What is the Normal CPU Temperature Range (Idle vs Gaming)

What is the good CPU temperature range?

For high-end PC users, it’s a hot topic, they want to know a one-size-fits-all answer, but there’s really no way to give you one number.

The CPU temperature range depends upon the cooling solutions, usage, and environment. But one thing remains constant whether you have a gaming PC or not you should know the normal CPU temperature limits.

Because once you know your CPU temperature range you can keep it from overheating and BSOD errors.

If you are also one of them then you should better stick with this post. Because once you know what temp should your CPU be then it will also help you better understand the values while monitoring your CPU temp.

What is The Average CPU Temperature Range for PC and Laptop?

CPU Temperature Range Normal Average Good Ideal CPU Temperatures

The normal CPU temperature varies from one model to another. So it’s not possible to give you a one-size-fits-all answer. It’s the processor’s model and clock speed that determines the normal CPU temp range.

Tip: Computer perform better when it’s cool and clean

All modern Intel & AMD CPU (specially Ryzen series) has a maximum CPU temp range of 110 Degree Celsius. Practically it is not an optimal CPU temp because at this point you will feel a decline in PC performance.

The most typical method to check if your CPU temp is normal is by accessing ambient room temp that should remain between 22- 24 Degrees Celsius (71-75°F) is the ideal CPU temp for all desktop PC.

If your processor runs 10 Degrees Celsius above the ambient level it’s still considered to be a safe CPU temp.

What Should be The Normal CPU Temperature Range?

If the above temp limit is unable to maintain then for a system that is healthy and has an adequate cooling system the normal CPU temp should be around 40- 45 degrees Celsius (104-113°F).

But the real problem starts when CPU temp hits 80 Degree Celsius, here you must take precautions and reduce the load from the CPU.

It means close applications, encoding tasks, and gaming that affect CPU temp. Try to reduce it to a more ideal CPU temp

The two major CPU manufacturers provide different numbers for their CPU series. For example, the Intel Core i7 series has its typical CPU temperature around 50-66°C, while the AMD A6 series have a normal CPU temperature of 45-56°C.

What Should be the CPU Temperature While Idle?

The Idle CPU temperature is the temp of each PC component when you leave the computer idle. It means after turning on the computer and before launching any application.

If the normal temperature for idle PC stays around 30°C to 40°C or 86°F. to 104°F. It has a good idle CPU temperature.

If you don’t know what’s your PC’s idle CPU temperature then download HWMonitor or SpeedFan. These are some of the best CPU temperature monitoring software that allows you to check CPU temperature at Idle, normal, and maximum.

What is the Normal CPU Temperature While Gaming?

Ideally, the average CPU temp while gaming is considered to be around 70°C to 80°C (158-176°F).

If the CPU temp exceeds its average range then you need to cool your PC by installing better and effective cooling systems.

The i7 8700K is the latest Intel Core CPU which most users recommend for playing games. This model can bear heavy loads and can work efficiently even when reaches at max temp limit.

Still maintaining the 79°C to 80°C (174-176°F) is the good CPU temp.

How Hot Should my CPU Get While Gaming?

Many users ask how hot is too hot for their CPU while gaming. To make it simple we have provided a good CPU temp range for gaming PC.

  • 100 Danger
  • 80C Hot (100% Load)
  • 75C Warm
  • 70C Warm (Heavy Load)
  • 60C Norm
  • 50C Norm (Medium Load)
  • 40C Norm
  • 30C Cool (Idle)

Now you can easily measure your PC’s acceptable CPU temp with the above chart and take countermeasures if necessary.

Although Intel and AMD told that their processors can handle high temperatures like 100 to 110°C under load. But that’s not true because games put heavy stress on and when the CPU temp limit reaches the above-mentioned gaming range then necessary precautions must be taken to prevent damage.

What is the Normal CPU Temperature While Browsing

While browsing the normal CPU temp highly depends on the quality of air cooling in your PC case, the current room temperature, and the sites that you browse.

Internet browsing using Chrome or another app also affects CPU temp range.

Sites that have increased code density or those that make too many HTTPS requests eat up CPU, resulting in CPU overheating.

You can lower CPU temp by tweaking the hardware acceleration settings in the browser.

As a rule of thumb, if your CPU temp goes above 80°C while browsing then you got a huge problem. If it remains below 80°C, 50°C to 60°C, or at idle temps then you are FINE.

How Can I Check CPU Temp on Windows 10?

Now that you have an idea about the ideal CPU temperature for your PC. You might be wondering that how can I check my PC CPU temperature?

Secondly, how can I regularly monitor CPU temperature so that computer heat remains within the healthy temp limit?

Unfortunately, Windows OS be it 7 or 10 doesn’t have any built-in ability to check CPU temp. To reveal this hidden information either you need to access BIOS or simply download a CPU temperature monitoring software.

Checking the CPU temp with third-party tools is way easy. These tools are free and show accurate temp readings instantly.

You don’t need to be an expert to use these tools. Speccy, Real temp, and core temp are the most popular temp monitoring tools.

Does Ideal CPU Temperature Effects PC Performance?

It’s something that everyone is probably wondering about and keen to know. Whether lower CPU temperatures will make your PC perform better Or whether high CPU temperatures have the opposite effect.

It is a fact that the machine delivers the best performance when they are cool, the same principle also applies to a computer’s CPU.

As long as the CPU temperature is within acceptable limits, you will see that it performs tasks quickly. So always pay very close attention to maintaining normal CPU temperature for better performance.

Best Way to Reduce PC Temperature

Several methods can be applied to lower and maintain normal CPU temp on desktop and laptop PC. These are;

  • Regularly clean computer to get rid of dust and dirt
  • Improve airflow inside the case
  • Put your computer in a cold environment
  • Replace a defective fan or power supply unit
  • Install temperature monitoring program to keep an eye on system
  • Apply the thermal paste on CPU and heat sinks
  • Prevent overclocking

So in a nutshell, the normal CPU temp is 60 C, while 70 C is the Average CPU temperature, but the maximum CPU temperature is 80 C which can cause serious problems to a computer, so avoided it.

FAQs

What is the normal CPU temp on the first startup in BIOS?

In the BIOS everything is running at max, that is why the temps are higher. Load the OS and then check the temps, if it’s still high then the system may have a problem, if, not when everything is fine.

Is 100 degrees Celsius hot for a CPU?

Yes, modern desktop and laptop CPUs start thermal throttling at or below 100°C because they can damage the CPU. In this situation, due to increased electrical resistance silicon gets too hot, it will start thermal runaway.

Is 50 degrees Celsius hot for a CPU?

Yes, 50 degrees is fine. The GPU does a lot of work, so it’s normal to get a bit hot. Besides GPUs are designed to work at 60+ degrees without much problem.

Is 70-75 degrees Celsius hot for a CPU?

If it’s 70 under load then it is still safe because modern CPUs can handle that much temperature.

What is a good CPU temp?

A good CPU temp is an ambient temperature which should be around 22- 24 degrees Celsius (71-75°F). Even if the CPU runs 10°C higher than the idle limit, it’s still safe.

What temp should my CPU be?

There is a general rule and that is under load your CPU temperature must remain between 40-45°C. This CPU temp range also answers those who ask how hot should my CPU be.

How to check laptop temperature?

To check CPU temperature on laptops you need to download PC temperature monitors and NZXT Cam is the best tool for laptops.

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