show cpu temp linux

Guri Bee

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21-10-2024

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Keeping Cool: How to Monitor CPU Temperature on Linux

Overheating can be a serious problem for your computer's hardware, especially for the CPU. Thankfully, Linux provides several easy ways to monitor your CPU temperature and ensure it stays within safe limits. This article will guide you through the process, using examples from real user questions and answers found on GitHub.

1. Using sensors command

This is one of the most common methods for checking CPU temperature on Linux.

Question (from GitHub): "How to check the temperature of my CPU?"

Answer (from GitHub): "The sensors command will display the temperature of your CPU and other hardware components. You may need to install it first using your distribution's package manager (e.g., sudo apt install lm-sensors on Debian/Ubuntu)."

Explanation:

The sensors command accesses data from the system's hardware monitoring chip (usually called "LM-Sensors"). This data includes CPU temperature, fan speeds, voltage readings, and more.

Example:

$ sudo sensors
coretemp-isa-0000
  Core 0: +45.0°C  (high = +90.0°C, crit = +100.0°C)
  Core 1: +44.0°C  (high = +90.0°C, crit = +100.0°C)
  Core 2: +44.0°C  (high = +90.0°C, crit = +100.0°C)
  Core 3: +43.0°C  (high = +90.0°C, crit = +100.0°C)

This output shows the temperature of each CPU core, along with critical temperature thresholds.

2. Utilizing lm-sensors

Question (from GitHub): "I can't find CPU temperature readings with sensors. What should I do?"

Answer (from GitHub): "You need to run sudo sensors-detect first to detect and configure your hardware monitoring chip. This will usually add necessary entries to your /etc/sensors.conf file."

Explanation:

lm-sensors is a software package that provides tools for interacting with your system's hardware monitoring chips. sensors-detect is a script that helps you find and configure these chips.

Example:

$ sudo sensors-detect
...
  New chip 'coretemp' found: 'Intel Core Temperature' driver added.
  Found k10temp-isa-0000 at 0x00000478 (ISA bus)
  New chip 'k10temp' found: 'AMD K10 Temperature' driver added.
...

Running sensors-detect will update the system's configuration, enabling you to use sensors effectively.

3. Monitoring with htop

Question (from GitHub): "Is there a way to view CPU temperature alongside other system metrics?"

Answer (from GitHub): "You can use the htop utility, which shows real-time system information, including CPU temperature. Install it with your package manager (e.g., sudo apt install htop)."

Explanation:

htop is a versatile interactive process viewer for Linux. It displays various system information, including CPU usage, memory utilization, and even CPU temperature.

Example:

Open htop and navigate to the "Sensors" tab. This tab usually displays the CPU temperature along with other readings.

4. Additional Tips

• Understanding Temperature Thresholds: Pay attention to the critical temperature threshold (usually indicated with "crit") for your CPU. Exceeding this value can lead to performance degradation or even hardware damage.
• Cooling Solutions: If your CPU is consistently running hot, consider investing in a better CPU cooler or improving your PC's airflow.
• Software Optimization: Some software can be resource-intensive and contribute to CPU heating. Optimize your system by closing unnecessary programs or using lighter alternatives.

Conclusion:

Monitoring your CPU temperature is crucial for maintaining system health and stability. The tools and methods described above allow you to easily track your CPU's temperature and take action if necessary. By staying vigilant and implementing proper cooling solutions, you can ensure your computer runs smoothly and efficiently. Remember to consult your CPU's documentation for specific temperature limits.