How to check a PC’s CPU temperature and spot overheating
Engadget recommends free monitoring tools and checking readings both at idle and under demanding workloads. Temperature ranges are general guidance and vary by processor.
A sluggish PC or unusually loud fan can be signs of overheating, with the CPU one possible source. Engadget has published a guide to checking processor temperatures with free diagnostic tools.
The guide recommends HWiNFO, which displays live readings in Celsius through its Sensors tab. Core Temp and HWMonitor are alternatives that can provide similar information.
Compare temperatures while the computer is idle and while running demanding software, such as a game or video editor. Engadget gives 60 degrees Celsius or below as a general everyday-use baseline, while sustained readings between 70 and 90 degrees may warrant investigation. Readings around 90 degrees or higher could indicate serious overheating.
Those figures are guidelines, not universal thresholds: temperatures vary by CPU model and workload. For overclocking or more specific limits, the guide advises consulting the processor’s manufacturer.
If temperatures remain high, closing resource-heavy apps may help identify a software cause. The guide also suggests clearing dust from fans and components to improve airflow, and replacing thermal paste if needed.
