If you have been experiencing unusual temps of your computer then the reason behind it could be the motherboard as it is the leading cause of most of the problems associated with your computer. So, obviously you need to check your motherboard temperature.
Touching the case of your CPU or below the laptop is not enough to figure out whether the motherboard is heating up. The surface may be hot while the internal conditions may be 100%, okay, or the surface may remain as cool as the room temperature, and something might be burning inside.
Read the full article to find out how can you check motherboard temperature in the simplest and hassle-free way.
How to Check Motherboard Temperature?
There are two simple ways in which you can keep a check on the temperature of your motherboard.
One of them is by the BIOS method, and the other one includes downloading and using third-party applications to determine the motherboard temperature.
The BIOS Method
Let’s begin with the most basic method, the BIOS method through which you can check the motherboard temperature just by digging into the settings of your computer.
Mentioned below are the simple steps that you need to follow to check the motherboard temperature in BIOS.
- Open the Windows search bar by clicking on the Windows icon on your screen or by pressing the Windows key on the keyboard.
- In the space provided, type in settings, and navigate to Update and Recovery. This is usually present at the bottom of the settings tab.
- Next, you need to select “Recovery.” It will display a new set of options.
- Scroll down in the advanced startup heading and click on restart now.
- The computer will shut down and begin to restart.
- Right before it boots, you will be directed to advanced startup options.
- Select “troubleshoot”
- Then select “Advanced Options” This will open a window that gives you access to system restore, startup settings, and recovery options.
- Click on restart.
Doing so will provide you with the BIOS or UEFI interface, which also contains information about the current motherboard temperature.
Advantages of the BIOS Method
The BIOS method of determining the temperature of the motherboard does not require the installation of any third-party applications. BIOS is already present in all systems and thus, this method can be used by anyone on any type of system.
Of course, this can be used when any third-party application is not compatible with your system or is unable to function because for whatever reason.
Disadvantages of the BIOS Method
Most people want everything to work out in seconds. Considering this 10-step guide that we have provided, this is a lengthy process. This won’t work if you want to check the motherboard temperature urgently, so we can say this method is not for emergencies or severely critical situations.
Moreover, it only gives you the temperature at a specific time and does not allow you to monitor the fluctuation and variability in the motherboard temperature.
Additionally, every time you want to check the temperature of the motherboard you will have to restart the PC which is a lot of work in itself.
Third-Party Applications
Thank the technology that brings you innovative solutions and alternates to the old school methods of checking the motherboard temperature.
If the BIOS method is inconvenient for you, there are several third-party applications that you can install on your PC and access real-time monitoring features for motherboard temperature.
The most commonly used software for checking motherboard temperatures are:
Core Temp
Simple and efficient software that gives you insights into the temperatures of various hardware components packed inside the CPU case.
It is simple, very simple, in terms of design as well as functioning. Core Temp doesn’t even take up much space in your computer.
Real Temp
Real temp is similar to Core Temp, not just in name but also in interface and functioning. However, it has a unique feature that shows how far is your CPU from the throttling temperature. Using that piece of information commonly known as the Tj max, you can decide how long can you run it before you take a break and how much more load it is capable of handling before the system begins overheating.
Speed Fan
All the software in the list has command over the purpose that they are built for. That is providing real-time information about the motherboard temperatures.
Whether you are playing games or working on your assignment the motherboard can heat up real quick with the increasing load.
IT becomes essential to keep track of the load that the CPU is bearing and the increasing temperatures. Speed fan helps you in taking care of that. Just open the software and you’ll have everything sorted in front of your screen.
Apart from the basics, the software has diverse customization options which let you control the fans installed on your device too. Use it in both ways, for monitoring your hardware as well as controlling the fan speeds manually. Make the most out of Speed Fan.
HW Monitor
HW Monitor is quite famous among the users and we have seen many people recommending this software on social media engagement platforms.
It can do more than just monitoring temperatures so you are definitely in for a treat. Additional functions of this application include displaying core voltages, fan speeds, and monitoring GPUs and core frequencies.
Open Hardware Monitor
We call it robust monitoring software. Besides proving information about the motherboard temperature, it also displays the temperatures of all the hardware components packed inside the CPU. Moreover, it also gives information about the voltage and frequency of peripherals.
It is complete software as it doesn’t ignore the GPU, Memory, and Fans while looking over the motherboard.
Advantages of third-party applications
Third-party applications save a lot of time as all you need to do is just install them. Whenever you want to check the motherboard temperature just click on them and a Window will appear that displays the real-time temperature.
Real-time data is more efficient. It is easier to access and interpret as well.
Disadvantages of third-party applications
It is difficult to identify which software is genuine and which ones are just a scam. Most of them may promise you real-time data and not fulfill your expectations. Some of them may also bring viruses to your system.
Mostly the genuine ones have a cost associated with them and the free-trial period doesn’t last more than a maximum of 14 days.
What do Different CPU Temperatures Indicate?
60°: you’re going well with the system. It is running at appropriate temperatures and there is nothing to worry about. If there is any other problem that you are facing, rule out the overheating cause, as the system is not overheated.
60° – 70°: This indicates that you have been using the PC for several hours now. Consider taking a break so that it doesn’t rise above this temperature. Also clean the dust if you find this as the regular temperature of your PC, even when the usage is minimal.
70° – 80°: These temperatures are recorded while the computer is being overclocked. In that case, you’re good to go but make sure that this doesn’t go on for hours.
If you are using the computer at normal speeds, then something might be up with the cooling system. It is time you check the fans. Or the cooling fluid, or just make sure that the computer is getting enough air.
80° – 90°: That is where the trouble begins. Such high temperatures are not normal in any case. You need to keep the system under supervision and continue checking the motherboard temperature in short intervals.
Even while gaming, or running heavy applications the temperatures shouldn’t go this high.
Replace the fans if they are broken or figure out if it is time to upgrade your cooling system.
Above 90°: RED HOT SYSTEM ALERT. You need to cool down the system as soon as possible if you do not want to invite major hardware problems or a complete burnout of the motherboard.
Conclusion
The motherboard can easily get overheated and create multiple problems for users. The severity of the problem may range from a simple one-time shutdown or present the blue screen of death.
Monitoring the motherboard temperature can be essential when your PC is troubling.
To check the motherboard temperatures you can choose any of the methods listed in this article. The BIOS method is quite a time taking but is advantageous that the results are accurate, however, if you wish to take a shortcut, third-party applications such as Core Temp, HWMonitor, Real Temp, and Speccy will work for you.
Make sure you check the compatibility of your system before installing any additional software.
