Monitoring Notebook Temps: nVidia & ATI, CPU, HDD - Do your temps worry you?

Do you want to monitor the CPU, HDD, and GPU temps in your computer??
Last Updated: 2009-04-26

Table of Contents

1. For GPU Temp monitoring: RivaTuner Guide - Video Tutorial
2. For GPU Temp monitoring: ATI Tray Tools
3. For All-in-One monitoring: CPU, HDD, GPU, etc. (for desktops and notebooks)
4. For CPU monitoring: CPU temp, usage, voltage, etc. (for desktops and notebooks)
5. For notebook specific monitoring: Notebook Hardware Control
6. What Temps are Good/Bad? Am I overheating?

For years, I have been more aware of the dangers of heat in PC systems (especially notebooks) because of recent posts and my own videocard overheating. Since a Clevo (as well as other ODMs and OEMs) does not supply us end-users with software level monitoring, I am glad that programs such as RivaTuner can get the job done by going low-level to detect and monitor our GPUs. Now I can monitor the GPU temps while gaming or benchmarking. (check out my examples at the end)

This guide is for those that want to know their notebooks temperatures (CPU, Hard Drive(s), and especially the video card). It will also be very useful for troubleshooting.

Therefore here is how to monitor your computer's temps

rivatuner RivaTuner - For the best GPU temp monitoring:
..... with the plugins, you can monitor the rest of your system (CPU, HDD, etc..)

Requirements:
- Windows 2000, Windows 2003 Server, Windows XP (32-bit and 64-bit), Windows Vista (32-bit.... and NOW 64-bit)
- a dedicated NVIDIA or ATI GPU (.... not integrated GPUs)
- Note: mobile nVidia cards seem to have a higher success rate for this guide... for ATI cards, try ATI Tray Tools
- And the latest RivaTuner (from Guru3d.com)

Video Tutorial:
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Note: this is the video version, the full high-definition shockwave navigation version guide will be up on Gophn.com

___________________________

What if your GPU temp is incorrect (too low or too high) ?!?
Note: you want to OFFSET the temp to get it a positive Core Temp.

Rule of thumb for GPU core temps that I have noticed is:

Note: all of the following is assuming at room temp (no Air Conditioning on)
At Idle (auto fan speed):
59-60 C Degrees

At Idle (fan speed at max... Clevo notebooks have this function):
48-52 C Degrees

(Temps at full load are varied on GPU type and notebook designs)

So OFFSET your GPU temp to get it near the Idle temps given.

The Main Point: is to know the limit of your GPU temp and to be aware if it gets beyond that point.

____________________________
Examples:

3DMark06 (monitoring GPU temp & Framerate enabled)


Unreal Tournament 2004 (only monitoring GPU Temp)


Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (only monitoring GPU Temp)


Note: The reason why I only enabled GPU Temp monitoring on UT2004 and Oblivion is because the Framerate wasn't detected, where value stayed at 0.0 FPS during gameplay. I'm not sure why, but its no big deal because these games already have built in FPS monitoring already through console commands.

_________________________________________________________________
atitray For GPU temp monitoring: (for ATI) ATI Tray Tools

ATI Tray Tools (latest is 1.6.9.1382)

• Description: freeware; great utility for ATI cards... from monitoring to overclocking
• 

_________________________________________________________________
allinone (Desktops and Notebooks) For All-In-One temp monitoring:

1. HWmonitor
   • Description: freeware; simple and great utility that does not even require installation.
   • 
   • .
2. SIW (System Information for Windows)
   • Description: freeware; simple and very powerful and feature rich utility that does not even require installation... great free alternative to Everest Ultimate
   • 
   • .
3. Everest (Home FREE Edition or Ultimate Edition)
   • Description: freeware (Home Edition) and Shareware (Ultimate Edition); very powerful and feature rich utility that gives detailed information about your system, as well having sensors for system monitoring
   • 
   • .
4. SpeedFan
   • Description: freeware; simple to use, simple interface. Its great for desktops... not so great for notebooks.
   • 
   • .

__________________________________

cpu (Desktops and Notebooks) For CPU temp monitoring:

1. RMclock
   • Description: freeware; simple and great utility that does not even require installation. Great for monitoring CPU temp, usage, voltage.... and even better for CPU undervolting.
   • 
   • .
2. Real Temp
   • Description: freeware; simple and great utility that does not even require installation. Great for monitoring supposedly all Intel CPUs and for custom throttling, like RMclock.
   • 
3. CoreTemp
   • Description: freeware; simple and great utility that does not even require installation. Great for monitoring CPU temps.
   • 

_________________________________________________________________

nhc Notebook Hardware Control - For CPU and Hard Drive temp monitoring:
Requirements:
- Windows 2000/XP and Vista (32-bit)
- Microsoft's .NET Framework Version 2.0
- And Notebook Hardware Control

This program has compatibility with all notebooks, including new Core 2 Duo's.
Note: make sure to remove older versions of NHC before installing a newer version.




You can monitor CPU temps, HDD temps, Battery Life, CPU clock speed, as well as configure videocard power settings.

There is no guide needed for this program since it is very simple to use. If you want a guide made, just ask me and I'll update this post.

Note: For those that have certain notebooks (pre-2006 or with desktop CPU's):

NHC 1.10 b3 (nhc_1.10_beta03.zip)
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=A6876NN1
http://rapidshare.com/files/92698127/nhc_1.10_beta03.zip.html

_________________________________________________________________

dangertemps What temps are good or bad? Are you overheating?

Idle temperatures are varied in most notebooks. The reasoning behind this is due to their different thermal designs and low-level programming for fans.

Danger zone (high) temperatures are pretty standard due to manufactures low-level specifications of usage. Danger temps are set to downclock the component such as the CPU or GPU in order to cool the component down enough to prevent overheating

Here are temperatures for specific components when they enter the danger zone.:

CPU danger temperature is around 75-85C (check the CPU's specifications)
GPU danger temperature is around 90-95C
HDD danger temperature is around 60-65C

Threshold temperatures are also pretty standard once again due to the reasons specified under the danger zone temperatures. These temperatures are the most dangerous to a system, in which permanent hardware damage can be incurred if the user does not remedy the heat issue during which time the user is experiencing temperatures within the danger zone. Systems that have a component that reaches threshold temperatures will usually crash or shutdown when the temperature peaks.

CPU threshold temperature is around 90-100C (and above)
GPU threshold temperature is around 100-105C (and above)
HDD threshold temperature is varied, but above 65C is bad

Safe temperatures are temperatures are basically any temperature below the danger zone temperatures. Even a 5C-10C difference is ok as long as it stays below the danger zone temperatures.

If it is not a new system when a it enters the danger zone, it is a red flag to do some serious cleaning of dust from the vents and fans (guide below) or to be aware that you may be blocking vents on the bottom or side, which is restricting the airflow. Only use notebooks on hard, flat, clean surfaces. Never use a notebook on a lap, couch, bed, or other soft surfaces.

If it is a new notebook and it is reaching danger zone or threshold temperatures it is recommended you contact the vendor of your notebook.

There are a few systems that may be close to danger zone temperatures, due to their thermal design (or lack of). These systems will benefit with any extra cooling, for example a cooler like the Zalman ZM-NC1000/NC2000
.... check out the: Notebook Coolers : A Buyers Guide

What can I do to make my system cooler?
Also I highly recommend to visit the NBR Cooling Central for more in-depth information on keeping your system nice and cool.


Hope this helps,

Game On People,
-Gophn

 

Awesome tutorial Gophn, I'll be testing this on my own Clevo (which I have never been able to see the GPU temperature on before).

You might want to resize those two large pictures so we don't have to horizontally scroll. I have a 1280x1024 screen and they extend about 1/3 out of my browser.

Thanks for taking the time and effort to put this together.

EDIT: Hm, I don't have the magnifying glass option unfortunately :-\ Any ideas?

 

thanks for the suggestion, fixing it now

 

Chaz,

I'm not sure why you have that option missing. Your notebook has ATI R410 (X700) in it. It should be compatible with RivaTuner. It might be drivers.

If its not Drivers, then I would try the previous release:

RivaTuner 2.0 RC 15.8

-Gophn

 

I dont have the magnifying glass button either, Chaz. Maybe the x700 in the Clevos is really lacking a temp sensor.

 

If that was to be the case, then that would.. suck!!

But that is highly probable if more than one person with the same notebook has the same result.

Sorry I couldnt help any further.

 

Chaz and I have speculated that the clevo x700 doesnt have a temperature sensor before. We've both tried quite a few methods with no success.

 

Now I guess its not a speculation, RivaTuner is supposed to get as low-level as it can get.... for OC'ing, monitoring, fan control, etc.

Sorry guys, I am a bad quitter until I know that nothing else can be done.

 

It sucks. But lets see what else chaz might say before I abandon even more hope

 

UPDATE: The icon should still be there, because even if you do not have a temp sensor, you should at least be able to monitor framerate, core clocks, memory clocks, etc.

I am trying to figure out what is the in compatiblity through Guru3D right now.

Others have had similar issues and need to add a command line to the executable.

I hate quitting.

 

Heh heh, keep us posted then! I'm far too tired right now to try

Its 3AM here!

 

It unfortunate that there is no cpu tool out there to show the speed and temp by core and also the hdd temps individually. mobmeter is the only one i know that will do it and its aging fast....hopefully the guys at notebook hardware control will come up with something now that the dual cores have made it mainstream...

 

stupid reason for not wanting to talk to me... about RivaTuner issue with missing hardware monitoring option.

Quote from Guru3D rep: "Mobile chips are not supported."

Geez. So I am tryin to get a PM thing going with one of the original programmers about this now.

In the mean time...
Chaz, TwilightVampire, or any other Sager 5320 owner:

Try to downgrade to older drivers because thats what I was noticing with mine while I was playing with it, I used newest LaptopVideo2Go drivers were experience Rivatuner not detecting my GPU.

Keep me posted, and I'll do the same.

-Gophn

 

I'm using the Catalyst 6.3 Omega suite, they're not that new and I have not updated for some time because I can't overclock with any newer ones.

I'm going to download the older version of RivaTuner and see if that works - probably won't work, but quitting is not my game either.

 

Older version of Riva doesnt work either. I'm on the Omega 6.3's for the same reasons you are, Chaz.

 

That's a shame. I think we can sadly conclude that the Clevo M560A/Sager NP5320 lacks a temperature sensor on the GPU.
On a side note, I believe there is a new version of ATT out there but I haven't tried/looked for it yet; the only reason I would install it is to be able to jump to a newer release of video drivers and be able to overclock. One of these days I'll give it a go when I am bored enough . .

 

Try official Catalyst 6.5 and below drivers. (supposedly the new RivaTuner build incorporated them.)

And use the lastest RivaTuner 2.0 RC 16.

Now i want to have a 5320 in front of me, would make things much simpler to test with.

Thanks for the continuing efforts.

-Gophn

P.S. I am working with the scripting for RivaTuner now, trying to figure out the commands and soft-mods through it.

 

Great article Gophn.

This worked with my 5760 running a 7900GTX. Although it reports a -154C temp. I suppose I need to use the offset option?

 

I would offset the temp by adding 100 C degrees.

If you are at idle, you card should be similar to mine.... which is around 50-55C.

If I put my fans to max (Fn+F2), it goes down to about 45-47C.

During heavy gaming (ex. Oblivion, Ghost Recon) it goes up to 80C.. with fans on max.

Hope this helps to give you the idea of the temps,

-Gophn

 

Whoops sorry my math wasnt good in the last post.

you want to offset the temp to get it into the positive Temp.

So since you have -154 C, you want to offset by adding 200 C...
therefore making it +46C.

46 C degrees is more like the idle temp.

I said 100 last time, sorry, didnt double check.

Hope the helps,
-Gophn

 

Update: For folks that have installed RivaTuner and DO NOT see the Hardware Monitoring icon, it is very possible that that particular video card might not be fully supported... especially when its a mobile videocard because the manufacturer might have stripped certain sensors and monitoring options. Its unfortunate if you have a videocard that isnt fully supported, but RivaTuner has many more functions than what I have shown here, especially fan control speeds for those that don't own Clevo notebooks (which has a Fn+F2 command to max the fans speeds).

For good news, here are some snapshots that I have taken while playing Battlefield 2142 Demo. You can see that RivaTuner temp monitor on top left of screen.





Game On People,
-Gophn

P.S. I am still working with RivaTuner to figure out more useful things to make guides for.

 

Ok took some suggestions, and modified the guide to include Startup options for easy monitoring with ease.

Please give me feedback if it still needs work.

Thanks,
-Gophn

 

UPDATE

RivaTuner 2.0 RC16.1 released!
Details of this new update

a lot of new updates, compatibilities, and fixes

If you had issues with the recent release, then try this out.

-Gophn

 

Just to report this doesn't fly for ATI mobility x1800 cards. Simply not recognized in Rivatuner.

 

Let me get my hands on a notebook with an X1800 in it and i'll find out. I'm going to ask some friends to borrow theirs.

Its usually drivers that are too new that sometimes cause RivaTuner to not pick up the hardware.

 

Running 8.23

 

Yep, i have the same problem with my X1800. I have tried Rivatuner, but it just doesn't want to pick the temperature out. Its the same as Chaz, with the little icon not being displayed. I have also tried Everest and some others and they didn't piuck anything up either.

 

I'm discovering that RivaTuner has more compatiblity with nVidia cards than ATI... especially when we are talking about mobile GPUs.

 

Yes, your probably right Gophn. Its probably because now adays Nvidia has more cards on the market than Ati. But has anybody tried Rivatuner with any other cards, except the X700 and the X1800?

 

it would be nice to have feedback from everyone that has tried this guide, regardless if its ATI or nVidia. I know that approx a genuine 800 have read this guide.

 

Hey Gophn,
I finally got around to giving this a shot. I'll give you some input on how the go 7600 fares with Riva Tuner as I play with it and figure it out a little more. I also had -130-135C so I've offset by 190 & 200 so far.

BTW, great little guide you got there. Very helpful.

 

Thanks Chris, I was thinking that this guide was being of no use to many in this forum.

I guess I'll update it since the RivaTuner 2.0 final is out.

 

I'm actually very glad you pointed this out. This is the only utility so far that has given me a GPU temperature reading for my go 7600. I was losing hope of ever being able to see it .

It is odd, though, to see it start off at -130+C though. I've currently set the offset at +200C, so it's idle temperature is about 64C.

With gaming/overclocked, It seems to go up to 83C max and hit a ceiling there. I thought I'd get higher temperatures based on the figures I've seen posted around the forums. I guess it's the offset that's throwing me off...

Still learning and working with it though...

 

Your temps seem fine. Idle with power plugged in should run the GPU around 60 C degrees. I have tried this on many notebooks, when there is no need to offset (like in my notebook), i always see idle temps around 60 C degrees... then the GPU fan starts up.

As for the peak temps, its varied from GPU to GPU... even if they are the same (but with different BIOS versions). I am about to uncover this strange phenomenon with 7800 GTX's, some people claim that it downclocks when it hits the 80 C degree ceiling, while my 7800 GTX does not downclock until it hits 100 C degrees. All in Clevo's with 7800 GTX that people have told me.... strange indeed. I am looking at modular videocard firmware versions right now.

RivaTuner is a great tool since it dives low-level into GPUs. There is so much more functionality that I have yet to post or learned about.

-Gophn

 

Note: RivaTuner doesnt work on Radeon Xpress 200M like it does in the tutorial.

Edit: The hardware manager says my hard drive is 46 degrees, is that normal?

 

Sorry, Rivatuner does not work with integrated video, especially ones that dont have dedicated memory.

the harddrive temp can normally get that warm, you should set the Power Options
- Turn off Harddrive: After 5 or 10 minutes

this should keep your harddrive in better shape, and last longer when it is not being used to spin down its speed.... causing less heat.

 

Hello there

ATI x1300 mobility is also not supported by Riva Tuner,that's all I have to say .
Does anybody know which program could monitor this GPU temperature

 

RivaTuner is meant to only monitor desktop videocards, notebook videocards are stripped down versions of desktop videocards.

The mobile nVidia cards seem to have the most success with RivaTuner.

As for mobile ATI cards, the best chance you have, if any, is with ATI Tool.

But from most notebook owners with ATI videocards, the temp monitoring is not available since the sensor for use with monitoring tools is missing.

 

Oh that sucks. I tried it anyway but RivaTuner doesn't work with my ATI X1600. Oh well.
=(

Quick question: What temperature is considered too hot for a HD and a CPU?

 

Thibault, you can always upgrade your videocard to a 6800/7800GTX/7900GTX/7950GTX when you want, although they run for about $400-500.

your CPU should never really get past 70C degrees since the system should cool it down around 55-60C degrees at max load.

your HDD should idle around 35C degrees, i havent seen mine go past 45C degrees for about a year now.

 

I can upgrade my video card >.<
Well I don't have any plans to do so in the near future but I'll probably consider it someday.

Well my HDD idles in the low 40 degree C. My CPU isn't a problem it hasn't gone over 40 yet.

 

I tried running Riva Tuner and it wouldn't work for me either. Im using the
Radeon Omega Drivers 3.8.330 (Catalyst 7.1). Guess I'll try it for my desktop though.

By reading what Chaz and TwilightVampire say there is now way to monitor the temps of the X700. Is this correct?

 

Gophn...thanks for the article and all the information. It is very much appreciated. Unfortunately Im not a high tech computer guru like a lot of others on this forum.

I just downloaded NHC. I understand the basics as far as the temp monitoring and all. I havent changed any settings in the software. Perhaps you can make a basic guide as far as the settings are concerned if anything needs to be changed. ie under CPU Speed settings Dynamic Switching is selected for both AC and battery power. I have no idea what dynamic switching is. Also, under ACPI, CPU temp warning is set to 80C, and CPU temp shutdown at 95C. Are those settings appropriate for all laptops in general, or does it depend on the spec of the PCU? Also, every now and then the green bars on the bottom right will jump from green to red and the 1.73GHz goes back and forth to 800 MHz. Is that normal?

 

you can leave it on Dynamic Switching (its default), which means that when its on battery (there will be a performance/battery balance), then if plug it into power plug (there will be max performance)

thats normal, those bars are showing the CPU load at any given time, I found that to be a bit annoying so I disabled it in NHC, I just wanted to know the CPU temp in my taskbar and batterylife only.

NHC is a very customizable program, I was thinking of updating my guide to cover the basics, but the program already makes it very simple to figure out.

Hope this helps,
-Gophn

 

I'm using G1. What kind of temp is unsafe for CPU, HD and GPU?

 

most of the comments and experiences from others that monitor their notebooks shows:

CPU: (varied, depending on type)
- although your CPU should never go past 70 C degrees

GPU: (varied, depending on type)
- GPU can get extremely hot, but has internal thermal control to downclock if it reaches a specific temp.
- i have seen people get downclocked at 80-85 C degrees, and up to 100C degrees (which is what my GPU's threshold temp is)

HDD: (varied, but usually stable)
- usually stays warm (up to 45-50C degrees) during use.
- should set the Power Options to turn off HDD after 10-15min of idle.

 

Ok thanks. My CPU does go slightly above 70. GPU and HDD as per you mentioned.

 

Hi, I tried using the Notebook Hardware Control program on Vista Home Premium (32-bit version), and I even downloaded the patch for Core 2 Duo CPUs. Once I tried to open the program, I got the blue screen, and I had to do a System Restore on Safe Mode to remove the program. Is there a reason why? Are there any alternatives to NHC? RivaTuner worked fine, though.

 

NHC is not working on Win Vista. Not yet.

 

hey i tried this today and it works great. One question though...if the program reports that it its too hot will it automatically tell windows to shut off? I say this because i was playing supreme commander today with this thing on to monitor and 20 minutes in it shut off and restarted on its own with the fans on max speed. This game never caused this to happen before today. Just wondering what caused that to happen.