Many users are complaining these days that their CPU temperature rises fast at idle or their CPU is running hot at idle. Either way PC idle temperature problem is getting more prominent in desktop PCs and laptops.
Here in this article, we have answered why is my CPU so hot when idle and what should my idle CPU temp be. We picked a random query from a popular tech form and answered it.
Read Also: What Should Be The Maximum and Normal CPU Temperature Range?
The instant case had the following components:
- Case: Corsair Vengeance C70 ATX
- CPU: i7-6700K (running at stock multiplier)
- CPU cooler: Lepa Aquachanger 240 (liquid cooler)
- MSI Z170A GAMING M7 ATX LGA1151
- Memory: G.SKILL Ripjaws V DDR4 3000 C15 2x16GB
- Boot drive: Samsung 960 Evo NVMe PCIe M.2 500GB
- Power Supply: Corsair RMx 750 W 80+ Gold
- Video card: Nvidia GTX 1070 Founder’s Edition
According to this user, his system showed CPU overheating symptoms even at idle. So he did some troubleshooting to solve the rising PC temperature problem. Some of these are as under:
- The liquid cooling fans spin faster right after Windows 10 turns on so the temperature remains above normal limits i.e. 45-50C.
- During idle the CPU temperature rises fast from 75 to 95C, that way hot than it should be.
- Ultimately PC gets slower over time eventually it’s freezing.
- After restarting the PC the CPU temps reading still remains high at 75.
- Sometimes a black empty screen showed up after reboot.
- Even the opening of the case to prevent CPU overheating didn’t work.
Once the PC is left off for several minutes and turned on again the CPU temps readings get normal but not for a long time.
So what is the problem that’s causing this idle CPU overheating? Well here is a simple solution to fix this problem.
Why is my CPU so hot when idle and how to lower it
If you are wondering why your CPU temperature is so high, then first, you need to check your CPU cooler. Most of the time this hardware is the core problem of CPU heating.
If your CPU cooler is old i.e. more than 3-4 years then you need to replace it and buy a new cooler.
Now, this may seem odd but it’s what I have tried to fix the CPU cooler. If you take off the cooler and give it a good shake. It might remove the air bubble trapped inside or other particles that are blocking the pump.
Add extra stock fans on the front and sides of the case to compensate for the negative pressure out of your system. To enhance the capabilities of your case to deliver fresh air, you need to install two 120/140mm front intakes.
If you have recently moved your system from one place to another then make sure that all the components are correctly seated and nothing is out of the way.
All CPU coolers have a large radiator that is attacked with fans. So make sure that dust is removed because when dust builds up in radiators it blocks the functioning of heat dissipation.
We recommend you should buy Corsair H115i or Noctua NH-D15S CPU coolers. These are quiet, more reliable, and cheap and their coolant in the tube will not leak.
What Determines the Effectiveness of any CPU cooler?
It’s the size of the radiator that determines the effectiveness of any air or liquid CPU cooler.
The all-in-one cooler or any other normal air cooler of 160mm is the same size as the radiator. What makes the difference is the capacity of liquid and air to lower heat.
Normally air cooler has tubes in which fluid circulates and it doesn’t need a pump to make airflow. This liquid will absorb heat and fans will cool it.
What Should my CPU temp be at Idle?
Is 40 to 50 degrees Celsius a good Idle CPU temperature? This is the question many users ask to know whether their PC is running at normal Idle CPU temperature.
For those users, Idle CPU temperature is irrelevant these days if it worries when your CPU temperature rises fast. Then a good rule of thumb is that the good idle CPU temp should remain between 30 to 40 C.
This is the idle PC temperature that one should have to avoid CPU overheating while idle.
Laptop Heating up when idle
Laptop overheating at an idle problem is more common it’s because of the compact space inside that hinders fresh air circulation. Users also place laptops on a rough surface that causes temperature problems.
So for laptop users, the normal idle temp range is a bit higher than for desktop PCs. If your laptop’s idle temperature remains within 45 to 55 then you are within a safe zone.
But if you’re not putting any stress still your idle temp remains above 55 then you need to think about preventing overheating.
