It is quite obvious that the CPU is the main functioning unit of the PC, so you need to check whether it is getting overheated or not while you are playing games. The CPU temperature is very critical – Your CPU should have 60 ° C on average, and during maximum output, it can reach 80 ° C. Usually, during gaming, the temperature ranges from 61 to 73 ° C, but it should not go beyond 80 ° C.
Now, there are many factors that decide how high the temperature will rise during the usage. So, let’s get to know what should be the normal CPU temperature and what factors affect the CPU usage.
Why does the CPU overheat?
CPU overheating depends on the type of processor you have. The electric signal passes through the processor, which in turn converts into heat energy. So, the processing power decides how much heat energy will be generated. If the unit can handle more tasks, then it will also use more electric energy, which is converted to heat energy.
CPUs are capable of handling extreme heat, even beyond 80° C, but it is always advised to maintain a safe temperature range, i.e. 70 to 80° C, during gaming otherwise, technical glitches can occur in the long run.
When the temperature goes beyond 90° C, the CPU can fail, and your computer can also become useless. If you want to maintain the longevity of the CPU, then you must reduce the high temperature.
You can take DIY measures to cool down the temperature when you see it rising beyond the danger level. Also, invest in a good cooling system and always keep monitoring the temperature of the CPU – this will also help you to manage RAM and GPU usage and also keep these components functional.
Let’s check out a few temperature variations for different processors:
If you are using Intel core i3 7350K, then the normal temperature should be 45° C to 60° C. For Intel core i5 7600K, then the normal temperature should have a range of 45° C to 65° C. For Intel core i7 7000K, the range should be 50° C to 70° C. For Intel Celeron, 67° C to 85° C. For Intel core 2 Duo 45° C to 55° C, Intel Pentium Pro 75° C, AMD Ryzen 72° C to 80° C, AMD Duron 85° C, AMD K6 Mobile 62v to 70° C, AMD Phenom X3 50° C to 60° C, etc.
Mostly Intel core i9 can withstand a maximum temperature of 93° C without getting overheated.
How do we measure the CPU temperature?
Usually, CPUs come with integrated sensors that keep on monitoring the wires or UEFI firmware setting of the computer, and this helps to measure the CPU temperature. Other than this, you can also get third-party software to monitor the CPU temperature in real-time.
The best part about this software is that you get detailed information about your CPU, which includes the temperature generated by the motherboard, graphics card, RAM, and different other parts of the computer. It also shows you the average and peak temperature.
If the third-party tool shows that the CPU temperature is less than 80° C, then you are in the safe zone. But, if you want to enhance the longevity of the CPU and also want maximum performance, then you must maintain the temperature within 75° C.
Why does the CPU temperature vary?
The CPU temperature depends on the workload. If the CPU is kept idle, then the temperature will be low, and if the CPU is under full working load, then the temperature will start rising
The CPU temperature also depends very much on the ambient temperature of the room. If the surrounding is hot, then your computer case will be around a warm place, and so it will take more time for the CPU to cool down. Thus, the temperature will remain higher for a long time.
There is also different usage of different operating temperatures based on the processor. So, if you are using an Intel CPU, then the safe limit for temperature is 75° C, but if you are using an AMD CPU, then the safe temperature is around 82° C.
Is 35° C good for the CPU?
Yes, 35° C is considered to be an optimal temperature for the CPU. This is within the normal operating range of the processor.
What happens if the CPU crosses the maximum temperature limit?
The CPU comes with an automated protection system, so when the temperature goes beyond the danger level, the system automatically shuts down. This is designed to prevent the processor from burning and also save other components of the CPU. The system will not turn on unless and until the temperature goes down, i.e., the CPU cools down. However, you can still access the Legacy BIOS or UEFI Boot in this scenario.
What is the process to reduce CPU temperature?
There are many DIY ways through which you can reduce the temperature of the CPU or keep it under the normal range, such as:
- Check on the dust build-up on your computer. During overheating, the computer requires proper airflow so that it can cool down faster. However, dust buildup can restrict the air while leading to an abrupt rise in temperature. So, try to clean the computer every day.
- Check whether the fans of the computer are running properly. If they get obstructed due to dust and stop running properly, then it can increase the CPU temperature.
- Try to invest or upgrade to a powerful cooling system, such as an advanced heat sink or liquid cooling system, so that the CPU temperature can remain within the normal range even when it gets overheated.
- Check on overclocking of the CPU as it tends to increase the temperature quite easily.
- Even when you are seriously involved in gaming, you should keep a note of the optimal performance and the rising temperature. This can help you to avoid damaging the hardware system of the computer.
How to differentiate between idle, medium, and maximum workload on a CPU?
You can check the temperature of the CPU to understand what type of load the CPU is enduring. If the temperature is within 45° C, then the CPU is doing just fine, without any unnecessary load. But during image editing or loading a browser, the temperature can rise to 60° C, which is the result of medium load on the CPU. Also, if you are working on 3D rendering, forcing the process or work at its full capacity, or loading heavy games or programs, then the CPU temp can rise to 80° C.
