Description: This article contains some of the most frequently asked questions about computer operating temperatures from Winter 2019.

Q: What kind of CPU temperatures should I expect when using my computer?
A: This mostly depends on what you are doing on the computer as well as what kind of processor and cooling solution you have. For example, gaming is going to use more resources than just browsing the internet and therefore you will have higher temperatures. Generally speaking, under 80 degrees Celsius is within normal operating temperatures, but that varies by hardware specification.

Q: How hot is too hot for my CPU?
A: Higher than 90 degrees Celsius is when most CPUs will usually start throttling performance in order to keep temperatures down. As temperatures rise performance will continue to throttle more. Long term use in high temperature ranges can damage the CPU over time. There is a maximum temperature that a CPU can operate, typically between 105-110 degrees Celsius - varies by specification, and if you hit that point your system should automatically shut down to prevent damage to the processor.

Q: What kind of temperatures should I expect when the computer is idling?
A: This depends on a lot on the ambient temperature of the room your computer is in. Typically 10 degrees Celsius above ambient temperature is what to expect depending on the CPU and cooling solution you are using. For example, if your room is 30 degrees Celsius, you would expect 40 degrees Celsius, or less if your computer has good cooling in place.

Q: How do I tell if my computer is overheating?
A: There are many software programs that allow you to monitor the temperatures of various components on your computer. Examples of those include the Intel Extreme Tuning Utility, the Ryzen Master Utility, NZXT CAM, and others.

Q: What do I do if my CPU is overheating?
A: First, make sure that the thermal paste on your CPU heatsink is good and not dried up or chalky - replace it if necessary, and when you do so make sure the heatsink is making good contact with the CPU. Regarding thermal past, you need just the right amount - too little or too much are equally ineffective. Make sure the CPU fans are plugged in to the CPU fan header on your motherboard and are running. If the CPU is still overheating even then, try a different CPU cooling solution. If it is still overheating even after that, it is possible that the CPU is failing.

Q: What are typical GPU temperatures?
A: GPU temperature expectations are going to be very similar to your CPU. Under 80 degrees Celsius is what you will generally want to see. This does partly depend on your GPU as well, if you have a card that uses a blower style cooler it will typically be hotter than a card that uses the more common open air style. Liquid cooling solutions will also produce different results.

Q: How hot is too hot for my GPU?
A: Similar to CPU expectations again, under 90 degrees Celsius is typically safe. When going above that you will be in situations where the GPU will start throttling itself to keep from overheating and if you run at very high temperatures for a long period of time, that can cause damage to the GPU.

Q: What do I do if my GPU is overheating?
A: Try limiting your framerate and lowering your settings to lower the workload on your GPU. Make sure your GPU is free of dust and obstructions. If your GPU is still overheating there is likely some kind of internal problem causing it that would require disassembling the GPU and replacing thermal paste, thermal pads and or other components. That type of work is not recommended for the end user.

Q: How do I improve cooling on my desktop?
A: There are many ways to improve cooling. You can purchase a larger or different heatsink fan to cool your CPU, you could purchase a case that has more fans for better overall ventilation, you could even upgrade to a liquid cooling system. Proper cable management inside of a case can also improve airflow which helps keep temperatures lower.

Q: Is liquid cooling or air cooling better?
A: Liquid cooling generally has higher performance than air cooling. However, top of the line air coolers can still compete with good liquid coolers. A well designed custom liquid cooling loop will provide the best cooling performance but they are expensive and high maintenance compared to a normal all in one liquid cooler or air cooling.

Q: What are typical laptop CPU temperatures?
A: Laptops in general run at higher temperatures than their desktop counterparts due to reduced air flow. 90 degrees Celsius is the high end of normal operating temperatures, if under a heavy load it is not uncommon to see temperatures in the mid nineties or a bit higher.

Q: How do I improve cooling on my laptop?
A: There is not much that can be done internally on a laptop to improve cooling besides making sure it is free of dust or debris - inspect any ventilation areas regularly for this reason. Make sure that the laptop is being run on hard flat services to help promote airflow - avoid placing the computer on your lap or particularly avoid placing the computer on top of a blanket or pillow on top of your lap - this common mistake definitely can lead to overheating as it blocks the air vents designed into most laptops. There are also cooling pads that have fans built into them to help promote even more airflow and keep temperatures down.

Q: Computer specifications tend to refer to temperatures in terms of degrees Celsius - what is the difference between Celsius temperatures and Fahrenheit temperatures?
A: Basically this is math and there is a formula to convert this. To begin with, 32 degrees Fahrenheit equals the freezing point, and 0 degrees Fahrenheit also equals the freezing point. Said differently - 32 degrees Fahrenheit equals 0 degrees Celsius. A mathematical formula to convert is: C = 5/9 x (F-32) or you can probably find a conversion table online that will assist you with this question.