Is 90 degrees celsius hot for a CPU laptop

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How to Reduce CPU Temperatures (11 Effective Ways)

You need to keep your CPU temps as low as possible, here are 11 methods that should help

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  • Is 90 degrees celsius hot for a CPU laptop
    Shaun Conroy
  • Updated Nov 26, 2021
  • CPU, PC Components
  • 23 Comments
Is 90 degrees celsius hot for a CPU laptop

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  • Answer

Last Updated: November 26, 2021

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Have you experienced playing games and the computer justsuddenly turns offon its own? There may be a number of reasons behind this problem but it is very common for a computer to shut down when theCPU temperature is too hot.

How do I lower my CPU temperatures?

This question has been asked many times after experiencing the problem when gaming. The risks are just too highto leave it as it is, and might lead to replacing your CPU, or worse,replacing your motherboard.

To keep yourself from facing such a dilemma, we have compiled a list of ways to effectively reduce your CPU temperatures. More on this below.

VIDEO: How To Reduce CPU Temperatures!

What Happens When The CPU Temperature Is Too High?

In most cases, and with how computers are designed today,the entire system shuts downwhen a CPU reaches a specific temperature to keep it from going up in smokes. This assures that your computer is kept from possible and further damage.

Regardless, regular high-temperature readings when using your computer for long periods of time could risk and damage the CPU. This alsorisks damaging the motherboarddown the line. This is a reason why you need to make sure your CPU temperatures arekept at low levels.

Check Out The Best CPU Temperature Monitoring Software Here

How Hot Should My CPU Be When Playing Games?

Among the common reasons why gamers have a higher CPU temperature reading has something to do with where their computer system is located. Chances of seeing higher temperatures is likely to happen if it is

There really is no definitive answer to such a question because of how diverse games are designed. Some games may be CPU dependent while others are RAM or GPU dependent. Not to mention that the safe temperature readings vary from one CPU model to another.

No matter the case, aCPU temperature should play around 75-80 degrees celsiuswhen gaming. When the computer isdoing small processesorin an idle state, it should be around45 degrees celsius to a little over 60 degrees celsiusat most.

Looking for a new CPU take a look at ourbest CPUrecommendations.

Ways To Reduce And Maintain Your CPU Temperatures At Low Levels

1

Allow Better Airflow

One of the easiest ways to reduce your CPU temperature is to allow better airflow inside the computer system. Unfortunately, many peoplefail to get this right.

There is a thing that we callpositive airflow(more air goes in the system unit and less out),negative airflow(more air goes out than it goes in), as well asneutralorbalancedairflow. It is best togo with a neutral airflow setupas opposed to going eitherpositiveornegativeairflow.

Unless you have full control of each and every single fans RPMs, having more intake fans than exhaust fans, or the other way around, can be adjusted and manipulated in a way to still get the best airflow.

2

Cable Management

People usually ignore the importance of keeping a tidy cable management. The fact that they take up a large amount of space is what makes a poor airflow. Taking some time to tidy your cables inside the computer is an effective way to promote better airflow.

Is 90 degrees celsius hot for a CPU laptop
3

Location Of Your System Unit

Among the common reasons why gamers have a higher CPU temperature reading has something to do with where their computer system is located. Chances of seeing higher temperatures is likely to happen if it is placed in apoorly ventilated area.

Even with the tidied up cable management and proper airflow setup, temperatures still show higher readings even in idle state. Make sure you move your computer to awell-ventilated areabefore it starts to develop problems.

4

Clean Your Computer Fans And Parts

Fans are what keeps the air to continuously flow in and out of your computer system. At the same time, they accumulate dust on the blades in the long run, a reason why it is vital to have them cleaned regularly.

A simple task like this usually is what solves a number of temperature drop problems. Do this on a regular basis to ensure you keep the temperatures maintained.

To do so, you need the right tools and equipment to make sure you are doing it right.

Things you need:

  1. A can of compressed air
  2. Dust mask
1

Remove the screws from the back of the covers

Is 90 degrees celsius hot for a CPU laptop
2

Carefully remove the cover of the computer case

Is 90 degrees celsius hot for a CPU laptop
3

Make sure you wear your protective gear

Is 90 degrees celsius hot for a CPU laptop
4

Use the can of compressed air to blow the dusts off

Is 90 degrees celsius hot for a CPU laptop
5

Blow the dusts off from the fans

NOTE:Make sure you hold the fans andneverallow them to spin as you hit them with the compressed air. This leads to damages in the header of the fans.

6

Use the compressed air to dust off the power supply fans

Is 90 degrees celsius hot for a CPU laptop
7

Clear off the dusts around the casing using the compressed air, especially in areas where fans are installed

8

Refit and screw the covers back

Is 90 degrees celsius hot for a CPU laptop
5

Close The Case At All Times

It has been debated through the years that an open computer system is far better than keeping it closed. It may seem logical since an open case allows more air but it also attracts more dust.

With a closed computer case, you guarantee you improve airflow and keep dust at bay at the same time. This also promotes and ensures you are less likely to clean them more often.

Is 90 degrees celsius hot for a CPU laptop
6

Apply Thermal Paste

Is 90 degrees celsius hot for a CPU laptop

Reapplying the thermal paste usually does the trick. There are cases where a thermal paste is left out and dried out. This poses a threat to your CPU. Going for a better quality thermal paste leads to better results in transferring heat between the heat sink and the CPU.

When applying a thermal paste to your CPU, make sure you refer to ourHow to Correctly Apply Thermal Paste to CPUguide to get it done right and see ideal temperature readings after.

7

Invest In A Better CPU Cooler

Stock fans or coolers may be fine but they are not as efficient as an aftermarket CPU cooler or fan. Getting an aftermarket CPU cooler should be preferred and considered, especially if you are overclocking your CPU.

This should also reflect a huge difference in CPU temperatures. Refer and check out ourBest CPU Cooler for Gamingreview to make the right investment.

Is 90 degrees celsius hot for a CPU laptop
8

Invest In A Case Fan

If your computer has 2 case fans installed, then you will surely see an improvement in temperature readings if you invest and get another case fan or two. These additions ensure your computer has better and more efficient airflow.

9

Get A Better PSU

It also is ideal if you get a better power supply. Amodular PSUallows you to havefull control of the wires, keeping the wires from messing with the airflow inside the system unit.

Know the difference betweenfull vs semi vs non-modular power supplybefore you get a PSU and check our reviews on thebest power supply for gamingto make the right selection according to your needs.

Is 90 degrees celsius hot for a CPU laptop
10

Set Higher Fan Speeds Using SpeedFan

To manually adjust the speed of the CPU fan also is an easy and straightforward way to adjust the temperatures and get cooler readings.

1

Download the file from the SpeedFans download page

Is 90 degrees celsius hot for a CPU laptop
2

Open and install the downloaded SpeedFan software

Is 90 degrees celsius hot for a CPU laptop
3

Open the software and click on the Up Arrow or the Down Arrow, respectively, to adjust the speeds according to your computers load.

Is 90 degrees celsius hot for a CPU laptop

NOTE:At 50%, you should have cool temperatures with low processes and idle speeds. Make sure you adjust the temperatures when gaming to maintain low temperatures.

11

Adjust Your Processors Maximum Power Load Via Control Panel

Among the easiest way to reduce your CPU temperatures is toreduce the CPUs maximum capacity or load. What makes this great is the fact that you dont need to spend on anything at all.

1

Open your Control Panel

Is 90 degrees celsius hot for a CPU laptop
2

Click on the Hardware and Sound

Is 90 degrees celsius hot for a CPU laptop
3

Go to Power Options

Is 90 degrees celsius hot for a CPU laptop
4

Click on the Balanced option before you click on the Change plan settings

Is 90 degrees celsius hot for a CPU laptop
5

Click on Change advanced power settings

Is 90 degrees celsius hot for a CPU laptop
6

Click on the + sign you see beside the Processor power management

Is 90 degrees celsius hot for a CPU laptop

Click on the+sign you see beside theProcessor power managementfrom thePower Optionswindow that shows upafterclicking on theChange advanced power settings

7

Click on the + sign you see beside the Maximum processor state option

Is 90 degrees celsius hot for a CPU laptop
8

Reduce the setting from the default 100% to 80%.

Is 90 degrees celsius hot for a CPU laptop

IMPORTANT:Dont put 0 in the settings as this leads toFatal Errors. Staying not less than 75% should keep you safe.

9

Click on the Apply button to confirm the changes

You should see a continuous drop in CPU temperature within 10-30 seconds

How do I change my CPU temp limit?

When it comes to the temperature limit of your CPU, it is important that you should not change this. There is a reason why manufacturers choose a limit for the CPU. If the CPU operates above this temperature it can have dangerous consequences.

You should ensure that you are sticking to the amount that has been set by the manufacturer. Typically, when you reach the temperature limit, this will cause the CPU to shut itself down to prevent overheating.

A CPU that reaches its max temperatures and beyond this will be impacted significantly, and this will likely cause lasting damage to the CPU.

While you can overclock the majority of CPUs, you should never attempt to adjust the temperature limit. The CPU is not intended to work about the max temperature levels, and will become unstable if this happens. This can cause irreversible damage to your build.

What is a dangerous temperature for a CPU?

A dangerous temperature for a CPU will change slightly depending on the type of CPU you own. They will all have varying temperature limits. However, typically anything over 80 degrees, is very dangerous for a CPU.

100 degrees is boiling point, and given this, you will want the temperature of your CPU to be significantly lower than this. The lower the temperature, the better your PC and its components will run overall.

The temperature of your CPU is likely to fluctuate depending on how heaving it is being used. For example, an idle PC typically should run at around 35 degrees. If an idle PC reaches 50 degrees, this is a serious issue.

When the PC is working at its full capacity, it should ideally sit at around 60 degrees. Any higher than this can be dangerous.

Conclusion

Keeping your CPU temperatures atlow levelsis what makes ahappy computer. Improvement in performance and faster response rates are among the things you will benefit from a well-maintained computer.

By following these methods, to experience and achieve lower CPU temperatures will be at hand.

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Is 90 degrees celsius hot for a CPU laptop
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Shaun Conroy

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Shaun is a gaming enthusiast and computer science graduate who has been working with computers for the last 15 years. He took a shine to competitive FPS back in the mid-2000s and hasnt looked back since.

Independent, transparent, rigorous and authentic, our reviews are the most thorough and honest in PC gaming. Learn about our review process.

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23 thoughts on How to Reduce CPU Temperatures (11 Effective Ways)

  1. AMIR
    at

    Hi, one question, is it possible that the high speed of the fans always causes them to break down?

    Reply
  2. JAI pARKASH
    at

    My PC automatically restarts over the temperature 80 degree while gaming on PC. give me suggestion for down the temperature down while gaming.

    Reply
  3. Leon Nochimi
    at

    Hey everyone,
    My PC is around 50°C to 60°C when Im idling and even jumps to 70°C sometimes. Gaming temperature is around 60°C to 75°C and sometimes even hits 80°C but then jumps back. Im worried! Should I get a new cooler?
    Best regards!

    Reply
  4. Masen
    at

    Hi Guys,

    So ive been wondering if my CPU are in danger because of the temperatures while Gaming games like Apex legends.
    Idle temp is around 39-42 celcius and while gaming it hit around 70-95 celcius!

    BR
    Masen Saleh

    Reply
    • ty
      at

      that is completly fine

      Reply
  5. Flintoff Holioake
    at

    Hey so I tried everything and even changed my cooling paste and I still get 90 degrees celsius even when its idle :((

    Reply
    • Charlie Noon
      at

      Do you live in the Sahara?

      Reply
      • Ramu
        at

        Good question.

        Reply
        • Charlie Noon
          at

          I certainly thought so

          Reply
    • badr
      at

      Hi, make SURE that your CPU fan is well attached onto the motherboard, even if 1 screw is not well in place it will not cool it properly

      Reply
  6. Dylan
    at

    I would not recommend method 11. I had set out to try and lower my cpu temps and I have ended up with my SSD being formatted and Ive been bluescreened by windows after trying for several hours to get my pc to start up again after adjusting settings based off of method 11. This might work for some, but if your temperatures are above 70, dont do this.

    Reply
    • Charlie Noon
      at

      Hi Dylan, have you managed to resolve the issue? Weve not experienced any BSOD ourselves!

      Reply
    • Ritchie
      at

      True. Ive been experiencing that bluescreen with my laptop. I had to set it back to 100 so it wont bluescreen again when playing games.

      Reply
  7. mariovalerio
    at

    Lowering CPU usage worked with me too. 15 degrees Celsius down. My laptop shut down permanently because of the too high temperature. Now it doesnt anymore; however its a bit slower. The core problem is for sure not in CPU usage; lowering it solves the problem on the spot, but not the cause. I think, I have to open my laptop and to clean it from the dust. Additionally, I have put some plastic corks below, to ease the air circulation and ordered a cooling pad. Afterwards I will try to set the CPU usage back to 100%. Thank you Juzel!

    Reply
  8. Daniel Imperatrice
    at

    About Method 11: Is it safe to play games using 80% of CPU Power ?

    The whole Fatal Error part got me uneasy;

    Reply
  9. Daniel Imperatrice
    at

    About Method 11: Can i safely play games while using 80% of processor power ? The fatal Error part is making me uneasy

    Reply
  10. Tech 4 Life
    at

    Actually your wrong a cpu can go above 80 degrees c and is suggested by Intel, the Intel core i7 9750H actually can go upto 100 degrees C without damaging the cpu, may want to updated your suggestions, most high end gaming laptops operate high demanding games from 70-90 degrees c.

    Reply
    • Nathan
      at

      They never said it could go up to, and I quote from the article, a CPU temperature should play around 75-80 degrees Also, Intel design their CPUs to be less powerful but more durable, which is why they have a higher temperature threshold.

      Reply
  11. Hasnain
    at

    Orange light on front of my computer is steady not blinking and is not turning into green.what is the solution??

    Reply
    • Luffy
      at

      Thats normal man.

      Reply
  12. twtwtw
    at

    i tried everything , EVERYTHING ! , i dont really have money to buy another cpu or better cooler , my temp is still same

    Reply
  13. Snowyrose
    at

    Thank you for the advice! While I didnt need to download your program as my motherboard comes standard with fan management software, your advice on lowering cpu power usage worked like a charm! Just as you said, lowering it to 80 dropped my core temp by a whopping 15 degrees Celsius! An addition point of advice though: sometimes, your minimum settings may be set to 100% as well so youll also need to change those to 80%!

    Reply
    • Juzel Albert Padilla
      at

      Hi Snowyrose! How are you? Im glad that this worked for you!

      Reply

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