Check the Temperature of Your Laptop

Most computers already have a sensor to measure the internal temperature of your computer. However, often you don't have easy access to that information. The best way to get access is to download an app that will monitor the temperature for you. Once you've determined your computer's temperature, you may want to take steps to cool it down.

Steps

Checking the Temperature

1. Pick a software program or app. While some computers come with a way to check your laptop's internal temperature, most of the time, you'll need to download an app to access that information. You can choose from a variety of free and low-cost apps to download.
   • You can try apps like Real Temp, HWMonitor, Core Temp, and Speed Fan.
   • Most of these apps will work just fine. The choice just depends on if you want to pay or not, as well as what platform you prefer.
2. Download the software. Once you've picked an app out, you need to download it to your computer. Find the appropriate website for each app by putting the name in a search engine. Pick the main site for the app, and use it to download it to your computer.
   • To download an app, click the "Download" button on whatever app you've chosen. It should bring up a screen that will begin guiding you through the process.
3. Install the software. When the screen pops up, click "Run" on the installation process. If it doesn't pop up, you may need to find where the file downloaded on your computer and click on it to start the installation process. Follow the guidelines to install the program on the screen. If you don't know what settings to choose, stick with the default settings.
4. Run the app. Once you've got the app installed, all you need to do is click on the app and run it. Most of them will bring up a screen showing the internal temperature of your laptop. Some will also show the maximum temperature your laptop should reach, and you can even set some to warn you if your laptop gets too hot.
   • Most of the time, the max temperature is at boiling, 212 degrees Fahrenheit or 100 degrees Celsius. However, you should check your manual for the max temperature for your computer.
   • Nonetheless, your laptop should run below 122 degrees Fahrenheit or 50 degrees Celsius most of the time.

Ensuring Your Laptop Stays Cool

1. Set your cooling method to "active." Often, your laptop will be set to "passive" cooling when on battery to reserve power. However, if you're often overheating, you may want to change that to active. Go to your power options, which is in the control panel. Click "Change power settings" under the plan you want to change. Click "Change advanced power settings."
   • You may need to hunt a bit here. Look for titles such as "Processor power management" or "Power saver settings." Under those names, you should find a place to change your cooling to active.
2. Work in a cool environment. While it's not always feasible, try to work in places that aren't too hot. If you feel cool enough, it should be fine for your computer. You definitely shouldn't work in places above 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) if possible.
   • Having a fan turned towards your laptop can help.
3. Skip soft surfaces. When you place your laptop on a soft surface, such as pillow or blanket, it has a harder time circulating air properly. Your laptop should be on a flat, hard surface, such as a table or desk. Make sure nothing is blocking the fan vent.
   • If you must work on your lap, try using a laptop cooling pad or external fan.
4. Lower the energy required. If you make your laptop work on overdrive all the time, it's going to stay hotter. Try switching to battery-saving mode to help decrease your energy consumption and keep your computer running cooler.
   • Another way to lower your energy consumption is to simply unplug when you can, as many laptops automatically switch to a power-saver mode.
5. Clean your fans. When dust builds up in your fans and vents, they aren't as effective at cooling. To counteract that, you need to clean your fans from time to time. The easiest way is to turn off and unplug your computer. Puff air in the vents with canned air. Be sure to only use short puffs.
   • You can also use cotton swabs to swab out dust.
   • Another option is a computer vacuum, which sucks out dust.

Sources and Citations

See also

• Use a Laptop on a Sailboat
• Make Your Laptop Work Faster
• Tether Cellphone Internet to a Laptop
• Buy a Laptop
• Find the Model Number of an HP Laptop
• Clean a Laptop Keyboard
• Speed up Your Laptop
• Build a Laptop Computer
• Optimize Your Netbook
• Choose a Laptop

Read more ...