The appropriate operating temperature of your processor depends on its manufacturer, top clock speed, where the sensor is located, and what programs it is currently running. However, this page gives you a general idea of what temperatures are acceptable under certain conditions.

Average processor temperatures under full load

The majority of today’s desktop processors should not exceed temperatures of 45-50°C when idle, or 80°C when under full load. Below is a chart listing many types of processors and their average temperatures under full load.

  • Average processor temperatures under full load.
  • How will I know if my processor is running too hot?
  • What can I do to get my processor cooler?
  • My computer displays the temperature in Fahrenheit and not Celsius.
  • Third-party information.
  • Related information.

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

If a processor gets too hot, you’ll have one or more of the following situations.

Keep in mind, the average temps below are provided to give you a general idea of the temperature of a processor.

  • Computer runs slowly.

  • My computer is running slow, what steps can I do to fix it?

  • Computer restarts often.

  • Why does Windows restart without warning?

  • Computer randomly turns off.

  • Why does my computer turn off without warning?

Continuing to use a computer with a processor that is exceeding its temperature reduces its life expectancy.

What can I do to get my processor cooler?

The cooler the processor runs, the better it performs. Therefore, if you are looking to overclock your processor or it’s getting too hot, consider some or all of the following recommendations.

Depending on your computer’s hardware layout, the thermal sensors may not be positioned in an optimal location. If so, the reported temperature may not be entirely accurate. If your computer’s temperature is approaching the maximum, or you’re experiencing the issues listed above, you may want to try the following recommendations.

  • Keep the computer clean - Over time dust, dirt, and hair can build up and prevent air from getting in or out of the case. Make sure your computer case and ventilation is cleaned.

  • Improve computer’s environment - Make sure the computer is running in a good location. The computer should not be in an enclosed space (e.g., drawer or cabinet) unless there’s plenty of ventilation. There should be at least a two-inch space on all sides of the computer.

  • Verify fans - Make sure all fans in the computer are properly working. Some motherboards and computers have fan monitors that displays the RPM of each and if they are operating properly. Otherwise, you need to check each of the fans and look for any spinning issues or listen for any abnormal noises.

  • Thermal paste - If the processor or fan was recently replaced or repaired, you might want to clean it and re-apply thermal paste.

  • More fans - Consider installing additional fans into the computer. Nearly all desktop computers come with a processor heat sink and fan, and a case fan. However, most cases accommodate additional fans.

  • Alternative solutions - More advanced users or users who are overclocking may also want to consider alternative solutions such as water cooled solutions to keep their processors cool.

  • Should my computer fans be sucking or blowing?

My computer displays the temperature in Fahrenheit and not Celsius

Visit our JavaScript Celsius to Fahrenheit converter to convert a Celsius value into Fahrenheit.

Third-party information

For more specific information about the processor you are running, you need to either consult your product documentation or visit the Chris Hare’s Processor Electrical Specification page.

  • How to tell how hot my CPU is running.
  • How to view CPU and memory usage.
  • See our processor throttling definition for further information about this term and related links.
  • CPU help and support.