Idle, Normal and Max CPU Temperatures

What is a safe and normal CPU temperature range? Join us as we reveal Intel and AMD CPU temps during idle, normal and maximum load.

All temperatures listed on this page are for CPUs running at default speeds with stock coolers. To give you a better understanding of Intel and AMD CPU operating temps, we have included their temperatures at different usage levels:

• Idle Temperature - Computer idling at Windows desktop (no open windows or programs)
  
  
• Normal Temperature - Computer during heavy use (gaming, video editing, virtualization etc)
  
  
• Max Temperature - Highest safe CPU temperature recommended by Intel or AMD

Most CPUs will begin to throttle (lower its clock speed to cut down heat) once they hit 95 to 105°C. If temperatures rise further, the CPU will shut itself down to avoid permanent damage.

We recommend that you measure the temperatures for your own CPU and compare them with the values below - Click here to learn how to check CPU temps.

Intel CPU Temps - Haswell

Core i3-4130 Core i5-4670K Core i7-4770K

Idle Temp 34 to 38°C 28 to 35°C 34 to 39°C

Normal Temp 50 to 61°C 47 to 60°C 55 to 65°C

Max Temp 72°C 72°C 67°C

Intel CPU Temps - Ivy Bridge

Core i3-3220 Core i5-3570K Core i7-3770K

Idle Temp 28 to 35°C 28 to 35°C 30 to 40°C

Normal Temp 50 to 60°C 50 to 62°C 55 to 65°C

Max Temp 65°C 67°C 67°C

Intel CPU Temps - Sandy Bridge

Core i3-2100 Core i5-2500K Core i7-2600K

Idle Temp 30 to 37°C 35 to 41°C 32 to 40°C

Normal Temp 50 to 62°C 55 to 65°C 47 to 60°C

Max Temp 69°C 72°C 72°C

AMD APU Temps - Kaveri

A10-7850K

Idle Temp 28 to 33°C

Normal Temp 49 to 60°C

Max Temp 72.4°C

AMD APU Temps - Richland

A6-6400K A10-6800K

Idle Temp 28 to 37°C 28 to 35°C

Normal Temp 49 to 57°C 50 to 55°C

Max Temp 70°C 74°C

AMD APU Temps - Trinity

A6-5400K A10-5800K

Idle Temp 25 to 35°C 28 to 35°C

Normal Temp 45 to 55°C 50 to 55°C

Max Temp 70°C 74°C

AMD CPU Temps - Piledriver

FX-4300 FX-6300 FX-8350

Idle Temp 30 to 35°C 35 to 40°C 30 to 40°C

Normal Temp 45 to 55°C 50 to 60°C 50 to 55°C

Max Temp 61°C 61°C 61°C

AMD CPU Temps - Bulldozer

FX-4100 FX-6100 FX-8150

Idle Temp 35 to 40°C 30 to 35°C 30 to 35°C

Normal Temp 50 to 60°C 45 to 55°C 50 to 58°C

Max Temp 70°C 70°C 61°C

Other Factors That Affect Your CPU Temperature Range

Even with default clock speeds and stock coolers, there are still other factors that will affect your normal CPU temperature:

Room Temperature

Ambient room temperatures can affect CPU temps by 5 to 10°C. As a rough gauge, 1°C rise in room temperature = 1 to 1.5°C rise in CPU temps. That's why experienced hardware reviewers and overclockers will factor in their ambient room temperature when taking temperature readings.

Computer Case Cooling

A CPU can run 8 to 10°C cooler in a spacious computer case with excellent ventilation vs a small, cramped case filled with dust bunnies. Here's how to check if your computer case is doing a proper job of keeping the CPU cool:

Measure the temperature of your CPU with its side panels removed (see image below):

Close the computer case (put back the side panels) and check its temperature again. If the average CPU temperatures rises more than 5°C when the case is closed, then your computer case lacks adequate cooling. You'll need to organize your computer cables, get more (or better) case fans and consider using a modular power supply to minimize clutter.

We know what you're probably thinking at this point... "Why don't I just leave the side panels open or go all out for an open air rig?"

While this method will indeed lower temperatures in the short run, dust will quickly clog up your heat sinks and fans (leading to even high temps than before). Therefore it only works if you're prepared to clean your heat sinks and fans every two to four weeks. In fact, a good computer case with directed air flow and pressure difference will run even cooler when closed.

CPU Build Quality

Due to their complex manufacturing process, even CPUs of the same model and batch can have notable differences in quality. While defective CPUs are discarded and inferior ones are rebadged, there is still a quality difference in those that make it past factory inspections.

Getting a high quality CPU from a store is a matter of luck (which is why overclockers get so excited when they chance upon a CPU of exceptional quality). All things being equal, a high quality CPU will run cooler and overclock better than a typical sample.