Ever Wonder What Temperature Your CPU is Running At?
There are two groups of users worried about the temperature of their computer: overclockers… and pretty much anybody with a powerful laptop. Those things just cook you! So have you ever wondered exactly what temperature your CPU is running at?
There's a couple of applications that you can use to monitor the temperature. The one I prefer is Core Temp, just because it's incredibly lightweight, but if you want some power information you can use Speed Fan instead.
Using Core Temp
After downloading and running the application, it will minimize to your system tray:
The dialog view gives you a little more information, including the CPU model, etc.
If you'd like the app to start minimized every time, go to Options \ Settings:
You can make the application start minimized by checking the "Start minimized" box.
I'd recommend that you change the read interval from the default of 1000 to the max of 9999. Otherwise the numbers will just blink like crazy in the tray and drive you nuts.
The System Tray Settings dialog will let you change from one icon per core to a single icon.
Using Speed Fan (Advanced Users)
If you want to see more information, you can use an application called SpeedFan that even lets you control the CPU fan. This application should only be used by more advanced users, since you have to enter information about your motherboard and chipset.
Note that I grabbed these screenshots off the SpeedFan website since the laptop I'm writing this on doesn't seem fully supported.
I do know that this application works, having used it in the past. I'll write up more about this in a future article, but felt it was important to mention here.
Reducing Temperature
There's a couple of things you can do once your laptop is seriously overheating.
- Turn it off, go read a book. It's been years since you opened one.
- Open up task manager and figure out which processes are killing your CPU, then stop them.
- Make sure that you aren't blocking any of the vents on your computer. There are usually vents on the bottom or side of the laptop.
- Making the fan run faster should help the computer stay cooler. If SpeedFan doesn't work for you, your motherboard manufacturer might also include some utilities to tweak the fan speeds.
Got any other ideas for reducing temperature on your computer?
Download SpeedFan from almico.com (advanced users only)
I use Notebook Hardware Control (NHC) from http://www.pbus-167.com/
It's not been updated for a while, but its very good.
When i open the program it gives an error - Tis is not an Intel "Core" Architecture based processor. The program will now shut down.
I have a Compaq Presario Laptop - Intel Celeron 1.40 Ghz
Check CoreTemp's website for supported CPU's. CoreTemp will generally only support the newer CPUs.
I suggest speedfan for the older CPUs.
@dk
That's a good summary, you are definitely right.
Hi All,
I have Dell XPS M1530 core2 duo , T7500 , 2.2 Ghz and running windows vista
downloaded both programs and had them running at same time
coretemp ; very simple and to the point. temperatures range from 45-55 C since installation
speedfan : like mentioned above it is for more advanced users
temperatures run about 20-25 C below that of coretemp ( not sure why ) again running at same time.
confiugration temp, fan, voltage, … etc. have no readings at all
just my 2cents
Great website keep it up
Hey Geek, where do you get the Mario Brothers game?
@Mike
I got the wallpaper from here: http://desktopgaming.com/
It is worth noting that Coretemp will not work on Vista 64 because Microsoft decided that it (Vista 64) shouldn't run any unsigned drivers. There is a workaround though which is detailed on the Coretemp website.
Though these applications appear to run in real time, can any of them run from a CD/flash drive as a repair tool? Would make a great addition to the tech tools on the flash drive of many techies out there.
Coretemp will run off a flash drive but would require Windows to be running, you couldn't just boot from it.
If you want to measure your temps and Windows isn't working most BIOSs have values for CPU and motherboard temps.
Why do these applications only show the temperature in Centigrade and not let the user choose Farenheit as an option?
Dave,
you can convert to Fahrenheit by double clicking the temperature in the system tray, then select options then settings and check the box that says " show temps in Fahrenheit " and this is for the coretemp 0.96.1 not sure about the other applications.