Computers serve multiple needs in our everyday life, for both work and home tasks, especially in the contemporary era of technological rise. Their immense use can sometimes cause them to malfunction, along with faults in their components, like CPUs, hard disks, fans, and more. Let us know “CPU Temperature Jumping Up And Down”
CPU Temperature Jumping Up And Down
Reasons behind CPU Temperature Jumping Up And Down. CPU is the main component of the computer as the name suggests. It can be regarded as the nucleus of the whole system, carrying out all the functions. Sometimes, due to several reasons, the CPU’s temperature may start to variate. It may be because of the room temperature being too high, dust particle buildup inside the CPU impacting ventilation and airflow causing a temperature rise. Certain programs that are too intensive for processing may vary the temperature of the CPU. Fault in the fans, which are responsible for cooling may also affect the temperature. There are several fixes for this problem.
Reasons for variation in CPU temperature
Room temperature
If the computer is being used in hot weather, with no air conditioning or even outside under direct sunlight, the temperature above 25 degrees Celsius can cause the steel/metal parts of the CPU to expand and overheat.
Dust
When dirt particles have amassed on the fans and near the surrounding parts of the computer, the fans will make a rattling noise as they cannot move as freely. Fans on the CPU will start malfunctioning due to the dirt and not allowing the heat to dissipate out of the CPU.
Blockage
There are grills located on the CPU that act as a window to dissipate the heat built up internally. If something is causing a blockage to the grills, which can be either dust particles, pieces of trash, or any such build-up, the heat will not be able to escape, causing risen temperature.
Replacing hardware components with new models
If the hardware inside the CPU, like a video card or the RAM, has been updated to newer models, these models are more efficient and thus create more heat, which your old CPU may not be able to dissipate properly.
Thermal paste
Every computer comes with an insulation material between the CPU’s processor and to connect it to the heat sink. If this material (thermal paste) is old, been dried out, it may not work as effectively to provide the insulation to keep the temperature in check.
Damaged fans
One major reason why the CPU temperature may vary is due to the damage attained by the fans. There could be many causes for the damage: the PC took a fall, something hit the CPU, the fans came damaged by the manufacturer, etc., thus not being able to get rid of the heat.
Extensive use of the processor
Certain files or software that you may have downloaded sometimes run too intensively on your computer, thus building up heat within. The fans then need to work more to get rid of the heat. Too much load on the CPU like this can cause higher temperatures.
To confirm this cause, you can take the following steps:
Go to the task manager on your computer
Open “App History” (of the heavy file you recently downloaded)
The data usage is displayed in MBs
Check if your usage through any applications is more than what you would expect
Overlocking
Sometimes, as we want programs to run more smoothly, users use overlocking, which is defined as increasing the speed and overall performance of the CPU. This can cause heat build-up inside the components, thus raising the temperature.
The temperature of the GPU (graphics processing unit)
The rise in temperature of the GPU can result in overall overheating, even in the CPU. If there is any fault in the GPU like this, it will further cause issues in the CPU temperature.
Problems with the GPU are usually due to the following:
The temperature increases in the graphics processor (the temperature should be between 65 to 85 degrees Celsius)
If the GPU conducts its operations faster within a second than the regular speed, which is called overclocking
If the GPU has been physically damaged
The most common cause is the raised temperature, which you can check by:
- Open the task manager on your computer
- Open the tab for performance
- When that tab is open, you will be able to see several options like GPU, memory, etc.
- Locate the GPU
- You will be able to see its performance and temperature right next to it
Virus
Sometimes, a virus can impact the activity of the CPU since it can mess with the storage and thus, heat dissipating activity. This can be identified if the temperature of the CPU is varying even when you are not using the applications or programs on your computer.
Solutions to control the temperature of the CPU
Adjust the room temperature
Since the high temperature of the room can cause overheating in the CPU, make sure to bring down the temperature to between 22 to 30 degrees Celsius with the help of air conditioning or avoid placing the CPU in the vicinity of direct sunlight.
Cleaning off the dust
Cleaning up the fans internally gets rid of the dust and thus, the varying temperature of the CPU
- You are required to open the CPU with screwdrivers
- Assess the buildup and which spots need to be cleaned
- Use a cloth made of microfiber to clean it up
- Grease up the fans
- Make sure you are cleaning all the fans inside the CPU
Dust on the grills of the CPU can also result in the same issue.
- Use the cloth to clean the grills from the inside out
- Make sure you do not place the CPU near a dust source
- Keep the CPU out of a cabinet to make sure it is successfully getting rid of the internal heat
Adjust airflow if new hardware models installed
If the CPU temperature rises after installing newer models of hardware components inside the CPU, cancel out that effect by getting more CPU fans for better airflow, a CPU with more ventilation grills, etc.
Reapply thermal paste
Thermal paste provides insulation and efficient heat transfer between processors and the heat sink. If the CPU temperature is not being regulated properly, you need to reapply the thermal paste.
Open the case of the CPU
Remove the processing chip and clean it with a cloth
Remove the heat sink and completely remove the thermal paste using isopropyl
Apply a minute amount of new thermal paste on the heat sink
Place back both components in the CPU and close the case
Delete intensive applications
Deleting the heavy files or at least making sure they are not running in the background might minimize heat production.
To stop activity in the background:
Access the task manager on your computer
- Access the process tab
- Choose the CPU option
- Select the end task option for the files/programs that consume the most task
- This will be clear via the percentage displayed in front of it
To delete the programs:
- Access the control panel of your computer from the windows icon on the bottom
- Open the programs and then choose the programs and features option
- Uninstall the heavy applications
Replace damaged fans
If the fans have been physically damaged, they need to be replaced. Moreover, sometimes the fans are not properly fastened which can cause overheating. Use a screwdriver to fasten them properly in place to maintain the airflow.
Adjust GPU temperature
As discussed above, the temperature of the GPU can rise and cause heat in the CPU. Once you have diagnosed this problem, the fix is:
Make sure you are not using heavy programs that run your GPU to over-perform
- Use applications to help you track your GPU temperatures
- Open your computer and clean out the dirt with a soft cloth, as it is also one of the causes of overheating
- Ensure that the fans for GPU are working properly
Additional cooling
You can manage and regulate the temperature of the CPU by adding more ways of ventilation and airflow; install more fans given the CPU case is big enough for it, invest in a CPU cooler or a liquid cooler.
Run a scan for a virus
This step can be the solution to all other issues, whether the computer or any device has a virus, and gets rid of the problem.
Open the configuration panel
- Go to “boots”
- Go to storage and delete all temporary files
- Then run the scan for a virus from whatever program you use
- Remove that virus by choosing the cleanup option
Conclusion
Now we have learnt about “CPU Temperature Jumping Up And Down”, Dealing with CPU temperature prohibits you to try any of the fixes above because one is simply not able to do it properly. Even if it can be fixed, it is always a good idea to take the computer to a technician who can expertly resolve all errors without causing damage to any other functionalities.
FAQs
- How much is the price to get my computer fans fixed by a technician?
USD 45 to even USD 200.
