How to Reduce CPU Heating in 2022 (10 Effective Strategies) Leave a comment

Have you ever been playing a video game when the entire system shuts down? This might be caused by a variety of factors, but one of the most typical reasons for a PC to shut down is when the CPU overheats.

Thermal throttling occurs when a CPU reaches an unsafe temperature and activates a safety mechanism called thermal throttling. Because the maximum processor usage has been reached, a thermal throttle lowers the maximum processor usage. This causes the CPU to operate slower and produce less heat, allowing the cooling solution to catch up.

Because of this sudden decline, system crashes are frequently the result.

It's important to note that, while running a component at temperatures higher than its recommended range does not damage it in any way, it is still undesirable. Overheating CPUs has the potential to destroy CPU sockets, rendering motherboards useless.

If all of this sounds frightening, don't worry; it's entirely preventable. Here are some simple techniques to lower CPU temperatures and prevent overheating.

When a CPU reaches an unsafe operational temperature, what happens?

When the CPU reaches a particular manufacturer-defined temperature, most modern PCs choose to turn it off to avoid becoming an expensive and potentially deadly electrical fire. This safeguard keeps you and your PC safe while also protecting your PC from further thermal damage.

Even though this safeguard is in place, high operating temperatures that are greater than desirable can cause CPU and motherboard damage over time, as well as severely reduce the CPU's lifespan. This model applies to all PC components; the higher the constant temperature, the shorter its life expectancy.

When gaming, should my CPU be as hot as possible?

There are several answers to this question, but some of the most important ones include: where the computer is located, the case, the CPU, the CPU cooler, and how many fans it has… to name just a few.

While gaming, a “standard” gaming PC (if such a thing is even possible) should be maintained between 158°F (70°C) and 176°F (80°C).

Of course, the less time your CPU is under a high load and the more efficient your cooling mechanism, the better. If you can keep your CPU at or below 114°F (46°C) when working hard, it will thank you in the long term.

There are a few quick and easy ways to keep your CPU cool:

1. Increase airflow and reduce heat buildup

The easiest method to ensure that your CPU temperatures are acceptable is to have the appropriate ventilation configuration in your PC. Of course, open-air cases are not included since they are completely different creatures, but there are a few airflow arrangements you should be aware of for your ‘everyday' PC systems.

First, we have ‘Positive pressure,' which uses more air than is exited from the PC. This is similar to a vacuum cleaner or hairdryer that creates negative pressure inside your home by blowing hot air into your room. The alternative to this is known as ‘negative pressure,' and it entails drawing in more air through the case than is

This is a less-than-ideal setup. The only way it would function properly is if you had access to and complete control over every single fan, taking into account either the positive or negative difference.

The ideal arrangement is one in which there is equal air input and output, resulting in a continuous stream of air without being trapped or stagnant inside the PC case.

2. Organizing your cable wires

Cable management is important not simply for CPU temperature control, but also overall temperature control. Cables that are strewn about may interrupt a clean airflow and produce resistance objects that we don't need when attempting to establish an effective cooling system. Keep an eye on those connections.

3. System's Address

Siting your system in an inadequately ventilated area is another typical reason for CPU temperatures to rise. Regardless of how efficient your airflow configuration is, or how well-rated for airflow your case is, if you don't have any cool fresh air reaching it in the first place, your CPU will get hot.

4. Clean your PC and optimize it.

If that wasn't enough, many also have dust filters and anti-vibration pads to keep your PC working at peak performance. You must maintain your fans because they are the only hardware responsible for pushing air through your computer. Fans are exposed to a lot more air than most PC components since they are the only hardware. All this air contact develops dust and debris. Fans become dusty just like everything else in the house, and they must be cleaned regularly. Don't be embarrassed if your PC is amongst the cleanest in your neighborhood; it will inevitably get dusty as well. All of this dirt might cause a variety of issues, from electrical. Cleaning your computer's fans (and the rest of your system) is as simple as taking it outside and using a can of compressed air. If you spend a lot of time gaming, it's OK to invest in a compressor so that you don't have to buy cans of air every few weeks.

1. Remove the screws from the back of the side panel.

Remove any screws holding your side panel to the chassis of your PC.

2. Remove the side panel carefully.

Remove the side panel and any dust filters that need to be cleaned.

3. Remove any remaining dust using a can of compressed air (or compressor).

Remove the dust from your PC using compressed air, a blower, or a compressor, keeping in mind to put your computer in a well-ventilated place and one that you don't mind getting a little dusty.

4. Take the dust off of the fans with a brush.

Make sure no dust or other debris enters the fan when blowing it; this might damage the motor. They dislike spinning when unplugged.

5. Use compressed air to dust the fans on the power supply.

Don't forget to blow dust out of the PSU, since this is the component that's most vulnerable to overheating as a result of excessive particle accumulation.

6. Make sure to clear the dust from around the casing with compressed air, especially in locations where fans are placed.

Another fast once-over of the PC is required to remove all of the dust produced by cleaning the fans and the PSU.

7. Refit the side panel and re-screw it.

Remove any existing screws from the side panel and replace them with new ones, as needed.

5. Closed vs. open case

In terms of airflow, there has been a long-standing debate in the PC industry about whether open-air cases provide a benefit. However, this is surprisingly counterintuitive as open-air enclosures have a few more problems than they solve. They truly do look fantastic when done correctly. The cooling efficacy of an open directional system is lower due to the lack of a closed directional system. Dust enters the open case thanks to the absence of various filters, which causes it to be even dirtier. Because of these basic points, open-air enclosures are no longer an option. Unless you're willing to clean your PC once a week or so.

6. Repaste the thermal paste again.

There has been a long-standing argument in the PC industry about how open-air cases provide better airflow, but they are surprisingly counterproductive since open-air cases create several additional problems than they solve. They do, however, look fantastic when done correctly.

The cooling capabilities are more inefficient when there is no closed directional system, and the open case also invites in a lot more dust due to the lack of various filters.

Open-air cases are no longer an option due to these few simple facts. Unless you're okay with cleaning your computer every week or so.

Reapplying thermal paste can be beneficial when attempting to lower your CPU's temperature. When left unchanged for lengthy periods, the thermal paste becomes dry and cracks. Because it is a thermally conductive substance that is also subject to thermal decomposition, the more you use it, the shorter its life span will be. Purchase higher quality thermal paste to extend the lifetime and efficiency of your thermal paste, but it will generally last a few years. Because this is a subjective and contextual number, we won't provide specifics about how long thermal paste is supposed to last. You can apply heat to the thermal paste on your CPU by using a hairdryer, and we recommend that you do so once every one to one and a half years. If you remove your cooler for any reason, it's always best to reapply thermal paste.

7. Invest in a more efficient CPU cooler.

Although they are easy to install, even a DIYer will find them difficult to maintain. The majority of the time, cooler air is a must-have for any computer system or server room. In most situations, it's impossible to achieve effective CPU cooling with only moderate cooling solutions. Installing aftermarket cooling components might be costly at the top end, but the temperature difference can be significant. Of course, there are low-cost options available, but they have limits as with everything else. Better to go with a CPU cooler without any drawbacks, such as the ASUS Ryujin II, especially if you intend to overclock your CPU. AIO or (all in one) coolers are particularly good at keeping CPU temperatures down and keeping them at bay. AIO coolers balance the sometimes disappointing performance of air coolers against the frighteningly complicated custom water cooling systems. The majority of AIO installations employ the same basic principles, and you may learn more about them in the article above.

When you attempt to reduce your CPU temperatures, the thermal paste becomes dried and cracks if it isn't reapplied for a long time. It's also thermally conductive, so the more you use it, the less effective it is.

You may extend the paste's life and effectiveness by choosing a higher-quality paste. However, the thermal paste can generally endure a long time of usage, although there is no universal agreement on how long it should last.

We'd nevertheless recommend that you replace your thermal paste every one to one and a half years to assure optimum performance. If you take your cooler off for any reason, it's always a good idea to re-apply it.

8. Expand your fan base by investing in more fans.

How many people are on your PC? If the answer is three or fewer, you may benefit from adding an extra fan (as long as your case allows for it). We discussed the need for airflow configurations in an earlier section, but if you can, you should add more fans to your system. You'll be improving the airflow, which will help your computer's operating temperature to drop.

9. Get a semi- or fully modular PSU.

Lastly, cable management is crucial for ensuring that your system has unrestricted airflow as we previously stated. A fully modular PSU can assist with cable management. Knowing the difference between None, Semi, and Fully Modular PSUs is vital.

10. Adjust fan speeds in the motherboard BIOS.

When trying to keep high CPU temperatures at bay, manually tweaking the CPU fan or fan curve in your motherboard's BIOS (basic input-output system) can help. By default, CPU fan control is set to “Auto,” which is a compromise between noise and effectiveness. In general, allowing the motherboard to manage the CPU fan speed based on a temperature variable is sensible and successful, but simply changing the curve can provide greater cooling performance. If you're a headset gamer and don't mind a little extra noise emanating from your PC, you can boost temperatures by drawing in more air. Naturally, having your CPU fan spinning at full speed for the rest of the time will not improve its life span. In contrast, if you're a gamer who is concerned with noise, you can try reducing the curve more gradually. The following few stages may look daunting, especially if you're not used to navigating a BIOS. You do have the capacity to destroy your PC here, but if you follow the instructions carefully, you'll be just fine. In the ‘Easy mode’ section, most motherboards have access to fan controls.

10. Increase fan speeds in the motherboard's BIOS.

When attempting to keep high CPU temperatures at bay, manually changing the CPU fan or fan curve in your motherboard's BIOS (Basic input-output system) can help.

By default, CPU fan control is set to “Auto,” which is a curve profile that is meant to be a balance between noise and efficacy. In general, allowing the motherboard to regulate the CPU fan speed based on a temperature variation is intelligent and effective, but there's some cooling performance available by changing the curve.

If you don't mind a little extra noise coming from your PC, you may get higher temperatures by building a more airflow-heavy curve. However, spinning your CPU fan at 100 percent for the long term will not improve its lifespan.

If your PC is excessively loud, you may wish to reduce the curve. If you're a gamer who's aware of the distracting noise-filled computer rig, you might want to try lowering the curve more gradually.

The subsequent few steps may appear daunting, especially if you're not used to BIOS navigation. You do have the ability to damage your machine here, but if you follow the directions carefully, you'll be fine.

1. Press the ‘DEL' key at POST to enter your motherboard's BIOS.

2. Open the fan control software on your computer. In our case, it's ‘Smart Fan 5.'

3. Set the ‘CPU fan speed control' to “manual.”

4. To modify the curve, move each node.

At this point, you should have cool temperatures with little processes and idle speeds. When gaming, make sure the temperatures are adjusted to maintain low temperatures.

5. When you've finished modifying your curve, hit the key that immediately follows ‘ESC' (or whatever key you assigned to save and exit).

How can I raise the CPU temperature limit?

When it comes to your CPU's temperature limit, you should not alter it. There's a reason why manufacturers set a temperature restriction for the CPU. If the CPU is operated at a higher temperature, there could be severe consequences.

Please keep to the amount that has been designated by the manufacturer. When you reach the temperature restriction, the CPU will automatically turn off to avoid overheating.

It's hard to know exactly how hot a CPU will get if it has been overclocked. Because the CPU coolant boils at a lower temperature while running, once the CPU reaches its max temperatures and beyond, performance is impacted greatly. This can lead to long-term damage to your CPU.

Never modify the temperature limit, even if you can overclock a CPU. The CPU is not designed to operate above maximum temperatures, and it will become unstable as a result. This might cause serious harm to your system.

What is the maximum CPU temperature that should be avoided?

Because CPUs have different tolerances, a hazardous temperature for one will not be the same as it is for others. They'll all have distinct temperature restrictions. Anything over 80 degrees, on the other hand, is very bad for a CPU.

The boiling point of water is 100 degrees Celsius, therefore you'll want your CPU's temperature to be far lower than this. The lower the temperature, the better your PC and its components will operate.

The temperature of your CPU will vary based on how much it is being utilized. An idle PC, for example, should run at around 35 degrees. If a standby computer reaches 50 degrees, this is an indication of a problem.

It should sit at around 60 degrees when the PC is in its optimum state. Any more than this is a bad idea.

Conclusion

The CPU's safe operating temperatures are important for the PC's function and longevity, and keeping them within acceptable limits will prevent it from becoming a costly smoke machine. This is true for the majority of your PC hardware; the cooler it is, the longer it should last, so maintain yourself and your PC secure by maintaining temperature levels in check.

The same goes for your motherboard, GPU, and memory. They're all susceptible to the heat. High CPU temperatures can cause harm to your CPU socket or even motherboard, which would result in additional costs of repair.

Use one of these ten methods to avoid this sad conclusion. Have a great time playing.