It’s important to check CPU temp because it is directly related to your computer’s performance and lifespan. Excessively high temperature can cause system performance degradation or even permanent hardware damage. By monitoring CPU temperature, you can identify cooling issues, such as a malfunctioning heatsink or dust buildup, so you can take steps to protect your device.
This article will help you understand how to check and monitor your CPU temperature on Windows 10/11 and MacOS.
What Does CPU Temp Mean?
CPU is the abbreviation of central processing unit, which is responsible for performing most tasks in the computer. CPU temperature is a “barometer” to monitor whether the CPU is operating normally. CPU is one of the core hardware of the computer. Due to its many tasks, it generates heat and needs to be dissipated.
Therefore, to ensure its normal operation, the CPU needs a good cooling system (such as a radiator, fan, or liquid cooling). CPU temperature is generally monitored in real-time by sensors and can be displayed by special software. CPU temperature that is too high or too low will affect its performance and lifespan.
You may ask: What is the normal CPU temp? Here are different states of desktop CPU and laptop CPU temperature.
- Idle temperature: 30°C – 50°C (Desktop CPU); 40°C – 60°C (Laptop CPU). This is the normal temperature when the CPU is not under heavy load.
- Under load temperature: 60°C – 85°C (Desktop CPU); 70°C – 90°C (Laptop CPU). This is the normal temperature during intensive tasks (e.g., gaming, video editing).
- Maximum safe temperature: 95°C – 105°C (Both). Exceeding this may cause hardware damage.
- Optimal temperature range: Below 70°C (Both). This is the ideal temperature for maintaining performance and extending lifespan.
Potential Harm of High CPU Temp
Too high a temperature may affect the performance and life of the CPU. Here are some specific hazards of too high a CPU temperature.
Performance Degradation
When the temperature of some CPUs is too high, they will start the thermal protection mechanism and reduce the heat by reducing the operating frequency, which is called “Dynamic frequency scaling“, also called CPU throttling. Especially when performing high-load tasks, such as games and video editing, the high CPU temperature will reduce the processing speed and affect the overall operating efficiency. Then, it’s high time to check the CPU temperature.
Tip:
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Hardware Damage
If the CPU temperature of your Windows 10/11 is kept at a high temperature for a long time, it will accelerate the aging of the electronic components inside the CPU. Even excessively high CPU temperature will cause the CPU to burn out, causing irreversible damage to the components.
Cooling System Vicious Cycle
Long-term high CPU temperature is one of the reasons why your computer fan is so loud. Excessive CPU temperature will cause the fan or radiator to work harder, which may aggravate the temperature problem while reducing processing performance, thus forming a vicious cycle.
Device Lifespan Affection
If your Windows or Mac computer is under a high CPU temperature always, your device will stop working soon. Because high CPU temperature will accelerate the aging of CPU components, the life span will be shortened.
Note: Considering the above hazards, please check the CPU temperature of your device regularly and monitor the CPU temperature in real-time when using the device.
How to Check CPU Temp?
Now that you have learned the potential harm of high CPU temperature, it’s crucial to know how to check and monitor it. We have prepared several measures of how to check CPU temp on Windows 10/11, and how to check CPU temp on Mac.
How to Check CPU Temp on Windows 10/11?
On Windows 10 and Windows 11, the quickest way to grab views of your computer’s CPU temperature is by accessing Task Manager. Moreover, you can also manually check your CPU temp in Bios and use check CPU temp apps.
🔧Way 1. How to Check CPU Temp in Task Manager
More conveniently and quickly, many people would ask: how do I see CPU temperature in Task Manager? Because this is the built-in tool in Windows to access hardware status. To check CPU temp in Task Manager, you can:
- Just press the three keys: Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Switch to the “Performance” tab in the left and third menu bar.
- Choose the first “CPU” option to check your CPU status.

A newer Windows version may show the CPU temperature directly although Task Manager doesn’t provide temperature data.
🔧Way 2. How to Check CPU Temp in Bios (Manually)
If you are looking for ways to check CPU temperature manually without downloading anything, you can access the BIOS/UEFI to check the temperature. Follow these steps:
Step 1. Restart your computer.
Step 2. Enter the BIOS/UEFI menu: As your computer starts, you can press the right key to enter the BIOS/UEFI settings. The main keys include Delete/F2/Esc (Defending by your device models).
Step 3. Navigate to the CPU temperature section: When you enter into the BIOS/UEFI interface, find the information that shows your computer status. It may be shown as “Hardware Monitor” or “PC Health Status”.
Step 4. Check the CPU temperature of your computer: Under the “CPU Temperature” section, you can check the detailed CPU temperature information.
Note: BIOS vs UEFI
BIOS is the traditional, older firmware system used in most computers. UEFI is an advanced replacement for BIOS with more user-friendly features. It depends on your Windows models. However, both of them serve the same purpose of connecting the operating system and the hardware components of your computer (such as the CPU).
🔧Way 3. Use Check CPU Temp Apps
Many users don’t want to check their computer’s CPU temp by themselves and may ask: is there an app to check CPU temp? Yes, there are several reliable apps to check and monitor CPU temperature.
Tool 1: HWMonitor
HWMonior is a trusted CPU temperature-checking tool that can help you take control of your Windows’ temperature status.
- Just go to the official HWMonitor website, download and install the software to your Windows. It’s very easy and quick.
- After you open the HWMonitor, scroll down and look for the “Temperature” section. You’ll get the specific temperature of each CPU.

Tool 2: Core Temp
Core Temp is another popular tool that gives you detailed information about your CPU temperature.
- Search for the official website of Core Temp, download, and install it.
- Launch Core Temp and it will show you the CPU temperature directly.

After my testing, HWMonitor and Core Temp are the most lightweight and easy tools to check your CPU temperature. They are free to download and use. In addition, they just take seconds to download and install. Also, the CPU temperature information they provide is understandable and specific. If you are new to CPU technology, it’s acceptable for you.
Other alternatives to the two CPU temperature-checking apps include NZXT CAM, AIDA64, HWiINFO, and MAI Afterburner (Best for gamers). If you want a more professional and comprehensive explanation for your computer’s CPU temperature, you can give those alternatives a try.
How to Check CPU Temp on a Mac?
How do I see CPU temps on a Mac? This is a often question. If you are a bit not accustomed to MacOS, the complicated method to check CPU temperature on Mac is surely not suitable for you. Therefore, straightforwardly, the easiest and most effective way to monitor your CPU temperature is to use third-party tools that are compatible with MacOS.
The best tool to check CPU temperature on MacOS we recommend is iStat Menus. iStat Menus is one of the best tools for MacOS users to check their CPU temp. It provides highly comprehensive CPU info, including current usage for individual cores, history graphs, CPU frequency, etc.
- Go to the iStat Menus official website, download and install it.
- Open the iStat Menus and check CPU temperature. Find the “Sensors” section to check the details of CPU temperature.
How to Lower Your CPU Temp: Solutions
If you find that the CPU temperature is overheating after checking, it’s high time to lower it in case of worse consequences. Here are some practical and effective solutions.
Ensure system airflow: Improve the airflow inside your computer case to help lower CPU temperature. This can be done by arranging cables neatly and making sure there are no obstructions around the case.
Clean the fans and dust: Regularly clean the fans and remove dust from your computer. Dust can block airflow and cause the CPU to overheat.
Change CPU cooler: Upgrade your CPU cooler if it’s not effectively cooling the CPU. Consider using a more efficient air cooler or a liquid cooling system.
Reduce high-CPU activity: Limit the number of resource-intensive applications running simultaneously. Closing unnecessary programs can reduce CPU load and temperature.
Turn on the air conditioner in your room (If necessary): If the ambient temperature is high, use an air conditioner to cool the room. A lower room temperature can help keep your computer’s CPU cooler.
FAQs – Check CPU Temp
Q1. What is the Best Temperature for My CPU?
As mentioned earlier, the best temperatures for most CPUs range from 30°C (idle) to 85°C (under load). Anything higher might require you to improve your cooling.
Q2. How Do I Know If My CPU Is Overheating?
If your computer is suddenly slow, freezing, or shutting down without warning, it could be a sign of overheating. Also, if your CPU temperature exceeds 85°C under heavy load, it’s time to check your cooling system.
Q3. Can a CPU Run at 100°C?
While most modern CPUs can handle up to 100°C, by this time, your CPU is about to reach its limit, and not ideal to operate it at this temperature. If your CPU reaches 100°C, it’s a sign that the cooling system isn’t sufficient or there’s a hardware issue. It’s important to address this issue to avoid long-term damage.
Conclusion
Check CPU temp regularly to improve your device performance and lengthen your CPU’s life span. This post mainly introduces how to check your computer’s CPU temperature on Windows 10/11 and MacOS. After checking the CPU temperature, if you find any abnormal performance of your CPU, check the solutions provided for you to fix it.