How to find out the temp of you CPU

[Garfield]

When you OC, I know that you have to keep track of the temp and back off if it is too hot. But, what tells you the temperature of you CPU? Is it software?

Garfield

[JigPu]

Yes, you can download software like Motherboard Monitor to check the CPU temps from the temp sensor. Also, you can check your temps in the BIOS sometimes.

JigPu

[Garfield]

You just install the software? How does it read the temp of the CPU? Do you have to "hook-up" anything for the software to sense the temp?

>> Also, you can check your temps in the BIOS sometimes. <<
How do you know when?

Thanks...

Garfield

[Dissolved]

Originally posted by Garfield
You just install the software? How does it read the temp of the CPU? Do you have to "hook-up" anything for the software to sense the temp?

>> Also, you can check your temps in the BIOS sometimes. <<
How do you know when?

Thanks...

Garfield

DL http://mbm.livewiredev.com/ mbm5 here, and on the site it tells you what temp senors ur mobo is useing...
its rather hard the first time...

and u can see temps in your bios... just when u boot ur pc hold down F1, or the delete key (its different on certian bios's)

[mcrites]

Make sure your board has a temp sensor under the proc, a lot of older boards I had did not have one.

[Garfield]

Originally posted by mcrites
Make sure your board has a temp sensor under the proc, a lot of older boards I had did not have one.

Well, I'm going to build a computer. Therefore it'll have a newer board. Should I worry about it not having one (if it at all matters, it'll be a SHUTTLE board)?

Why would you use the program when you can just check it in BIOS? I think I'm just going to use BIOS if I don't need anything else. Sounds more convenient.

Garfield

[bobt17]

the program will tell u the same temps as what the bios says only u will be able to see them while u are in windows so u wont have to reboot and go into the bios every time u want to see your temps

[Garfield]

Okay, thanks.

Do you know exactly where the "temp listing" is in the BIOS? I realize that all BIOS companies have a different layout, but if you could just try to briefly explain it, that would be great.

Garfield

[Maximus Nickus]

OK let get this straightened out:

All new motherboards made by a recognisable brand name such as Epox (my personal favourite), Abit, Asus, Shuttle and so on will have Temp sensors.

You can view the temperatures in your BIOS and they will be under a sub menu called PC Health, this is virtually the same on every board except for variations in the name, ie: Hardware monitoring.

The temp sensor is directly under the CPU inside the Socket and is usually a upright cylinder, however nearly every sensor will never be 100% accurate because it is not touching the CPU. (However some newer boards are using internal temperature sensors located within the Athlon Xp's core, however very few boards support this) thus theres no reason to worry about this.

Basically software just takes the same reading the BIOS takes.

If it is different then you have probably got the Motherboard temp mixed up with the CPU temp (the Motherboard sensor is around the Ram usually although I've never seen one) if the software is still wrong then it could just not be compatible with your board.

Usually most of the time the software will automatically set up the settings for you so you don't need to select then sensor, just work out which is the CPU and so on which isn't to hard as the CPU is usually always hotter than the Motherboard unless your Peltier or watercooling it.


Hope this clears things up.


Nick

[Garfield]

So BIOS monitors the temp of the CPU and this program (Motherboard Monitor or something) monitors the temp of the motherboard? What would you need to know the temp of the motherboard?

Garfield

[Maximus Nickus]

No!!!!

The temps sensors are on the board, one CPU sensor and one Motherboard one.

The BIOS reads them from the sensors and so do the programs.

[Garfield]

Okay, so you are just monitoring the temp of teh CPU. There is nothing to do with the temp of the motherboard. Okay, I understand. Thanks!

Garfield

[Maximus Nickus]

Yeah,


The motherboard sensor is really the case temp so it is useful.

Read it again to make sure you understand fully.

Hope I helped.

[Koooler King]

I have a followup question on this subject. If all I want to do is monitor the temp diode that is on-board the cpu, is there a software utility that can run in the background and display cpu temp in real time, say while running a benchmark program or just during normal use?

I realize such a method would not be as accurate or repeatable between different systems as would proper thermocouples, but it seems like it might be a reasonable method for comparing fans and heatsinks within a given system. Thanks.

Koooler King

PS: I'm assuming the "Motherboard Monitor" mentioned previously is only for the mobo thermocouple under the cpu case, unless it can read the cpu diode as well?

[Maximus Nickus]

I guess none of you have listened!

THe software will read either in real time updating every time u tell it to.

The Diode is more accurate as it is inside the CPU but no board widely available supports it.

Yes you can run it in real time!


Any more questions then ask!

[Garfield]

>> I guess none of you have listened! <<

Hey, I'm listening! :D

[Maximus Nickus]

lol

Nice to know i'm not being ignored!!!!

If your still confused then please don't hesistate to ask or PM me.



Nick

[PenguinBoy]

My question is, how can I monitor my temps if my MB does not have sensors? I'm guessing a thermocouple. Are there some how-tos on this subject somewhere?

[trdsw20]

The reason why you dont want to check the temps in the BIOS is because you really cant check stability or full load temps!
i think that when your computer is in the BIOS it usually is the coolest temps. If you dont get a program like MBM then the only way you can tell that your computer is stable or not is when it crashes and/or burns (<===thats not so good) so do yourself a favor and just go download the small program and install it

I had a piece of **** board and it came with no sensor too. There was a sensor chip and two joints that you could solder a sensor onto. I was too chicken to do that and i couldnt imagine a digital read out on the top of my desk or computer( too much hassle or to ugly) so I just bought a new board.

If you dont want to do that then you can get a device like digidoc or computer nurse. i think Newegg was having a sale on digidocs not to long ago