter than usual, this is the easiest fix to try first.

• Don’t apply more paste than necessary, as excess thermal paste can actually insulate the CPU instead of transferring heat. The most effective way to apply it is by placing a small dot and spreading it evenly over the CPU.

Replace the cooling device. If your CPU is consistently running hot, your current fan and cooling device may no longer be up to the task. Look for a new fan/cooling unit that fits your case and can move more air than the current one. Keep in mind that installing a larger fan might increase noise levels.

Install additional case fans. If your case isn’t well-ventilated, you may need to add more fans to improve airflow. Air should enter from the front and top, and then exit from the back of the computer.

Replace hardware components. Older parts often overheat after extended use. Sometimes, replacing them is your only option. If you need to replace the motherboard or CPU, you might want to consider rebuilding the entire system, since you’ll need to reinstall everything anyway.