What Temperature Should a Computer Run At?
Maintaining a proper operating temperature for computers is critical for reliability and longevity. Heat causes computer components to fail more quickly, and in extreme cases an overheating computer can fail catastrophically. Different computer types have different maximum temperatures. This guide will explore proper operating temperatures for several different types of computer systems.
AMD Based Notebook Computers
The maximum operating temperature for AMD processors is indicated by the Ordering Part Number (OPN) on the top of the processor. The OPN is the letter third from the right. If your processor has a V, then your maximum operating temperature is 85 degrees Celsius. The operating temperature for T is 90 degrees Celsius. CPUs with an S have a maximum operating temperature of 95 degrees Celsius. For system longevity, however, lower temperatures are usually better. Many people recommend a maximum sustained temperature of 60-70 degrees Celsius.
Intel Based Notebook Computers
Intel CPUs tend to run a little cooler than AMD. The maximum operating temperature ranges from 75 to 85 degrees Celsius. However, it is best to maintain a maximum sustained temperature between 50 and 60 degrees Celsius.
AMD Based Desktop Computers
Desktop computers have an added advantage of being able to move more air over a CPU for cooling. The maximum operating temperature for AMD processors in desktop computers is also indicated by the Ordering Part Number (OPN) on the top of the processor. The OPN is the letter third from the right. If your processor has a V, then your maximum operating temperature is 85 degrees Celsius. The operating temperature for T is 90 degrees Celsius. CPUs with an S have a maximum operating temperature of 95 degrees Celsius. Many people recommend a maximum sustained temperature of 50-65 degrees Celsius.
AMD Based Desktop Computers
In desktops, Intel CPUs tend to run a little cooler than AMD. The maximum operating temperature ranges from 75 to 85 degrees Celsius. However, it is best to maintain a maximum sustained temperature between 45 and 55 degrees Celsius.
What to Do if Your Computer is Overheating?
What you should do if your computer is overheating will depend on the type of system you have and the way the CPU is installed. An easy fix, if the CPU is readily accessible, is to clean the CPUs heat sink. Over time, dust and pet hair can clog a heat sink reducing its ability to cool. For notebook computers, using a cooling pad with fans under the computer can reduce temperatures by as much as 10 degrees Celsius. Adding additional fans, either case fans or a larger CPU fan, can help reduce the CPU temperature on desktop computers.
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