Making Sure Your CPU Keeps Its Cool
A computer’s Central Processing Unit, or CPU, is, in a way, like your automobile’s engine – a cooler running temperature means longer life. But how do you know what “too hot” is?
One way to check this in your computer’s BIOS. Normally, you enter this when booting up; press “Del” or F1, F2 or F10 to enter the set-up screen. In BIOS setup, you see an option called “Hardware Monitor” or “PC Health.” This method, however, is not the best, because in BIOS, the computer is essentially idle and not performing the activities that can generate heat.
Fortunately, there is a freeware program called “Motherboard Monitor” which displays your computer’s temperature in real time, right there on your system tray (see picture below). You can also configure it to sound an alarm if the maximum temperature is reached.
The maximum temperature for most CPU’s is between 85 and 95 C (185 – 200 F), although a few – such as the Pentium III 1 Ghz) are as low as 60 C (140 F) and – in the case of the Intel Pentium M – as high as 100C (212 F). For best performance, the running temperature should be a good 20 C (70 F) below these figures, however. MBM is a utility that no PC enthusiast or overclocker should do without!
Download: [Motherboard Monitor v3.5.7.0]
A computer’s Central Processing Unit, or CPU, is, in a way, like your automobile’s engine – a cooler running temperature means longer life. But how do you know what “too hot” is?
One way to check this in your computer’s BIOS. Normally, you enter this when booting up; press “Del” or F1, F2 or F10 to enter the set-up screen. In BIOS setup, you see an option called “Hardware Monitor” or “PC Health.” This method, however, is not the best, because in BIOS, the computer is essentially idle and not performing the activities that can generate heat.
Fortunately, there is a freeware program called “Motherboard Monitor” which displays your computer’s temperature in real time, right there on your system tray (see picture below). You can also configure it to sound an alarm if the maximum temperature is reached.
The maximum temperature for most CPU’s is between 85 and 95 C (185 – 200 F), although a few – such as the Pentium III 1 Ghz) are as low as 60 C (140 F) and – in the case of the Intel Pentium M – as high as 100C (212 F). For best performance, the running temperature should be a good 20 C (70 F) below these figures, however. MBM is a utility that no PC enthusiast or overclocker should do without!
Download: [Motherboard Monitor v3.5.7.0]
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