If you’ve ever used a docking station for a laptop, you’ve probably seen a surge in central processing unit (CPU) temperature at some point. It is sometimes the result of aged hardware. However, it can also occur during times of high use.
Having your laptop docking stations overheat is a rather typical issue. Unfortunately, it can have serious consequences, often anticipating future problems or a drop in peak performance. That is why we should all strive to keep an eye on CPU temperature and know how to test for it. Fortunately, there are various options, including a DIY method and several software programs to explore. We’ll look at how to manage the CPU temperature in this article.
What Is the Ideal CPU Temperature?
The optimal operating temperature for most devices will change based on your usage, such as whether you overclock or run resource-intensive programs. You can get the exact specifications for your hardware by going through your owner’s handbook or conducting some online research. It still helps to recall some basic CPU temperature rules of thumb or to construct your own based on experience.
- Most users should seek an average running temperature of less than 140°F (60°C). Cooler temperatures are generally preferable when it comes to PC hardware.
- Temperatures ranging from 160°F (70°C) to 195°F (90°C) should be avoided.
Is there anything above that range? At temperatures above 195°F (90°C), your hardware is under severe strain.
What Is Causing the CPU to Overheat?
Most users experience heat strain during their busiest periods of use, especially when running many programs and apps at once. While temperature spikes are often connected with heavy use or overclocked stress, there are additional aspects to consider.
- Heat-related difficulties can be exacerbated by poor maintenance, accumulated dust, malware, poor ventilation, and even hidden hardware faults.
- Because of poorer thermal tolerances at the time of manufacture, older gear is more vulnerable.
- Thinner constructions with performance components might potentially get too hot for comfort because there is more room for heat to travel.
How to Check CPU Temperature in BIOS/UEFI?
Let’s start with the do-it-yourself approach for testing CPU temperature on a Windows 10 PC. During this method, you’ll use your device’s BIOS or UEFI (the modern version of a BIOS interface) to monitor CPU temperature and other hardware information and settings. It’s also worth noting that different approaches may only apply to certain users. This is how you will get started:
- Open the Windows Taskbar, which is located in the lower-left corner of your screen.
- Select the Settings button, which is represented by a white gear icon. It should be just above the Taskbar icon and the shutdown choices on your PC. Under the Windows Settings header, a new index and search bar will appear.
- At the bottom of the Windows Settings index, scroll down to the Update & Recovery tab.
- In the left sidebar, click the Recovery tab. The new sidebar should appear in addition to the Update & Recovery panel.
- Scroll down to Advanced startup and click the Restart now button. As normal, your device will shut down and restart. It should interrupt your normal boot and login routines and present numerous advanced startup choices.
- Choose the Troubleshoot option.
- Choose the Advanced options option. You may also examine the system restore and startup settings, as well as additional recovery options, from here.
- Choose to restart. This should launch your BIOS / UEFI interface, which should feature a CPU temperature readout for many Windows 10 users.
Tips To Reduce CPU Temperature Issues
- Using your gadget with caution is the most effective technique to minimize overheating. Close any unnecessary passive applications and strive to maintain a regular maintenance plan. Dusting your workplace and keeping your equipment clean can significantly impact the durability, particularly the working temperature of your computer later in life.
- You can also make minor changes to your workspace to improve ventilation, such as installing an external cooling system or moving objects that can hinder perfect airflow. In extreme cases, you may consider raising your gadget to improve ventilation.
- Another simple technique to avoid overheating is to keep your computer malware-free. Because malware consumes the same amount of energy and hardware as legitimate software, it can easily cause overheating and performance concerns.
- Overclocking is a method that can increase the speed and responsiveness of your device, but it is fraught with danger. If you have an older device, limited existing hardware capability, or insufficient ventilation, the hazards will increase.
Overclocked CPUs are far more prone to heat buildup, which is why current components, proper ventilation, and frequent maintenance are essential. Even with the best hardware and design, overclocking stresses components and reduces their life expectancy. For most users, the increased performance of overclocking is a trade-off that entails fewer years of optimal use.
Conclusion
Despite the concerns, overclocking is becoming a more popular approach to improve performance, particularly among PC gamers. When using an overclocked CPU, monitoring computer temperature becomes critical.