🌡️ How to read your PC's temperatures: a guide to stop it burning out
A computer's components generate heat, a lot of heat. If temperatures rise too much, the system applies "thermal throttling" (it lowers its power to cool down) or, in the worst case, shuts down to avoid permanent damage.
1. Recommended software: HWMonitor
There are many programs, but at Bytechip we always recommend HWMonitor (by CPUID). It is free, light and gives you all the necessary information on a single screen.
- Step 1: Download and install HWMonitor.
- Step 2: Run it (preferably as administrator).
- Step 3: Look for the CPU (processor), GPU (graphics card) and Storage (hard drives) sections.
2. Which values should I look at?
When you open the program you will see three columns:
- Value: The current temperature in real time.
- Min: The lowest temperature recorded since you opened the program.
- Max:The most important one! It is the maximum peak your PC has reached while you were gaming or working.
3. Which temperatures are "normal"?
Here is a quick table to know whether you should worry:
4. Bytechip tips if your PC is running very hot
If you see that your temperatures regularly exceed 90°C, don't panic, but act:
- Cleaning: Dust is the worst enemy. A pass with compressed air can drop 10°C at once.
- Thermal paste: If the PC is more than 2 or 3 years old, the thermal paste between the processor and the fan will have dried out. It is time to change it.
- Airflow: Make sure the fans draw air in at the front and push it out at the back/top.
- Be careful with the laptop: If you are a parent and your child plays with the laptop resting on the bed or sofa, take it off there! Sheets cover the grilles and the PC chokes. Always on a flat surface.