How to Check a Computer's Temperature
Like any electrical device, computer components generate heat as they use electricity. The faster the computer is and the more devices that are installed, the more power it will require, which often means more heat will be generated. Most computers have several fans and heat sinks installed to direct heat away from the processor and other vital parts, but if the processor overheats, the computer will likely shut down or become permanently damaged. Therefore, checking and monitoring computer temperature is an important part of keeping a computer healthy.
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Instructions
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Use your hand to physically check heat. While you will not be able to gauge the exact temperature of your computer with your hand, simply touching the case at different points and feeling how hot the computer is can give you a sense of whether the machine is running hot or cool. If the case is hot to the touch, chances are the temperature is too high. It should not be so hot that you feel inclined to pull back your hand.
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Check processor temp in the BIOS setup utility. To do this, shut down your computer, then start it back up again. As the computer starts up, a message should appear alerting you to press "x" to enter setup. Usually, the button to enter BIOS setup is Delete, Escape or one of the "F" keys. Once you enter setup, navigate the menus in your BIOS using the onscreen instructions and look for a menu dealing dealing with hardware monitors and your CPU. There should be a field that lists your CPU temperature.
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Use a temperature monitor program to keep tabs on computer temperature. Checking your processor temperature in BIOS setup is helpful, but it is better if you can monitor temperature while you are using your computer. There are several free-to-download temperature monitor programs that pull information from the temperature monitors in your BIOS and allow you to view them in real time while using your computer. (Speedfan and Everest are popular temperature monitors.) Not only can these programs monitor CPU temp, but they can also monitor the temperature of your graphics-processing unit and hard drives.
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Tips & Warnings
Most motherboards will shut down automatically if processor temperature exceeds a certain level. If your computer is running too hot, take steps to cool it more effectively, such as by installing more case fans or a better heat sink.
