Overheating of the CPU caused by a temperature problem is definitely a bad sign as it can destroy the processor and can cause instabilities in the hardware of the system. This can lead to it rebooting as well. The temperature of the processor depends on the brand and model type and one should be aware of it to avoid inadvertent problems. This can be done several ways, like accessing BIOS set up or through software like CoreTemp. To avoid overheating of the CPU due to the temperature problems, it is imperative to take suitable measures to cool down both the processor and the PC.

CPU is overheating - Temperature problem

If your CPU is overheating, it can cause reboots on the computer, instabilities, or even destroy the processor itself.

To cool down the processor, you can do the following:

• Improve air exchange in the case by reorganizing the cables and hardware to maximize air circulation
• Ensure that fresh air from outside is oriented toward components with high temperatures (CPU, graphics card, etc.).
• Ensure that the air from the hot components is vented outside the case.
• Remove the dust accumulated in the case
• Equip your PC with a Ventirad (Heat sink + Fan)

Use a software tool such as CPU Idle

Determine the temperature of your processor

There are several ways to know the temperature of the CPU:

• By accessing the BIOS setup
• Using software such as CoreTemp or http://en.kioskea.net/download/download 2040 hwmonitor HWmonitor
• By installing a probe on the CPU hardware

Intel Processors

The maximum temperature of an Intel processor depends on the model but it normally range from 60-65 ° C for the Pentium 4, 50-65 ° for the Core models and 70 ° C for the Nehalem generation (i3/i5/i7 ). The mobile processors support up to 100 ° C approximately.

• You can find all the necessary information on the Intel site:
  • http://ark.intel.com/Default.aspx
• For example, the optimal temperature is 62 ° C for the Q6600:
  • http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=29765&processor=Q6600&spec-codes=SL9UM,SLACR
• and 72 °C for the Core i5 750:
  • http://ark.intel.com/Default.aspx
• Beyond this value, a thermal protection of the system intervenes and brings the processor to its lowest frequency, blocking the CPU ratio to a minimum.
• If the temperature rises again, the CPU automatically shuts off, meaning thermal destruction is virtually impossible with the latest processors.

AMD processors

The maximum operating temperature of an AMD processor is determined by the trade reference (OPN) of this processor. The OPN is on top of the processor. Example:

• A X1800 D M S 3 C

This temperature is indicated by the third character from the right of the OPN. This character can take the values S, T or V.

These characters identify the maximum temperature of use of the AMD Athlon (TM) XP: V = 85 º C, T = 90 º C, S = 95 º C.

For the AMD Athlon 64, Athlon 64 X2 (all sockets and all frequencies) and Phenom, it is generally accepted that 60 ° represents the upper limit.

http://products.amd.com/en-us/DesktopCPUResult.aspx

Notes

• The temperature of a system or a processor depends heavily on the characteristics of the system as a whole and its constituent components. Accordingly, the "normal" temperature of use varies from one system to another, depending on its components.
• Among the variables affecting the use temperature of the system are: the size of the housing, its ventilation, installed components, processor speed, the solution radiator / fan used, the thermal interface material, the power supply, supply voltage, workload and ambient temperature.
• The typical value returned by the BIOS or software from third analysis should therefore be a maximum between 60 and 65 º C.

Solutions to cool down your PC

To cool down your processor, there are several solutions:

• Improve the exchange of air (active cooling using fans):
• Make sure that fresh air always flow in the direction of the components having the highest temperatures (CPU, graphics card, etc..), For example here's how the air flow should be (see image below)
• Ensure that the air from the hot components is vented off the casing.

• Use a Ventirad (Fan + Heater), it is more efficient, but quite noisy!
• Regularly clean the CPU cooler and the radiator of the the graphics card (at least once a year). Remove the dust accumulated in these two elements using a can of compressed air.
• Use a tool such as CPU idle
• Switch to watercooling: this solution is much more expensive and complex, but more efficient, especially if you have overclocked your PC.
• You'll find different cooling solutions in this FAQ:Methods of cooling your PC

Related FAQ

Laptop is overheating: What can be done?

See also

Knowledge communities.

• Forum
• CPU forum
• Hardware forum
• Windows forum

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