CPU and GPU temperatures: what's normal and how to lower them

"Is it normal for my CPU to hit 85°C while gaming?" It depends on the model. Plenty of online answers quote one number ("never above 70°C"), but modern processors and graphics cards are designed to run hot and adjust their speed automatically. What matters is knowing your component's limit and watching whether you hit it often.

#How to check temperatures

• Graphics card: Windows Task Manager shows the temperature of many dedicated GPUs under Performance > GPU. NVIDIA's and AMD's software also show it.
• Processor: Windows doesn't show it directly. Check it in the BIOS/UEFI, your motherboard or laptop maker's software, or well-known monitoring tools — downloaded only from their official sites.

Measure in two situations:

1. Idle, on the desktop with nothing heavy running.
2. Under load, after 15–20 minutes of gaming or a demanding task.

#What's normal depends on each model's limit

Every processor has a maximum operating temperature published by the manufacturer: Intel lists it as TJunction on its spec pages (ARK), and AMD as max temperature in each model's specifications. Many modern CPUs have limits around 90–105°C, but it varies.

General guidance:

#Thermal throttling: when heat costs you performance

When a component reaches its thermal limit, it lowers its clock speed to protect itself. The typical symptom: a game runs well at first, then after a few minutes FPS drops or stutter appears. See game stuttering.

#How to lower temperatures

#On any machine

1. Clean out dust from fans, filters and heatsinks with compressed air, with the PC off and unplugged. Hold fan blades still while blowing. See PC maintenance.
2. Improve airflow: don't block vents, and leave space behind and beside the machine.
3. Cap FPS in games: on a 60 Hz monitor, rendering 200 FPS just makes heat.
4. Check your power mode: maximum-performance profiles run hotter; balanced may be enough for light work.

#On a desktop

• Check fan direction: typically air comes in at the front and leaves at the back and top.
• Consider more fans or better ones if your case has poor airflow.
• A CPU cooler better than the stock one can make a big difference.
• Thermal paste: after several years it can dry out. Replacing it means removing the cooler — do it only if you're comfortable, or get help.

#On a laptop

• Use it on a hard surface, never on a bed or cushion.
• A cooling pad can help on some models.
• Use the manufacturer's profiles — some let you prioritise cooling.
• If an older laptop runs very hot, a professional internal clean can restore performance.

#The graphics card

GPUs have their own limits and adjust speed automatically too. Besides the main temperature, some report a hotspot or memory temperature, which is usually higher. If your GPU fans are constantly loud, check for dust and your case airflow.

#The bottom line

There's no universal "correct" temperature: look up your processor's limit on the manufacturer's spec sheet and check that, under load, you stay reasonably below it. If you're near the limit and losing performance, clean out dust, improve airflow, cap FPS and, on laptops, mind the surface you use it on. Clean regularly using our PC maintenance guide.