Wondering how to check CPU temperature while gaming? Learn how to check and monitor your CPU temperature with MSI Afterburner in this post. Discover important tips to reduce CPU temperatures for a smoother gaming experience.
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When your CPU operates under excessive heat, it struggles to perform at its best, resulting in reduced performance, system instability, and potential hardware failure. And that’s why you need to keep a close eye on your CPU temperature while playing games. But how do you check your CPU temperature while gaming?
One popular and effective solution for monitoring CPU temperature is using MSI Afterburner. This article explains how to check CPU temperature with MSI Afterburner. Read on to discover how to monitor your CPU temp in real-time.
How to Check CPU Temperature with MSI Afterburner
MSI Afterburner is a free and powerful utility software known for its GPU overclocking capabilities. However, this software also offers the convenience of monitoring your CPU temperature while gaming. It displays your CPU temperature on your gaming screen in real-time. To check CPU temperature using MSI Afterburner, follow these steps:
Step 1: Install MSI Afterburner
Step 1: Visit the official MSI website.
Step 2: Click the Download Afterburner button to download the MSI Afterburner for free.
Step 3: Once the download is complete, locate the compressed “zip” file in your Downloads folder.
Step 4: Double-click on the file to open it.
Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions and hit the Next button to proceed with the installation.
Step 6: Click the Install button.
Step 2: Run the MSI Afterburner App
Now that you’ve successfully installed the MSI Afterburner, the next step should be to run it. You’ll see the utility main screen, which displays information about your GPU. Unfortunately, the Afterburner CPU temp is not displayed on the main screen, so you must locate the CPU temperature monitoring feature within the MSI Afterburner.
Step 3: Enable the CPU Temperature Sensors
Step 1: Look for the MSI Afterburner main screen gear icon. It is located near the bottom right corner of the window.
Step 2: Click on that gear icon to access the settings.
Step 3: Within the settings menu, select the tab labeled Monitoring.
Step 4: Head over to the Active Hardware Monitoring Graph section. You’ll find a list of all the sensors you can monitor.
Step 5: Next, scroll down until you locate all the CPU temperature sensors. These temperatures include CPU Temperature, CPU1 Temperature, CPU2 Temperature, and more.
Step 6: After locating all the temperature sensors, put a checkmark next to them.
Step 7: Finally, click the Apply and Ok buttons to save the settings.
Pro Tip!
As you select each of the temperature sensors, make sure to press the Show in On Screen Display check box. This is very important since it lets the temperature sensors display their values on your screen while playing games.
Why Can’t I See My CPU Temperatures On Screen?
The MSI Afterburner relies on the RiverTuner Statistics Server (RTSS) to display the temperature values on the screen. So if you are unable to see the Afterburner CPU temps on screen while gaming, it means that the On Screen Display is probably off.
To switch it on, head over to your hidden taskbar items and look for the RiverTuner icon—Double-click on it to open the RiverTuner Properties page. Confirm whether the Show On Screen Display is on. If it is set to “Off,” turn it on and check if the CPU temperatures are now displaying on the screen while gaming.
What is the Optimal CPU Temperature While Gaming?
The optimal CPU temp while gaming depends on several factors, including your CPU type. However, most CPUs operate within a safe temperature range of 60 to 75 degrees Celsius under heavy load.
It’s important to note that temperatures above 80 degrees Celsius can damage your CPU. More so if sustained for extended periods. While modern CPUs such as Intel Core i9 and AMD Athlon MP are designed to withstand higher temperatures, consistently operating at the maximum limit can still impact your CPU’s performance, stability, and overall lifespan.
How to Reduce CPU Temperatures
If you want to prolong the lifespan of your CPU and prevent potential issues related to overheating, here are some ways to reduce CPU temperatures while playing games:
Clean Your Computer
Over time, dust can accumulate on your PC and cause your CPU to overheat. Regularly clean the dust out of your fans by following these steps:
Step 1: Shut down your computer.
Step 2: Unplug it from the power source.
Step 3: Open your computer case.
Step 4: Once the case is open, locate the fans.
Step 5: Use compressed air or a soft-bristled brush to gently remove the dust from the fan blades, heatsink, and surrounding areas.
Step 6: Carefully close the computer case once the fans are clean.
Step 7: Plug in the power cable and start your computer.
Maintain a Cool Atmosphere
Placing your computer in a well-ventilated area would be best to allow more airflow. If possible, consider purchasing a laptop stand, as it can greatly aid in maintaining a cool atmosphere around your PC.
You must also avoid keeping your computer directly exposed to heat sources or sunlight. Direct heat can significantly increase the temperature inside your computer and lead to overheating.
Close Unused Programs
When multiple programs run simultaneously, your CPU must work harder to allocate resources and process tasks for each program. This increased workload generates more heat, contributing to higher CPU temperature.
Replace the Cooling Fan
Does your CPU overheat a lot lately? If so, you should consider replacing your cooling fans with a more powerful cooling system, for example, a liquid cooling system. A liquid cooling system is an advanced cooling solution that will effectively lower your CPU temperature faster, as compared to air cooling.
Summing Up
Monitoring your CPU temperature while gaming is a critical practice that will save you from potential performance issues, system crashes, and costly hardware damage. Fortunately, with the above step-by-step guide on how to check CPU temperature with MSI Afterburner, you now have the knowledge and tools to keep your CPU temperatures in check.
If your CPU exceeds maximum temperatures while gaming, clean your PC, close those unused programs, or replace the cooling system with a more advanced cooler.
