What is The Normal CPU Temperature Range While Gaming and idle PC/Laptop in 2024

Is 70c too hot for CPU? If NOT, then what is the average safe temperature?

With the CPU getting smarter the question “What CPU temperature is normal?” is becoming a hot topic for high-end PCs. Without a doubt, knowing your CPU’s temperature is vital for users, especially gamers.

However, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Normal CPU temperature depends on factors like cooling, usage, and environment. However, understanding the safe range is key to preventing PC overheating issues. Whether you’re a gamer or not, CPU temperature matters.

Is 60°C or 80°C safe? In this article, we’ll explore the normal CPU temperature ranges for different scenarios and how to spot overheating.

What Is a Normal CPU Temperature Range For PCs & Laptops?

The normal CPU temperature range for most CPUs is between 40°C to 65°C (104°F to 149°F) under normal workload. When running more demanding applications or games, the temperature can increase to a range of 70°C to 80°C (158°F to 176°F).

If your CPU temperature consistently exceeds 80°C to 85°C (176°F to 185°F), even when not running resource-intensive programs, there may be a serious underlying issue. This could indicate a problem with the CPU fan, insufficient airflow, or a faulty CPU.

The ideal CPU temperature when not gaming is around 45°C to 60°C (113°F to 140°F). However, the acceptable temperature range can vary depending on the specific CPU and the cooling system used.

To prevent overheating and potential damage to your computer, consider implementing more effective cooling methods if your CPU consistently reaches high temperatures. Additionally, using PC cleaner software can help reduce CPU usage caused by malware or outdated programs.

What Should be the Idle CPU Temperature?

The Idle CPU temperature refers to the moment a PC starts up before running any app. It’s a state when the PC is under near to 0 load.

Typical the Idle temperature is considered between 30°C and 40°C (86°F and 104°F).

You can download HWMonitor or SpeedFan to determine your PC’s idle CPU temperature. You can check at idle, normal, and maximum using some of the best CPU monitoring software.

How Hot Is Too Hot For Your CPU While Gaming?

To make it simple we have provided a good CPU temp range for gaming PCs.

  • 100°C Danger
  • 80°C Hot (100% Load)
  • 75°C Warm
  • 70°C Warm (Heavy Load)
  • 60°C Norm
  • 50°C Norm (Medium Load)
  • 40°C Norm
  • 30°C Cool (Idle)

Now you should be able to understand the max CPU temp and normal temp range. If you notice your PC’s temperature is not within the acceptable limit then start taking necessary measures.

How to Check PC Temperature in the BIOS/UEFI

Accessing the BIOS/UEFI to check your CPU temperature is a quick and easy way to monitor your system’s health. The specific key to press to enter the BIOS/UEFI varies depending on your computer manufacturer, but it’s usually one of the following: F2, F10, or DEL.

Here are the steps on how to check your CPU temperature in the BIOS/UEFI:

Turn on your computer and press the BIOS/UEFI key repeatedly as it starts up. The key will be displayed on the screen during the boot process.

  1. Once you’re in the BIOS/UEFI, navigate to the “PC Health Status” or “Monitor” tab.
  2. Look for the “CPU Temperature” or “System Temperature” setting. The CPU temperature will be displayed in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit.
  3. If you want to make any changes to the BIOS/UEFI settings, be sure to save your changes before exiting.

It’s important to note that the BIOS/UEFI only displays the current CPU temperature. If you want to monitor your CPU temperature over time, you can use a third-party application like Core Temp or HWMonitor.

How to Check CPU Temp without BIOS Using a Third-Party App

As already explained you can’t monitor CPU temps in real time. The BIOS settings aren’t the ideal way to check your CPU temp. You will not get a notification if your PC gets too hot. You’ll need third-party software for that.

To get more details about checking the PC temp you can jump back to our article How To Check CPU Temp on Windows 11 & 10 PC

In this article, we have mentioned some of the best tools, but any of the tools listed here will help you monitor temps:

How to Monitor Your CPU Temperature While Gaming

When you are playing in full-screen mode pressing the ALT+TAB is a big headache. Thankfully, there is a popular gaming utility called MSI Afterburner. This tool comes bundled with the RivaTuner that shows the real-time temperature of your CPU & GPU.

Here’s how to monitor your CPU temperature while gaming:

  • Download and install RivaTuner/MSI Afterburner.
  • Once installed, click the arrow in the notification area of your taskbar and select MSI Afterburner, or double-click the MSI Afterburner shortcut on your desktop.
  • Click the Settings icon and select the Monitoring tab. Scroll to CPU temperature in the list. Click it, then enable Show in On-Screen Display.
  • Finally, launch your game. Your CPU temps will show automatically so you can monitor your PC temperature easily while gaming.

Related: How to Enable FPS Counter in MSI Afterburner on Windows 10

How will I know if my CPU is running too hot?

If your processor gets too hot you will start seeing one of the following signs.

  • PC fans constantly run causing the loud noise
  • Computers perform slowly causing error messages
  • Sometimes PC will freeze causing a blue screen of death.
  • Lines may also appear across the screen
  • Abrupt system shutdowns

If you are dealing with any of these signs then you should get serious to prevent computer overheating. Otherwise, you can lose your expensive hardware. Start by cleaning your PC and then download the CPU temperature monitoring tool.

How to Fix High CPU Temps Problem and Cool it Down

We have already explained the best ways to lower your CPU temp. Here, we have provided a quick list of ways that you can adopt to improve your CPU temperatures.

  1. Re-install your existing CPU cooler
  2. Reapply thermal paste on the CPU
  3. Buy better thermal paste
  4. Buy a better CPU cooler
  5. Buy a better PC case
  6. Reconfigure your case fans for better airflow
  7. Add more case fans
  8. Clean out your computer

CPU Temperature Range – FAQs

Many users ask quick questions about their Intel and AMD CPUs. So we have listed all these important queries for you.

How hot is too hot for the CPU?

First, you should know that CPUs are meant to perform while exuding heat. That heat is produced due to electrical resistance within circuits. The more you push your CPU the hotter it will get. You should only get serious when you feel immense heat even when your system is idle.

What is a good CPU temp?

First, you should know that CPUs are meant to perform while exuding heat. That heat is produced due to electrical resistance within circuits. The more you push your CPU the hotter it will get. You should only get serious when you feel immense heat even when your system is idle.

What is a normal CPU temp?

The normal temperature range varies for each CPU model. But you should try your best to remain temp under 60°C.

What temperature is bad for the CPU?

When your CPU generates heat you don’t have any counter mechanism to lower it. That’s a bad temperature for your CPU. If you want an answer in number then 80°C or above is a bad temperature for the CPU.

What is the average CPU temp?

To give you an average temperature range for CPU is again a difficult task but you should make sure that it stays between 45° to 55°C.

Is 85° degrees good for the CPU?

Yes, it’s bad for your CPU. Although a modern CPU can perform at 100°C, its performance will decrease. So it’s wise to not let your CPU reach 85°C.

What’s the normal i5 CPU temperature for a laptop?

If you have an i5 processor on your laptop and you play games on it. Then under average game settings, the laptop temperature must remain within 65°-70°C.

What’s the normal temp for i5 4670k?

For i5 4670K, the ideal temps are 47°C to 60°C. If you have a normal cooling system installed in your system then this temp limit is fine.

What is the best temperature for AMD A6 6400k?

For a 6400K series CPU, 49°C to 57°C are the best temps. Although they are prone to get heat up faster you need adequate cooling to counter overheating.

What is the best temperature for AMD A10 6800k?

For A10 8600K processor its temperature must remain within 50°C to 55°C. If you can’t maintain this limit then 66°C is still normal for them.

What’s the ideal temperature of AMD A10 7850k?

The healthy temperature of AMD A10 7850k is 50°C – 60°C. It’s only when you give proper cooling to your system.

What is the optimal i5 6600k temperature range?

The average temp range for 15 6600K is 42°C to 53°C. Although the manufacturers claim that it can handle 100°C practically it’s wrong.

Is 50°C a good CPU temp?

50°C is the best CPU temperature limit for all kinds of processors. Your CPU will just be fine giving you the best performance. But if your CPU is idle still you are getting 50°C then you need to do something.

Is 72° degrees Celsius hot for a CPU?

Yes, it’s still normal and not hot but you should get serious at this point. Make preparations to lower the temperature. Cleaning, improving cooling, underclocking, etc.

Is 50°-55° degrees Celsius hot for a CPU?

No. It’s a safe temp limit. Under a nominal load, 50-55 is the ideal temp range but if you are getting this temp at idle then you need to think about it. There may be some fault in your fans or CPU heatsink.

What is the max CPU temp while gaming?

No matter whether you are using an Intel or AMD CPU for gaming your temperature must not increase beyond 80°C. For more secure and better game-play try to remain within 75°- 80°C

Is 60°C bad for the CPU?

No, It’s a perfectly safe CPU temp range even while gaming. At this temp limit processor works great giving you optimal performance.

What is the safe laptop temperature?

The safe temperature range for laptops is 50 to 95 degrees. This range refers to the optimal usage of your laptop.