Fearful of exceeding normal CPU temp while gaming? You’re not alone. Everyone’s PC gets hot when gaming. Most gamers don’t have too many complaints about this issue. But, when temperatures outside break world records, gamers must ask themselves – how hot is too hot?
Hot PCs are unhappy PCs. More importantly, hot Central Processing Units (CPUs) are doomed for failure. Here’s how “normal” CPU temperature becomes “abnormal” –
- The CPU’s main job is to allow or block electric signals passing through its microscopic transistors.
- Heat is produced when excessive amounts of electrical energy pass through or get blocked by the CPU.
- Excess electrical energy is converted into heat energy. The more this happens, the more the system deviates from the normal CPU temp.
Due to heavy use, gamers typically use high-performance workstations that run hot almost every day. But, if they cross the accepted levels of CPU temp while gaming too many times, their systems will malfunction. Furthermore, if they don’t address the issues regarding their excessively high CPU temperatures, eventually, their systems will break down.
Do you have a particular question about normal CPU temp while gaming? Then use the table of contents below to jump to the most relevant section. And you can always go back by clicking on the black arrow in the right bottom corner of the page. Also, please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. For more details, check the Disclosure section at the bottom of the page.
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Why Does CPU Heat Up?
All gamers must ask themselves this vital question – “How hot should my CPU get while gaming?” We’ll answer this question in detail later. But, first, let’s understand why these components overheat in the first place. Modern-day gaming CPUs are designed for high performance.
The “normal” CPU temp of a modern-day gaming CPU can be as high as 200°F or 93°C. If your gaming CPU temp is running hotter than that, it’s probably because of the following reasons –
You’re Overloading the System
CPU temperature ∝ the amount of electrical load the user puts on it.
The “∝” symbol means “directly proportional.” The equation is simple – the higher the amount of electricity passing through your CPU, the hotter it will get. You make the CPU process more electricity when you use your computer to generate 3-D renderings in games. That’s why maintaining normal CPU temp while gaming is so darn difficult.
On the other hand, low–intensity software like Excel Spreadsheet, MS Word, or Google Chrome barely makes CPUs sweat. Run those applications 24×7 every day of the week, and your CPU will function just fine. But, as soon as you overclock your CPU by asking it to perform computationally intensive tasks – it will heat up.
It will heat up because it has no other choice. You’re asking the CPU to perform super-complex activities at faster rates. It has no choice but to increase its activity levels and heat up during the process. To avoid these complications, gamers must learn the average CPU temp while gaming on whatever system they use.
Observe and follow the factory-recommended settings. Don’t put your CPU through hefty loads, or else it will generate excessive heat.
Your CPU Fans are Damaged
You may observe safe CPU temp while gaming as proficiently as you want. But, if your CPU fans are dysfunctional, slow, or idle – your CPU will run hot. Even if you don’t use your CPU, the lack of proper cooling from the fans can cause it to shut down without warning. To avoid these risks, regularly inspect the CPU fans by –
- Turn off your system.
- Unplug all connections.
- Open the case.
- Manually turn the fans to ensure there are no mechanical defects or blockades.
- Re-plug the connections.
- Turn on the system.
- Check if the fans are working (press your ear against your PC/laptop case) or not.
If they’re not, replace them before your CPU keeps running hot. Get newer, stronger, & speedier fans. Do the same for any fans attached to your system’s GPU. All the fans in your system need to function properly to maintain normal CPU temperature while gaming.
The Air Vents in Your System are Blocked
Ventilation is a secret & subtle weapon that helps you maintain normal CPU temperature while gaming. Sufficient airflow can keep your CPU from overheating, even when running intensive programs. However, once the air vents in your system are blocked, the CPU loses this source of respite and cooling.
To avoid blocking these airways, place your computer/laptop in a well-ventilated area with enough breathing room. Also, clean the ventilation holes regularly to rule out the risk of improper airflow.
Problems with the Fans of the Cooling Assembly
Maintaining normal CPU temperature is impossible if the cooling fans themselves are dysfunctional. Replacing them with newer and faster fans is the only way to fix this issue. The fans are just one part of your CPU’s overall cooling assembly. This assembly consists of – fans, a layer of thermal conductant, and a heatsink.
If any of these three cooling components fail, the average CPU temp while gaming will increase dramatically. The best way to avoid these overheating risks is by constantly monitoring your CPU temperature. Here’s a cool video guide that simplifies this process.
How Hot is Too Hot For CPU?
Many gamers have asked this question – how hot should my CPU get while gaming? The answer is it depends on what computer or laptop they’re using. All computers & laptops have automatic shutdown features. They typically shut down when CPU temps exceed 70-100°C (160-212°F).
Symptoms of Overheated CPU
If your PC gets hot when gaming, look out for the following systems of CPU overheating. The difference between a CPU heating & overheating is that the real, irreparable damage happens only when CPUs overheat –
- Sluggish and slow performances.
- Random shutdowns & “hard crashes.
- Loud fans are running at full speed, trying to push as much heat out as possible.
- Glitches & processing errors, especially during gaming.
- Technical glitches only arise when the system runs complex programs like 3D games.
These are all signs that your system has crossed all the thresholds of acceptable CPU temperatures. Before the components on your CPU melt and become irredeemable, address these issues by consulting with an expert.
What is Normal Idle CPU Temperature?
Any temperature between 60°C (140°F) & 80°C (176°F) is a safe CPU temp while gaming. Even if an idle CPU is kept at that temperature, it will perform perfectly well without inflicting any damage to your system. Users must constantly check the temperatures of their CPUs and ensure they never run over 90°C (194°F).
What is a Normal CPU Temp While Gaming?
There’s no fixed “normal” CPU temp while gaming. Different processor types and models run at optimal levels at different temperatures. For instance, an Intel Core processor’s temperature should ideally be 40-55°C (104-131°F) when it’s idle & less than 80°C (176°F) while gaming. In addition, different types of CPUs from different brands have varying heat-related requirements. Generally, gamers are advised to maintain CPU temperatures of 60-73°C (141°F – 164°F) while gaming.
What is a Dangerous CPU Temp?
Any temperature above the 80°C (176°F) mark is a cause for concern. Constantly running the CPU at such high temperatures will ultimately lead to system failure.
Maintaining “normal” CPU temperatures is relatively easy when you know how & why the overheating takes place. Use this guide to keep your CPU’s temperature within the “normal” limits.
Credits: Thanks for the photo to Canva.
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