How to Lower a CPU Temperature
Your computer's central processing unit (CPU) needs to be kept at certain operating temperatures for it to work correctly. These temperatures vary among different CPUs, but the limit is around 95 degrees Celsius. Temperatures higher than this can cause issues with the thermal compound connecting the CPU and heatsink, hardware issues with the CPU itself and even motherboard damage. Proper CPU cooling is an essential part of a properly working computer.
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Instructions
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Check the operating temperature of your computer's CPU. Some computer manufacturers have built-in utilities for you to do this within Windows or the computer's BIOS. You can also use a number of third-party temperature monitoring programs if you don't have this option. The CPU's specific temperature tolerances vary among styles of processor and manufacturer, but if it's higher than 90 degrees Celsius you may run into severe computer issues. Older processors are less tolerant of heat and may have a danger zone past 70 degrees C. Normal operating temperatures are typically in the 50 to 70 degrees C range.
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Turn off your computer and open your computer case. You may need to unscrew the back of the case to slide it off. Look for large amounts of dust or debris. If you suspect that the CPU or case fan is no longer functioning correctly, take your hands out of the computer and turn it on. Observe the fans and see if they spin. Turn your computer off and use canned air to clean the CPU heatsink and all case fans.
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Use twist ties or zip ties to consolidate your interface and power cables inside your computer. If there are too many cables spread around the case, the fans may be unable to move air around properly.
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Turn your computer on and press the "ctrl," "alt" and "del" keys all at once when you are booted into Windows. Choose "Task Manager" if prompted with an options menu. Go to the "Processes" tab and press the "User Name" column. If you have many programs running in the background that you aren't actively using, they may be putting too much processor demand on your CPU.
Go to "Start," then "Run." Type "msconfig" into the text box and hit "Enter." Go to the "Startup" tab and uncheck every program that you do not want to load when you boot up your computer. Many programs automatically launch when you turn your computer on and take up processing power. You don't need any of these programs to successfully boot your computer, although you may need to leave some on if you use network utilities or similar programs. Click "Apply," then "OK" once you're done.
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References
- Photo Credit cpu image by Aussiebloke from Fotolia.com
