Skip to Content

How To Check Your Motherboard’s Temperature (Try THIS First!)

It’s a well-known fact that the motherboard is one of the essential parts of a computer. After all, it’s the board that connects everything on your computer. If the motherboard isn’t happy, nothing will work as it should.

How To Check the Temperature of a Motherboard?

The best way to check and monitor the temperature of your motherboard is by using software monitoring tools such as HWMonitor for Windows, smcFanControl for Mac, or third-party programs. You should aim to keep your motherboard temperature under 176°F (80°C).

Some motherboards have built-in temperature sensors that give you a real-time temperature reading. If your motherboard doesn’t have this feature, you can buy a separate sensor that will plug into one of the motherboard’s headers.

Here are the most popular ways to monitor the temperature of your motherboard:

  • Use software to check the temperature of your motherboard. Windows 10 has a built-in sensor monitoring tool called HWMonitor
  • There are also third-party programs available that will work just as well. A great example is the Open Hardware Monitor. It’s free, open-source, and works with many sensors. I have used it for years, and it’s never let me down.
  • For Mac users, there is a program called smcFanControl. It’s not as feature-rich as Open Hardware Monitor, but it gets the job done.
  • Linux users have a few different options available to them. One is lm-sensors, which is a command-line utility. If you’re looking for something with a graphical interface, CoreTemp is a good option.

Once you have installed one of these programs, you’ll need to open it up and find the sensor that monitors your motherboard’s temperature. It’s usually under the label “motherboard” or “system temperature.”

Look at the reading and see if falls within the safe range. If not, you’ll need to take some steps to cool down your computer.

Some tips to keep your computer from overheating include:

  • Increase the airflow in your case by ensuring that you have no unnecessary obstructions between the intake fans on the front of your case and the exhaust fans at the back. 
  • Ensure that all the fans are working correctly and operating efficiently.
  • Another way to cool down your motherboard is to water-cool it, which uses water as a cooling medium instead of air. This process will require installing new components in your PC. 

Checking the temperature of your motherboard is essential to ensuring it’s running correctly. By taking preventative measures, you can avoid damaging your motherboard and keep your computer running smoothly for years to come.

What Is a Good Temperature for Your Motherboard?

A good temperature range for most motherboards is between 0 and 176°F (-17.77-80°C). However, each motherboard is different, so it’s essential to consult your manual to see what the manufacturer recommends.

However, anything above the 176°F mark is cause for concern, and you should take measures to cool down your motherboard as soon as possible.

To do this, you can try adding more case fans or replacing your existing fans with higher-quality ones. You can also try installing a water-cooling system.

If you’re still having trouble keeping your motherboard cool, you may need to consider changing your computer’s components.

For example, if you have a powerful graphics card, it might be putting extra strain on your motherboard and causing it to overheat. In this case, you might need to upgrade your motherboard to a newer model.

Also, remember that room temperature can impact your motherboard’s temperature. If it’s too hot, try to keep your computer in a cooler environment. This might mean opening a window or using a fan to cool down your room.

By taking the necessary precautions, you can avoid damaging your motherboard and keep your computer running smoothly for years to come.

How Often Should You Check Your Motherboard’s Temperature?

You should check your motherboard’s temperature at least once a week to ensure it’s running correctly. However, if you notice that your computer is running hot, crashing unexpectedly, or lagging, you should check it more often.

There are no hard and fast rules about how often to check your motherboard’s temperature. The idea is to use your best judgment.

For example, if you live in a hot climate and your computer is running hot, you should check it more often.

On the other hand, if you live in a cold environment and your computer is running cool, you can probably get away with checking it less often.

If your PC is part of a server room, you should have a system that monitors the temperature and humidity levels. This way, you’ll be alerted if there is a problem.

I check the temperature on my gaming rig after every gaming session. If I notice it’s running hot, I’ll take measures to cool it down.

How To Check Motherboard Temperature Without Software?

To check the temperature of your motherboard without software, all you need is an IR thermometer. This device uses infrared technology to measure temperature and will accurately read your computer’s internal temperatures. 

Point the thermometer at your motherboard or laptop’s keyboard and press the trigger to use it. The thermometer will give you a reading in degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius.

These devices can be found online or at your local hardware store for around $20.

Be careful not to touch any of your PC’s internal components during this process. When powered on, your motherboard has lots of electricity running over it.

Touching your motherboard or any PC components could seriously hurt you and damage your PC. If you’re not experienced, then take your PC to a professional and have them check your motherboard temps for you.



If you have any questions, or just want to hang with me, follow me on Twitch here. Also, for streaming tips and how to’s make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel here.

đź‘‹ Hey There, I'm Eric!

Since 2018, I've been making streams come true.

I like gaming, streaming and watching other people stream. I created this website to help streamers, viewers, and gamers answer questions they have regarding live streaming, gaming, and PCs. I am a Twitch affiliate and currently stream on Twitch 3 days a week. I also have a Youtube channel where I make videos about streaming. I hope you find my content helpful. Feel free to stop by one of my streams to say hi.