Have you ever encountered a sudden system shutdown while immersed in a video game? Numerous factors could trigger this issue, but a prevalent cause is the CPU reaching unsafe temperatures. You might wonder, “How can I reduce CPU temperature?” At WePC, we’ve extensively tested various CPU and cooler combinations, giving us valuable insights into effective CPU cooling solutions.
This article remains current with the most recent CPU cooling techniques, taking into consideration Intel’s 14th generation CPUs, the latest in their lineup. However, opinions on these CPUs have been diverse, as highlighted in our 14900K review. Adequate CPU cooling is nearly as crucial as acquiring the CPU itself, as neglecting it can render your CPU inoperable or, worse, result in permanent damage to your hardware.
How to reduce CPU temps and keep them down
If you’re stuck for time, we’ve summarized a few actions you can take to lower your CPU temperatures. While we delve into each point in greater detail later on, this quick list provides a brief guide on how to decrease CPU temperature in 2023.
- Clean Your Computer: Dust and debris can accumulate inside your computer case, blocking airflow and causing components to overheat. Regularly clean your computer, especially the CPU cooler, and fans. Compressed air can be used to blow out dust.
- Improve Airflow: Ensure your computer case has proper airflow. Arrange cables to avoid blocking airflow, and make sure you have intake and exhaust fans. Consider adding additional case fans for better cooling.
- Upgrade CPU Cooler: If you’re using the stock CPU cooler that came with your processor, consider upgrading to an aftermarket cooler. High-quality coolers can provide better cooling performance.
- Thermal Paste Replacement: The thermal paste between the CPU and cooler can dry out over time. Applying fresh thermal paste can improve heat transfer and reduce temperatures.
- Undervolt the CPU: Undervolting reduces the amount of voltage supplied to the CPU, which can lower power consumption and subsequently reduce heat generation. Be cautious and ensure system stability when undervolting.
- Monitor and Control Fan Speed: Utilize software for monitoring and managing fan speeds, modifying fan curves to raise speed as the CPU temperature increases and lower it as the temperature decreases.
- Reduce Overclocking: Elevating the CPU temperature is a notable consequence of overclocking. If you’ve applied overclocking to your CPU, contemplate returning to its default settings or adopting a more conservative overclock to mitigate heat generation.