How to Lower PC CPU Temperature

High CPU temperatures can lead to a lot of bad things when it comes to computers. Having CPU temperatures too high can cause a computer to lock up, crash, or fry components. A CPU's temperature rises when under heavy loading, such as when you play a video game. Here's how to make sure your CPU temperatures don't get too high.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• A desktop PC
• Twist ties

1. Checking your CPU temperature

   First you need to check the temperature of your CPU. There are a few ways to do this. You can check the CPU temperature by accessing your BIOS when your PC starts (usually by pressing DEL when the computer boots up), and the temperature will usually be listed there. However, this is not always accurate, so its best to double check by downloading a few free tools such as Core Temp (linked in the "Resources" section below).

2. Open up the computer's case

   Great, now you know the temperature of your CPU. Make sure you make a note of it. While all CPUs vary, you generally want to keep the temperature below 50C. Now, onto lowering your temperatures. The first thing you should do is turn off your computer, and unplug the power (you can unplug everything else too, if you want). Take off the case.

3. Having jumbled wires is a bad thing

   If you've never done this before, you'll probably notice that there is most likely a huge jumble of wires inside your PC. This is not good. In order to have low CPU temperatures inside a PC, good airflow is required. In order to get good airflow, you need to tuck those wires away. The best way to do this is to take some twist ties and gather together as many loose cables as you can and tie them together. This decreases the overall space that the cables take up and increase airflow, this lowering your CPU temperature. Make sure the twist ties are out of the way of any component of your PC. Also make sure the cables are out of the way of any fans.

4. You want your wires to look like this

   If that doesn't decrease your CPU temperature to a desired level, you should consider buying extra case fans, or replacing older fans with more powerful fans.

5. You may want to consider upgrading heatsinks

   If that doesn't work, consider replacing the heatsink on your CPU. Many times, the thermal paste on the CPU could be wearing out or be applied improperly. If you do not know how to change the heatsink on your CPU or apply thermal paste to a CPU, do not hesitate to call a professional. Though I do recommend trying, if you are up to it. Upgrading your heatsink will almost always drastically lower your CPU temperatures.

Resources

• Core Temp
• Guide to Replace a Heat Sink