The normal CPU temp while gaming should be between 75 Celsius, and 80 Celsius (Between 167 and 176°F). As such, the optimal CPU gaming temperature is about 80° Celsius (176°F).
The normal graphics processing unit (GPU) temperature range is between 65 degrees Celsius and 75 degrees Celsius (149-167°F). However, the leading GPU models are capped at around 95°C (203°F).
The normal cpu temp while gaming range for modern central and graphic processors has become slightly lower than in the past, which is associated with more complex technologies and finer manufacturing processes. At the same time, the threshold values for different models and different manufacturers are different, so it is impossible to give any one universal value and call it the “normal cpu temp while gaming.” Let’s get it right.
Throughout this guide, you will learn what causes the GPU, and CPU temperature to rise, as well as how the high temp affects performance. You will also learn how to ascertain the current CPU and GPU temperature while gaming and what you can do to lower the temperature.
How to Monitor CPU and GPU Temperature
There are two ways to monitor CPU and GPU temperature.
First option: Enter BIOS and see with a special section
We go into the BIOS by pressing F2 or Del when loading (the keys are different for different manufacturers). And we find the System Health tab . There will be readings of various sensors, including processor temperature.
The second option: Using specialized utilities
Install the program AIDA64 or CPU-Z or HWMonitor. And there are many similar options. All these utilities show detailed information about the computer and also information from the sensors. And of course the temperature of the processor. To know whether your CPU or GPU temperature is within the normal range or not, you first need to ascertain the actual temperature reading on your gaming computer. Discussed below are the three main methods you can use to tell the temperature of your GPU and CPU at any given time:
Through the UEFI/BIOS
The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) runs in the background of your operating system and features the firmware settings. In newer operating systems, such as Windows 10, the BIOS has been replaced with an updated version referred to as the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI).
Even so, the functionality of the UEFI and BIOS is more or less the same. Depending on the OS version you are running, you may use either the BIOS or UEFI to know the GPU or CPU temperature. In older Windows versions, press F12, F2, Esc, or Delete at the startup screen to access the BIOS.
How to Access UEFI in Windows 10
On Windows 10, you can access the UEFI from your Windows menu. To do this, open the Windows menu—situated at the lower-left corner of the screen. You should then press, and hold the Power, and shift keys. You should then select the Restart option.
The computer will then display a series of menus. Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings. Finally, select Restart. The PC will now boot into the UEFI menu, from where you can read the current CPU/GPU temperature.
Use the NVIDIA-SMI Tool
This is an inbuilt tool on NVIDIA graphics cards. This took may be used to monitor GPU status and usage, including the current GPU temperature. All you need to do is run the nvidia-smi.exe in CMD. To do this, press the Windows + R keys combination, eland press Enter to launch a Run dialog box.
Navigate to the location of the nvidia-smi.exe on your gaming PC (usually C:\Program Files\NVIDIACorporation\NVSMI\nvidia-smi.exe). Now drag the nvidia-smi.exe into the Run dialog box and press Enter.
This operation will display a table with such parameters as GPU temperature, graphics card model, graphics card model, and performance status.
Use a CPU Utility Tool
If you happen to be using an Intel, or AMD CPU, you any of the leading CPU temperature monitoring tools to read the current CPU temp on your gaming computer. In this regard, you may download and install such utility tools as Ryzen Master, for AMD CPUs or the Intel Extreme Tuning Utility for Intel CPUs.
In addition to giving you accurate CPU temperature readings, running such tools also allow you to view the CPU performance, and improve it.
Should GPU, and CPU Temperatures be Different?
The central processing unit (CPU), and graphics processing unit (GPU) are two different components on your gaming computer. Although the two components work together while gaming, their temperature readings are bound to be different.
Is there a difference between CPU and GPU temperatures? The GPU is a specialized processor for quick implementation of repetitive, and intense tasks, such as reading high-resolution videos and images. The more intensely either of them is used, the hotter it will get.
The Average CPU Temp While Gaming by Processor Model
Different CPU manufacturers like Intel and AMD have produced different processor models for varying computer applications. The normal CPU gaming temp varies from one processor model to another. Even so, you should expect a temperature reading of up to 50 degrees Celsius (122°F) for the custom-built gaming PCs with high-end cooling features.
For the more powerful laptops, the CPU temperature can rise as high as 75 degrees Celsius (167°F) during intensive use. This may be attributed to the lack of space and cooling options on such a computer. If the PC is pushed near its limits, the CPU temperature can rise beyond 80 degrees Celsius (176°F).
While this is not necessarily a cause for alarm, you should not let the temperature remain at this level for long. To understand the safe temperature for your CPU, you need to learn the maximum, and average temperatures for that particular CPU model, as shown below:
| Processor Model | Maximum CPU Temperature | Normal CPU Temp Range |
| Intel Core i3-7350K | 100°C | 45°C to 60°C |
| Intel Core i5-6600K | 72°C | 42°C to 53°C |
| Intel Core i5-7600K | 100°C | 45°C to 65°C |
| Intel Core i5 4690K | 74°C | about 60°C |
| Intel Core i5-4670K | 72°C | 47°C to 60°C |
| Intel Core i5-3570K | 67°C | 50°C to 62°C |
| Intel Core i7-7700K | 100°C | 50°C to 70°C |
| Intel Core i7-4790K | 73°C | Below 70°C |
| Intel Core i7-6700K | 72°C | 52°C to 70 °C |
| Intel Core i7-3770K | 72°C | 55°C to 65°C |
| Intel Celeron | 73°C | 67°C to 85°C |
| Intel Pentium Pro | 85°C | 75°C |
| Intel Core 2 Duo | 105°C | 45°C to 55°C |
| AMD A6-6400K | 70°C | 49°C to 57°C |
| AMD A6-7400K | 70°C | 45°C to 57°C |
| AMD A6-5400K | 70°C | 45°C to 55°C |
| AMD A10-6800K | 74°C | 50°C to 55°C |
| AMD Athlon FX | 70°C | 45°C to 60°C |
| AMD Athlon 64 | 78°C | 45°C to 60°C |
| AMD Athlon 64 X2 | 78°C | 45°C to 55°C |
| AMD Phenom X4 | 62°C | 50°C to 60°C |
| AMD Phenom II X6 | 62°C | 45°C to 55°C |
| AMD Opteron | 69°C | 54°C to 60°C |
How Does High CPU Temperature Affect Performance?
Anything above the max temperature listed in this table may be considered to be overheating. Well, overheating of the CPU may happen every once in a while without causing serious problems. If sustained for a long period, the high temperature may affect the performance of the CPU.
When the GPU or CPU on your gaming computer heats up, it may begin to self-regulate its performance, in an effort to lower the temperature. This may, in turn, affect the refresh rate(FPS) of the display or reduce the Fidelity of the images as you play.
Again, overheating will cause the affected parts to deteriorate with time. To resolve the problem, you need to take the necessary measures to lower the CPU and GPU temperature.
If you like to find out how to cool down the cpu while gaming.
Types of GPUs
Here we again choose between the products of two manufacturers, AMD and Nvidia, however, unlike the central processors, these companies rarely independently produce ready-made video cards – this is done by partner manufacturers who install various cooling systems on the cards.
However, this fact does not change the upper limit of the operating temperature of the AMD Radeon and Nvidia GeForce GPUs, which is about 95 degrees Celsius. In this case, as a rule, AMD cards heat up a little more, due to the design features of the processor. But, as in the case of processors, the operating temperature of the GPU under load in most cases should not exceed 85 degrees Celsius. The problem is that the cooling systems installed on the video cards can be very different from each other, so the average temperatures can also be different.
There are two main types of actively installed active cooling systems for video cards: open fans and a centrifugal cooler in a closed box. The first is the most common cooling option used in video cards of any class. One, two or three fans drive air through a radiator mounted on the card. In this case, properly installed case fans contribute to high-quality cooling of the video card.
The second type of cooling system is installed on high-performance video cards, while a single turbofan sucks in cold air, drives it through the radiator and blows hot air through the grilles in the back of the case. The temperature of such cards is much less dependent on flows organized by case fans, and they usually operate at higher temperatures.
Almost all modern video cards have an adaptive fan speed control system. This means that until a certain temperature is reached, usually around 30-40 ° C, the fans either do not rotate at all, or rotate at minimum speed. This is done both to reduce power consumption, and to reduce system noise when idle. However, in this case, an unloaded card may heat up more than it could with a working fan.
Final Verdict
The normal CPU temperature range is between 167 and 176 degrees Fahrenheit. During normal use, the GPU temperature should remain between 149 and 167°F. If used for more intensive applications, such as gaming, the CPU temperature is likely to rise beyond this range.
If not checked, overheating of the CPU will impact on its performance and image quality. Overheating will also cause the components to deteriorate with time. With this guide, you should be able to lower the CPU temperature and maintain it with acceptable levels, even when playing games.
