Is Your PC Running Too Hot?

It depends on your hardware. Most CPUs are safe under 85°C under load, and GPUs under 90°C. ThermalStats lets you compare your exact temperatures against other users with the same CPU or GPU — so you can see whether your temps are normal or above average for your hardware.

Idle temperatures typically range from 30–50°C, while load temperatures usually fall between 60–85°C. However, this varies significantly by CPU model, cooler, and case airflow. Use ThermalStats to see the real-world average for your specific processor.

Most modern GPUs are designed to operate safely up to 90–95°C, though ideal load temperatures are between 65–85°C. If your GPU regularly exceeds 90°C, consider improving case airflow or adjusting your fan curve. Compare your GPU temps with our community data to see how you stack up.

Start by checking your case airflow — make sure you have adequate intake and exhaust fans. Clean dust from heatsinks and fans regularly. Upgrade your CPU cooler if temperatures are high. For GPUs, ensure the card has room to breathe and consider adding case fans. Re-applying thermal paste can also help older systems.

On Windows, use free tools like HWiNFO, HWMonitor, or Core Temp. On Linux, use lm-sensors. On macOS, use the built-in Activity Monitor or third-party tools. You can also use the ThermalStats CLI tool, which automatically detects your hardware and measures temperatures during a stress test.

Common causes include dust buildup on heatsinks and fans, dried-out thermal paste, poor case airflow, an insufficient CPU cooler, background processes driving high CPU usage, or a hot room. Run a ThermalStats test to see if your temperatures are actually above average for your hardware — sometimes what feels hot is perfectly normal.