Take Your PC's Temperature

If you are a gamer and pushing the limits of your CPU, chances are you've given some thought to how hot your PC gets. Even if you aren't, it sometimes doesn't hurt to check .

Apple offers a Temperature Monitor Widget, and for PCs there is Speedfan and Hmonitor. All will tell you what the temperature of your CPU is, among other things. A cooler CPU is a happy CPU that doesn't mysteriously reboot or crash.

Why do this? Because while most systems are equipped with a fan, and high-end PC towers are water-cooled, that doesn't mean temperature is never an issue. People often stick CPU towers in the cubbyhole provided with a desk, never realizing that there isn't a lot of air circulation in closed spaces -- but that's critical to cooling. Some people pile all kinds of things on their computers and cover the vents. If you use a thick book to raise your monitor, it's a good idea to check that.

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