CPU Temperature Monitors

All PCs and servers on your network emit heat but there is a limit to the amount of heat a computer can withstand before damage is done to hardware.

CPU temperature monitors enable you to monitor CPU temperature from one location. Monitoring the temperature allows you to identify when hardware devices are overheating and gives you a chance to fix the problem – which is vitally important for network troubleshooting.

Here is our list of the best CPU Load & Temperature Monitor tools:

  1. SolarWinds CPU Load Monitor EDITOR’S CHOICE Part of the Engineer’s Toolset, this monitoring tool spots when a server is being overused. Excessive use can lead to high CPU temperatures and alerts in the monitor trigger alarms when activity gets too intense. Start a 14-day free trial.
  2. Paessler CPU Monitoring with PRTG (FREE TRIAL) This all-in-one infrastructure monitor includes several sensors that accurately measure server temperature, either through SNMP or through WMI.
  3. HWMonitor A hardware monitoring tool with temperature and fan speed monitoring. It is compatible with sensor chips including the ITE IT87 series and Winbond ICs.
  4. NZXT CAM This is a system monitoring tool that is provided for free by a build-it-yourself gaming PC supplier. Runs on Windows.
  5. Open Hardware Monitor An open-source hardware monitoring platform. It monitors temperature sensors, fan speeds, voltages, load, and clock speeds.
  6. Core Temp Temperature mentor that takes system information from the Digital Thermal Sensor (DTS) of computer processors. It has a Core Temp Monitor app for Windows and Android phones.
  7. HWiNFO Free hardware and temperature monitoring tool. The tool comes with real-time monitoring capabilities and a customizable alert system.
  8. Atera A cloud-based remote monitoring and management platform that includes device and server monitoring for a range of metrics, such as CPU metrics.
  9. SpeedFan A piece of software that monitors the voltage, fan speed, and temperature of computers. It also allows the user to control fan speeds and reduce noise.
  10. AIDA64 Extreme Hardware monitor with support for over 250 different types of sensors that can monitor temperature, voltage, fan speed, and power. It is available for all 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows.
  11. Rainmeter Top CPU temperature monitor for Windows devices that monitors core temperatures, CPU, disk usage, and RAM. It includes customizable skins that you can use to build a unique monitoring environment.

The Best CPU Temperature Monitor Software

Our methodology for selecting a CPU temperature monitor

In this section, we review the best CPU load & temperature monitors to help you stay on top of failing hardware on your network. We analyzed the following features of each tool:

  • Includes temperature read-outs per core
  • Identifies motherboard temperature
  • Includes thresholds on CPU temperature and a connected alert mechanism
  • Can also monitor fan speed and status
  • Additionally monitors processor activity
  • Shows the CPU clock speed
  • Allows a free period for assessment
  • Offers good value for money with respect to the number of functions the software provides

Features Comparison Table

Product/FeaturesSolarWinds CPU Load MonitorPaessler CPU Monitoring with PRTGHWMonitorNZXT CAMOpen Hardware MonitorCore TempHWiNFOAteraSpeedFanAIDA64 ExtremeRainmeter

Accuracy
YesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesDepends on plugin
Real-Time MonitoringYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Logging CapabilityYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesYesDepends on plugin
Alerts and NotificationsYesYesNoYesNoYesNoYesNoYesDepends on plugin
Multi-Core SupportYesYesYesYesYesYesYesNoYesYesDepends on plugin
System Tray DisplayYesNoYesYesYesYesYesNoYesYesYes
CompatibilityWindowsWindowsWindowsWindowsWindows, LinuxWindowsWindowsCloud-basedWindowsWindowsWindows
Graphical DisplayNoYesNoYesNoNoYesNoNoYesYes
Other Hardware MonitoringYesYesYesYesYesNoYesYesYesYesDepends on plugin
Ease of UseHighHighMediumHighMediumHighMediumHighLowHighMedium
Free Trial14-day free trial30-day free trial30-day Free TrialNoNoFreeFree30-day Free TrialFree30-day Free TrialFree

1. SolarWinds CPU Load Monitor EDITOR’S CHOICE

Tested on: Windows, Windows Server

SolarWinds Engineers Toolset CPU Gauges

The SolarWinds CPU Load Monitor is part of the Engineer’s Toolset, which is a bundle of more than 60 monitoring and entire system management utilities. The CPU Load Monitor can track the performance of network devices and watch to make sure their hardware doesn’t get overloaded. On testing the CPU Load Monitor we found the following key features.

Key Features:

  • Auto Discovery: Comes with an auto discovery feature that automatically detects new devices on the network.
  • Spots Capacity Issues: Identifies and alerts about CPU load capacity issues.
  • Live Reports: Provides real-time reports on CPU load status.
  • Alerts: Notifies users about critical CPU load conditions.

Why do we recommend it?

SolarWinds CPU Load Monitor isn’t designed for just one device, but it can monitor the CPU load on all devices on a network. The tool includes an autodiscovery service that sets up the parameters of the monitoring tool for each device.

Network devices rarely include mechanisms to measure temperature. So, there just isn’t a temperature metric to pick up from switches or routers. However, heat is usually only generated by these devices when they get overworked and the electronic elements that will create heat when overloaded are the CPU and the interfaces. The CPU Load Monitor measures these components and tracks their activity live in the Engineer’s Toolset’s dashboard.

SolarWinds Toolset CPU Monitoring

The CPU Load Monitor starts its service by searching the network for all connected devices and lists them in an inventory. Once that autodiscovery phase has been completed, each listed device will automatically be monitored and one of the tracked factors in the CPU load. The CPU load monitor also records interface statistics and memory utilization, so all of the elements inside a network device that could overheat are watched by the CPU Load Monitor.

The monitor automatically sets threshold levels on all of the performance statuses that it tracks. These can be adjusted manually. When a threshold is crossed, the CPU Load Monitor generates an alert. This alert is shown on the dashboard and is also sent out to key personnel as an email or SMS message. This facility means that technicians don’t have to sit watching the panel always for signs of overheating. The threshold levels should be set so that the warning gives staff enough time to take preventative measures before any physical damage or performance impairment occurs.

Who is it recommended for?

The CPU Load Monitor is most suitable for the administration of large networks. Although the managers of all sizes on networks need to watch over the CPU utilization of all routers and switches, that task becomes impossible to perform manually when you have many devices to watch.

During our testing, we identified the following pros and cons related to CPU Load Monitor.

Pros:

  • Effective Alarms: Utilizes simple yet effective alarms for long-term proactive CPU temperature monitoring.
  • Effective Troubleshooting: Part of a larger tool specifically designed for network admins and IT technicians, offering additional troubleshooting tools.
  • Notification Channels: Alerts can be configured to email, SMS, or webhook, ensuring compatibility with various alerting platforms.

Cons:

  • Trial Period Not Long Enough: Longer trial period desired to fully test all included features.

The Engineer’s Toolset, including the CPU Load Monitor, is available from SolarWinds on a 14-day free trial.

EDITOR'S CHOICE

The CPU Load Monitor is our Editor’s choice because you can monitor multiple routers concurrently and set warnings and alarm thresholds with ease. It is part of the Engineer’s Toolset, a one-stop-shop for all network troubleshooting needs. One of the best options available today.

Official Site: solarwinds.com/engineers-toolset/use-cases/cpu-monitor

OS: Windows

While this package gives you all of the tools that any network manager would need, you can expand your toolset further by investing in the SolarWinds 5 Essential IT Tools. This package gives you the Engineer’s Toolset along with Dameware Remote Support, which gives your support technicians all the tools they need to do their work. It also includes the Web Help Desk to enable users to open support requests. The other two tools in the bundle are the Serv-U FTP Server, which can create task automation workloads, and the Kiwi CatTools, which gives you network device configuration management. The whole package runs on Windows Server and you can get it on a 14-day free trial.

SolarWinds 5 Essential IT Tools. Start a 14-day FREE Trial

2. Paessler CPU Monitoring with PRTG (FREE TRIAL)

Tested on: Windows, Windows Server

Paessler CPU Load Monitoring sensor

Paessler PRTG is an all-in-one infrastructure monitor that covers networks, servers, and applications. When looking for a temperature monitor, there are several different systems that you could choose. The PRTG service is a bundle of sensors and every customer gets shipped the full set. When starting up the software, the systems device manager has to decide which sensors to turn on and so is able to tailor the system to adjust the necessary monitors.

We tested Paessler PRTG and found the following key features.

Key Features:

 

  • SNMP Manager: Manages devices using the Simple Network Management Protocol.
  • Reports on Device Conditions: Generates reports on the status and conditions of monitored devices.
  • Uses WMI: Utilizes Windows Management Instrumentation for monitoring Windows-based devices.
  • Live Device Load Tracking: Tracks the load on devices in real-time.

Why do we recommend it?

The Paessler PRTG CPU Monitoring tool will watch over the CPU utilization of all of the devices connected to your network, which includes endpoints, switches, and routers. A system of alerts means that you don’t even have to look at the console of the monitor in order to catch problems with CPU availability.

The PRTG package of sensors includes several monitors that can pick up temperature information either from servers or network devices. Temperature performance is one of the factors that can be reported through SNMP and PRTG has a sensor for that. However, not every hardware provider implements procedures to report on temperature by that method.

Paessler PRTG CPU Load Sensor

PRTG includes monitors that pick up CPU performance data on Windows servers through WMI. A sensor for Linux servers also monitors CPU performance managed by that operating system. PRTG has a total of nine different sensors that are capable of looking for temperature information gathered on servers and network devices. If none of your equipment has an actual thermometer inside, there is no way for any system monitor to collect temperature information. However, in those cases, monitoring CPU load on all devices acts as a proxy statistic for temperature statuses.

Who is it recommended for?

As with the SolarWinds tool, the PRTG CPU Monitoring service is a bidder help to the managers of large networks. However, the free tier of PRTG makes this assistance accessible to small businesses as well.

Pros:

  • Scalability: Enables easy scalability of monitoring efforts within the PRTG ecosystem.
  • Flexibility: Configurable to measure only temperature initially, with the flexibility to expand monitoring scope effortlessly.
  • Competitive Pricing: Pricing based on the number of sensors offers scalability and flexibility for networks of any size.
  • Pre-Configured and Custom Sensors: Offers a variety of pre-configured and custom  sensors ready for immediate use. Users can create custom sensors tailored to their specific requirements.

Cons:

  • Learning Curve: Rich feature set may entail a learning curve for users unfamiliar with the platform.

Paessler makes PRTG available on a 30-day free trial. This is the full version of the monitoring system and you can activate all of the sensors you want during the trial period

Paessler CPU Monitoring with PRTG Download 30-day FREE Trial

Read More: Best Hardware Monitoring Tools

3. HWMonitor

Tested on: Windows

HWMonitor screenshot

HWMonitor is a hardware monitoring tool for Windows that monitors computer temperatures, voltages, and fans. The software monitors the hard drive and video card GPU temperature. These metrics give you a strong indication of the overall health of a device.

When we tested HWMonitor we found the following key features.

Key Features:

  • Temperature, Fan, and Voltage Monitors: Monitors key hardware metrics including temperature, fan speed, and voltage levels.
  • Free Version: Offers a free version of the software.
  • Low CPU Usage: Operates with minimal CPU resource consumption.

Why do we recommend it?

The big advantage of HWMonitor is that it has a free version and the paid options are very cheap. You can centrally monitor the CPU availability of all of your hosts. A demerit of this system in comparison to higher-placed services on this list is that it doesn’t monitor network devices.

There is also an extended version of HWMonitor called HWMonitor PRO, which costs $22.10 (£17.08) for 10 remote connections or $38.71 (£29.92) for up to 20 remote connections. HWMonitor Pro adds remote monitoring, graph generation, and an improved user interface.

Who is it recommended for?

The free service is a good option for very small businesses and the paid editions are good options for SMBs that run a fleet of endpoints. Larger organizations would be better off with a system monitor that includes CPU monitoring along with server and network monitoring.

Pros:

  • Freeware Option: Freeware with paid options available for remote monitoring, offering flexibility based on user needs.
  • Suitable for SMBs: Ideal for home labs and smaller networks due to its cost-effective nature.
  • Multiple OS Support: Available for both Linux and Windows operating systems, catering to a diverse user base.

Cons:

  • Lacks Customizable Interface; Interface lacks customization options, which can make it challenging to focus solely on desired metrics.
  • Visualization Can be Better: Could benefit from improved visualization features for reporting over extended periods, enhancing data interpretation and analysis.

When using the PRO version you can monitor multiple PCs in a list view. Next to each device you can view the Value, Min, and Max temperatures of hardware components. The list perspective makes it easier to monitor multiple devices at once. You can download the program for free.

4. NZXT CAM

Tested on: Windows

NZXT CAM

NZXT CAM is a free onboard system monitoring tool that is provided by a self-build games PC components producer. It is possible to set up a login account for the tool but it isn’t necessary; you can use the system as the Guest account. CPU temperature, clock speed, and fan status are three of the metrics that are available on the PC Monitoring screen. When we tested NZXT CAM we found the following key features.

Key Features:

  • Ease of Installation: User-friendly installation process for hassle-free setup.
  • CPU Statistics: Provides detailed statistics and information about the CPU.
  • GPU Information: Offers insights into the status and performance of the GPU.

Why do we recommend it?

NZXT CAM has the most attractive interface of all of the CPU monitoring systems on this list. The first two tabs of the tool show useful system information and all of the subsequent tabs display advertisements for NZXT products. The advertising is not intrusive.

Not all of the statistics in the utility will have values. For example, if your PC doesn’t have a graphics processing unit, GPU is a whole action of the screen that will be useless and very few fans include status reporting processes. However, you will get CPU temperature. The tool is only available for Windows and you can download it for free.

Who is it recommended for?

NZXT CAM is an onboard tool, so it reports on the device on which it is installed – it can’t report across a network. You would have to install the software on every PC, which would be tedious for system administrators of large businesses and not ideal for managed service providers.

Pros:

  • Live Hardware Statistics: Real-time monitoring of hardware components for up-to-date information and hardware statistics.
  • Visually Appealing Display: User-friendly interface with visually appealing layout for easy navigation.
  • Free to Use: Available at no cost to users, making it accessible to a wide audience.

Cons:

  • Can’t be Accessed Remotely: Lack of remote access functionality limits monitoring capabilities when away from the system.

This tool is most suitable for small businesses and home use.

5. Open Hardware Monitor

Tested on: Windows and Linux

open hardware monitor screenshot

Open Hardware Monitor is an open-source hardware monitoring solution that monitors the temperature, fan speed, load, voltage, and clock speed of computers. The tool supports common hardware chips meaning it can be deployed in a range of environments. The user interface displays the data pulled from temperature sensors in a list format – making it easy to find mission-critical devices and maintain them.

Key Features:

  • Free to Use: No cost associated with utilizing the software.
  • Monitors Hardware Metrics: Tracks crucial hardware metrics including temperature, voltage levels, clock speeds, and fan speeds.
  • Multi OS Support: Compatible with both Windows and Linux operating systems.

Why do we recommend it?

Open Hardware Monitor tracks issues with the device that hosts it, so this isn’t a networked solution. However, its good points are that it monitors many hardware aspects, not just CPU, and that it is free of charge.

Open Hardware Monitor is recommended for those users who want to use a low-cost, open-source temperature monitoring platform. Open Hardware Monitor is available for Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 11,and Linux. You can download the program for free.

Who is it recommended for?

The Open Hardware Monitor is a great choice for home computers and very small businesses that have individual PCs rather than networked systems. A good feature of this package is that it is available for Linux as well as for Windows.

  • No Management Console: Lacks a centralized management console
  • Lacks Multi-Machine Monitoring: Cannot monitor multiple machines simultaneously
  • Not Ideal for a Business Environment: Due to limitations in multi-machine monitoring and lack of enterprise-level features, it may not be suitable for business environments.

Pros:

  • Open-Source: Open Hardware Monitor is open-source, providing transparency to users.
  • Comprehensive Monitoring: Can measure other metrics like fan speed, clock speed, and voltage alongside temperature readings:
  • Better Suited for SOHO Networks: Ideal for individual users and hardware enthusiasts seeking detailed hardware monitoring.

Cons:

  • No Management Console: Lacks a centralized management console
  • Lacks Multi-Machine Monitoring: Cannot monitor multiple machines simultaneously
  • Not Ideal for a Business Environment: Due to limitations in multi-machine monitoring and lack of enterprise-level features, it may not be suitable for business environments.

6. Core Temp

Tested on: Windows, Windows Server

Core Temp screenshot

Core Temp is a temperature monitoring tool that can monitor Intel processors, AMD, and VIAprocessors in real-time. The program uses data taken from the Digital Thermal Sensor(DTS) of each processing core. The software collects the data and then displays it on the screen so the user can take an accurate temperature reading.

Key Features:

  • Focused on Temperature: Core Temp primarily focuses on monitoring CPU temperature.
  • Metrics Measurements and Reporting: Provides detailed metrics measured at the core level, offering precise temperature readings.
  • Extensible: Offers the ability to extend functionality through plugins for additional features.

Why do we recommend it?

Core Temp is easy to install and it is free to use. The tool will warn you if your PC is getting to the point of overheating but it also provides a range of live hardware status reports.

There are multiple add-ons available for Core Temp so the user can add additional capabilities. For example, the Core Temp Monitor app allows users to monitor devices on Windows and Android phones. The Core Temp Grapher plug-in creates a visual display that creates a graph for each processor core showing load percentage and core temperature.

Who is it recommended for?

Core Temp is a good tool for people who run older PCs that need closer monitoring than new computers that have sophisticated hardware monitors built into them. The tool is more appropriate for home use than for businesses.

Pros:

  • Remote Temperature Monitoring: Enables users to remotely monitor their system’s temperature using Android and iPhone mobile devices.
  • Free for Personal Use: Available at no cost for personal usage, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
  • Lightweight: Barebones interface makes the tool very lightweight and resource conservative. This minimalist interface ensures efficient performance with minimal system resource consumption.

Cons:

  • Dependency on Plugins: Reliance on plugins for visual enhancements may inconvenience some users who prefer integrated features.
  • Not Ideal for Large Networks: While suitable for individual or home use, Core Temp may lack the robustness required for managing extensive network infrastructures.
  • Lack Alerting Features: Absence of alerting functionality limits its capability to notify users about critical temperature thresholds or system issues in real-time.

Core Temp is available for Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, 11, 2003 Server, 2008 Server, 2012 Server, and 2016 Server. For commercial use, you have to purchase a commercial license. You can request a quote from the company directly. Download Core Temp for free.

7. HWiNFO

Tested on: Windows, Windows Server

HWiNFO

HWiNFO is a real-time system and temperature monitoring solution for Windows. With HWiNFO you can monitor hardware elements like CPUs, GPUs, drives, mainboards, and more to discover performance issues. The user interface is easy to navigate and you can view in-depth performance data by clicking through the infrastructure hierarchy.

Key Features:

  • Free to Use: No cost associated with utilizing the software.
  • Real-Time Monitoring: Runs continuously to provide real-time monitoring.
  • Desktop Sidebar Interface: Offers a convenient sidebar interface for quick access to monitoring data.

Why do we recommend it?

HWiNFO is free for home use and it can monitor a range of hardware factors on Windows PCs, such as temperature, CPU activity, and RAM. The tool can be networked and when implemented in combination with Lansweeper can provide automated monitoring for a fleet of endpoints.

Customizable alerts help to keep track of overheating and performance degradation. There are also add-ons you can use to augment the monitoring experience. For instance, the HWiNFOMonitor plugin adds a customizable sidebar which displays CPU performance with bars and graphs.

Who is it recommended for?

The basic, free HWiNFO is intended for home use. The paid versions are designed for small businesses. Medium-sized and large enterprises would be better looking for a combined system monitoring package for networks, servers, and applications.

Pros:

  • Detailed Metrics: Provides comprehensive metrics including cache sizes, ratio, clock speeds per core, and timing information, offering deep insight into system performance.
  • Beyond CPU-Related Metrics: Offers monitoring capabilities beyond just CPU-related metrics including GPU and disk utilization.
  • Fully Customizable: Allows users to tailor the monitoring experience to their specific preferences.
  • Built-in Visualizations: Provides visual representations of data for easier interpretation and analysis.

Cons:

  • Cluttered Interface: The interface may become cluttered, particularly on devices with many components such as servers or hosts, potentially making it difficult to track metrics effectively.
  • Windows Only: Limited compatibility as the software is exclusive to the Windows operating system. It may also not be suitable for users with limited technical knowledge

HWiNFO is ideal for enterprises that require a free CPU monitoring solution. The tool is available HWiNFO32 for Windows 32-bit and HWiNFO64 for Windows 64-bit. You can download the program for free.

Read more: Step-By-Step CPU Benchmark Test

8. Atera

Tested on: Cloud/SaaS

Atera Dashboard

Atera is a cloud-based platform that includes all of the software that a managed service provider (MSP) needs to run its business. The remote monitoring and management (RMM) module of the system includes monitoring screens for networks, servers, endpoints, and applications.

Key Features:

  • Designed for MSPs: Atera is specifically tailored for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), catering to their needs and workflows.
  • Multi Site Monitoring: It allows monitoring and management of devices across multiple sites or locations from a single interface.
  • Device Capacity Utilization Tracking: Atera offers features that track and provide insights into various aspects of device performance, including disk I/O, memory usage, fan speeds, and disk capacity.

Why do we recommend it?

Atera is a system that has been designed for use by managed service providers – although it is also available for use by in-house operations teams. In this package, which is called a Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) system, you get a collection of automated monitoring services that include CPU monitoring, so you get real value for money.

The home screen of the monitoring dashboard gives a system overview. Atera employs an alert-based system that notifies an administrator if there is anything wrong on the monitored system. So, it is easy to spot problems at a glance. From the summary screen, the operator can click through to see details of individual pieces of equipment.

The device, endpoint, or server monitoring screens include a range of statuses, including CPU performance data. These categories of feedback are all live and they include CPU temperature, utilization, and capacity. Other factors shown in the screen include fan performance, memory usage, disk activity, and I/O throughput rates.

Who is it recommended for?

The Atera package is best for managed service providers. Each account is multi-tenanted and includes server space that is similarly segmented.

Pros:

  • Lightweight Monitoring: Being cloud-based, Atera offers ease of access and management without requiring heavy infrastructure.
  • MSP/Reseller Focused: It is tailored to the needs of MSPs and resellers, offering features that align with their service offerings.
  • Visually Appealing Dashboards: Atera provides visually appealing dashboards and reporting tools, making it easy to understand and analyze data.
  • Holistic Device Health Monitoring: In addition to capacity utilization tracking, Atera also covers various other aspects of device health, offering a comprehensive monitoring solution.
  • Affordable Subscription Service: Atera operates on a subscription model, making it accessible and affordable for networks of any size.

Cons:

  • Steep Learning Curve: Due to its depth and comprehensive feature set, Atera may require some time to fully explore and master all its features and options.

Atera is a subscription service with a rate per technician per month. The cloud-based dashboard is accessed through any standard browser, so you don’t need to host the Atera software on-premises. You can get a free trial to experience the platform for yourself.

9. SpeedFan

Tested on: Windows, Windows Server

Speedfan screenshot

SpeedFan is a hardware monitor that monitors: temperature, fan speed, voltage, and hard disk temperatures. The software can also display S.M.A.R.T data from hard disks. With SpeedFan you can configure the program to change fan speeds remotely according to the system temperatures. For example, you can choose a minimum and maximum fan speed.

Key Features:

  • Temperatures, Voltage, and Fan Speed Monitoring: SpeedFan comes with features that allows users to monitor temperatures, voltage levels, and fan speeds of their system components.
  • CPU and Disk Monitoring: It provides monitoring capabilities for CPU and disk usage, allowing users to keep track of system performance.

Why do we recommend it?

SpeedFan is a free system that not only monitors fan speed but it can also intervene and change it. This is a great help if you have an older PC that tends to overheat. The system also monitors CPU activity.

The user interface is simple to use, and the platform automatically detects temperature sensors so you don’t need to waste time creating extensive configurations. However, if you want to engage with more complex configurations you can do so on the Advanced page. Here you can offset inaccurate temperature readings and control fan speed.

Similarly, if you want to view visual displays then you can do so through the Charts window. The Charts window displays performance charts that allow you to choose what metrics you want to monitor. Simply enter the start and end time of your reading, what elements you want to monitor, and the values you want to see.

Who is it recommended for?

This tool runs on Windows and it monitors the computer on which it is installed. The system is free to use and it isn’t really suitable for business use.

Pros:

  • Free to Use: SpeedFan is available for free, making it accessible to users without any cost.
  • Ease of Use: SpeedFan offers a straightforward installation process, and it begins pulling metrics immediately after setup.
  • Correlates Fan Speed with Temperature: It helps users correlate fan speeds with temperature, enabling better understanding and management of system cooling.

Cons:

  • Not Suitable for Larger Networks: SpeedFan is more suited for individual machine monitoring and may not scale effectively for larger network environments.
  • Lacks Long-Term Monitoring Features: It lacks features for long-term monitoring and analysis of system performance trends over time.
  • Lacks Robust Reporting; The reporting capabilities of SpeedFan may not be as robust or user-friendly as some other monitoring tools, potentially requiring improvements for better usability.

SpeedFan is available for Windows 9x, ME, NT, 2000, 2003, XP, Vista, Windows 7, 2008, Windows 8, Windows 10 & 11, and 2012. You can download the tool for free.

10. AIDA64 Extreme

Tested on: Windows, Windows Server

AIDA64 Extreme

AIDA64 Extreme is a device monitor that monitors temperature, voltage, fan speeds, and power. AIDA64 supports over 250 different types of sensors meaning it works with most IT assets. The user interface is simple with a SensorPanel where you can build a custom panel to monitor temperature data and other information.

Key Features:

  • Extensive Device Monitoring Capabilities: It provides comprehensive monitoring capabilities for devices, covering various aspects of performance and hardware specifications.
  • Supports External Displays: AIDA64 Extreme supports external displays, making it suitable for network operation centers or smartphone apps, enhancing accessibility and usability.

Why do we recommend it?

AIDA64 Extreme provides monitoring of a number of hardware features and a notable advantage of this tool is that it is available for macOS, Android, and iOS as well as Windows. However, it isn’t available for Linux.

One feature that is particularly useful for enterprise users is external display support. You can view hardware data on over 50 external LCD/VFD screens, including smartphones and tablets. Display support makes sure that you can see all of the information that you need.

Who is it recommended for?

The AIDA64 Extreme system provides processor diagnostics and so it is particularly useful for use with mission-critical hardware.

Pros:

  • 250 Sensors for Detailed Measurement; It is designed for technicians and outputs very detailed measurements, offering over 250 sensors for comprehensive monitoring.
  • Compatibility with Older Hardware: AIDA64 Extreme offers a version compatible with 32-bit systems, ensuring compatibility with older hardware configurations.
  • Customizable Dashboard: AIDA64 Extreme offers a customizable dashboard, allowing users to tailor the display of information according to their preferences.

Cons:

  • Windows Only: AIDA64 Extreme is limited to the Windows operating system, potentially restricting its use for users on other platforms.
  • Not Ideal for Larger Networks: The licensing model may not be suitable for enterprise companies, as it is marketed more towards smaller networks.
  • Overwhelming Interface: The interface can feel overwhelming for users without customization, potentially requiring adjustments to suit individual preferences.
  • Lacks Robust Alerting Features: Some users may find the alerting features of AIDA64 Extreme lacking in options and customization, potentially requiring improvements for better functionality.

AIDA64 Extreme is available for all 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows. The tool is useful for users who want a low maintenance temperature monitor. You can purchase AIDA64 Extreme for home users from $39.95 (£30.87) for three PCs. You can download the 30-day free trial.

11. Rainmeter

Tested on: Windows

Rainmeter skin

Rainmeter is a free, open-source CPU temp monitor for Windows. Rainmeter can monitor data on temperature, CPU, RAM, disk usage, and more. There is a range of skins that make this possible. Skins are essentially small tools that you can customize the layout of. The user can create monitoring skins, use one of the starter packs or install a plugin.

Key Features:

  • Performance Monitoring Features: It offers monitoring capabilities for various system metrics, enabling users to track important aspects of system performance.
  • Extensive Customizable Features: Rainmeter allows users to apply custom skins via plugins or premade starter packs, and a drag and drop user-friendly interface menus enabling extensive customization.
  • Resource Utilization Reporting: Rainmeter provides reports on resource utilization (such as CPU, RAM, and disk) as well as temperature monitoring.

Why do we recommend it?

Rainmeter provides an attractive display of system hardware statuses for Windows PC. The great feature of this tool is that it is free to use.

For example, the CoreTemp plugin allows the user to pull information from the CoreTemp application. The advantage of doing this is that you can use skins to control how you see information on the screen.

Skins are drag-and-drop so you can create a custom monitoring panel for better visibility. You can also use one of the starter skins so you don’t have to create any if you don’t want to.

Who is it recommended for?

Rainmeter is a competent tool that shows an easy-to-recognize percentage utilization graphic that you can customize. The tool has a friendly user community and is a great service for home users.

  • Not Suited for Larger Networks: Rainmeter may not be the best option for larger networks, as it is primarily targeted towards hobbyists and home users.
  • Lacks Detailed Metrics: While great for non-technical users, Rainmeter may lack some detailed metrics required for in-depth system monitoring and analysis.
  • Lacks Robust Reporting Features: Rainmeter may not offer robust reporting features for long-term monitoring and analysis of system performance trends.

Pros:

  • Sleek Minimalist Design: Rainmeter features a sleek and minimalist design, which is lightweight and visually appealing.
  • Free and Open-Source: Being open-source, Rainmeter allows for transparency and community-driven development.

Cons:

  • Not Suited for Larger Networks: Rainmeter may not be the best option for larger networks, as it is primarily targeted towards hobbyists and home users.
  • Lacks Detailed Metrics: While great for non-technical users, Rainmeter may lack some detailed metrics required for in-depth system monitoring and analysis.
  • Lacks Robust Reporting Features: Rainmeter may not offer robust reporting features for long-term monitoring and analysis of system performance trends.

If you’re looking for a customizable tool that’s accessible for non-technical users then Rainmeter is an excellent choice. Rainmeter is available from Windows 7 to Windows 10. It’s available as a free download.

Which CPU monitoring software works on Windows?

NamePlatformPrice
SolarWinds CPU Load MonitorWindowsFree trial
HWMonitorWindowsFree version available
Open Hardware MonitorWindows, LinuxFree
Core TempWindowsFree
Paessler CPU Monitoring with PRTGWindows, Linux, MacFree trial
HWiNFOWindowsFree
SpeedFanWindowsFree
AIDA64 ExtremeWindowsFree trial
RainmeterWindowsFree

CPU Load & Temperature Monitors: Stop Your Devices from Overheating

CPU temperature monitors make it easier to monitor the heat of an entire network of devices. SolarWinds CPU Load Monitor (with ETS), Atera, PRTG, HWMonitor, and Open Hardware Monitor are all reliable solutions for monitoring CPU performance. Implementing regular hardware monitoring with CPU monitors will make sure your devices stay available year-round.

CPU Temperature Monitors FAQs

How do I see CPU temp on my desktop?

There isn’t a CPU temperature monitor in your operating system. In order to get information about CPU temperature, you would have to go down to the BIOS. It is much easier to install a monitoring tool. We recommend the SolarWinds CPU Load Monitor to check on heat-generating activities or the HWMonitor, which interprets BIOS data in a GUI interface.

Why is my CPU temperature 70 degrees on an idle laptop?

A CPU temperature of 70 oC/158 oF is normal when the computer is very active. However, when idle, the CPU’s temperature should be around 45 oC/113 oF. A high temperature implies that the CPU is not really idle, but has a heavy workload put on it by background tasks and services. If the CPU monitor shows that this is not the case, then the high temperature could be a sign of a broken fan.

How do I check my CPU usage?

In Windows, CPU usage is displayed as a live metric in the Task Manager.

  • Right-click on the Task Bar at the bottom of the screen and select Task Manager from the pop-up menu.
  • Wait for the Task Manager to open and then click con the Performance tab.
  • Click on CPU at the top of the left-hand options list to see a live graph of CPU performance.

How do I monitor my GPU temperature?

If you have a graphics processing unit in your computer, you can see its temperature in the Task Manager of Windows 10.

  • Right-click on the taskbar and click on Task Manager in the popup menu.
  • When the Task Manager opens, click on the Performance tab.
  • Scroll down the left-hand menu to find GPU. The mini display there includes the GPU temperature in Celsius.

What CPU temperature is too high?

There are many factors to be taken into account when working out what is an acceptable CPU temperature. However, as a rule of thumb, for an Intel processor, a temperature of more than 40 oC/104 oF when it is inactive is worrying. A temperature of more than 85 oC/185 oF when it is under full load is a cause for concern.

What is a normal CPU temperature at full load?

For Intel processors, generally, the normal CPU temperature at full load is between 50 and 60 degrees Celsius. Intel Celeron processors run hotter at about 65 to 80 degrees Celsius under full load. AMD processors don’t have as much variability per model as Intel processors. They shouldn’t go above 70 degrees Celsius under full load.

What do I do if I don't get a CPU temperature reading?

If you are using a temperature monitor and it doesn’t give you a reading, the chances are that the program you chose is not compatible with the status output mechanism of your CPU temperature gauge. Picking a different temperature monitoring package might solve the problem.

Can CPU temperature be wrong?

There are a number of factors in the chain of activity that goes into temperature reporting and if one of them is faulty, you will get an incorrect report, so CPU temperature monitoring can go wrong. To work out whether the temperature monitor is giving incorrect reports, look for illogical results. For example, if your CPU registers no activity and the fan is working properly but the monitor says that the temperature is high, the monitor is probably wrong.

Related post: CPU Monitoring Guide & Tools