How to monitor CPU temp while gaming is vital if you want to have extended hours of playing. After all, CPU overheating is the leading cause of hardware failure. In addition, it can immediately reduce the lifespan of the setup. On average, the CPU temp while gaming needs to be within the 75 to 80 degrees Celsius range (approx. 167 -176 Fahrenheit). So, to help you monitor the temperature of your CPU as you game, follow the steps below. Don’t forget to also check out these top-tier gaming monitors available on the market today.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- There are numerous free third-party apps on the internet that can help you monitor CPU temperature.
- Hot CPU temperature can reduce the efficiency of the computer and damage the internal circuitry of the CPU.
- The CPU can also reduce its speed to preserve its life if its temperature reaches a specific limit known as the T-junction (transistor junction) temperature.
How to monitor the Temperature of the CPU as You Game
We will discuss some of the methods that work well when you are not gaming and some when playing. Let’s get started.
Insider Tip
BIOS is used to tell the computer what to do to operate its basic functions.
STEP 1 USE THE CPU UTILITY
First of all, you can use the utilities of AMD or Intel CPUs to monitor the temperature. To be specific, you can either use the Extreme Tuning Utility or the Ryzen Master. These tools not only improve your PC’s performance but also provide you with the option of overclocking the CPU, as well as checking the CPU temperature at any given moment. However, since these utilities are not available on all PCs using Windows, you can ask a professional to install them for you. And since you’re looking for an uninterrupted gaming experience, try this software that locks the mouse on one screen while gaming on dual monitors.
STEP 2 USE BIOS (BASIC INPUT-OUTPUT SYSTEM) TO MONITOR CPU TEMPERATURE
BIOS is used to tell the computer what to do to operate its basic functions. In addition, it also provides the user access to hardware configurations for elements like CPU, memory, hard drive, and others. For example, for you to monitor the CPU temperature, below are steps you need to follow:
- Reboot your computer
- Depending on your hardware, press the BIOS key, which can vary from F2, Del, and F10. Ensure that you press the key before the computer boots up.
- Find the CPU option where you can see the temperature levels.
STEP 3 USE A THIRD-PARTY OPTION: CORE TEMP
One of the free popular third-party apps you can use is Core Temp. Gamers and other comp users use it to stress-test their CPU. Wondering what stress-testing is all about? It is the process where you run your PC at full speed for a long time to check its reliability and evaluate its performance under high temperature and load.
STEP 4 MONITOR THE CPU TEMPERATURE USING RIVATUNER
It is not possible to view the taskbar when you are gaming on full-screen. But if you still want to monitor your CPU, use the RivaTuner tool, which allows you to display the temperature of the CPU while gaming on fullscreen. So, download the app and use it together with the MSI Afterburner (a GPU overclocking utility) for the best performance. But you will not be the best gamer unless you know how to protect your eyes while gaming.
Insider Tip
The CPU is a component that carries out millions of operations in a second.
F.A.Q.
Why is it important to check the temperature of the CPU?
The CPU is a component that carries out millions of operations in a second. Due to its function, it quickly gets hot. When it gets too hot, your PC can crash, experience system instability, run slow, or other issues can spring up.
What are the general features of a monitoring CPU temp tool?
- It is highly customizable.
- You can check CPU bandwidth and its usage.
- Provides a lot of information about your CPU.
- Offers real-time temp monitoring of the CPU.
What is a bad temperature?
If you want to determine the max temperature of your processor, look for the page on the internet that describes your CPU’s specifications. Then, look for your CPU’s max temperature.
STAT: When your gaming session extends for long hours, expect the temperature of your CPU to rise above 80 degrees Celsius. (source)
