Core Temp for Windows

Name: Core Temp
Rating: 2.5 (48 reviews)
Author: ALCPU

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Used Core Temp for Windows? Share your experience and help other users.

Key Details of Core Temp

Lightweight CPU temperature monitoring tool
Last updated on July 28, 2025
There have been 1 updates
Virus scan status:
Clean (it’s extremely likely that this software program is clean)

Editors’ Review

Download.com staffJuly 28, 2025

Core Temp is a compact and reliable free program designed to monitor CPU temperature and vital system information in real time. It reads data directly from each processor core’s Digital Thermal Sensor (DTS), delivering precise temperature readings. The tool allows users to keep track of thermal performance and prevent overheating-related issues.

The software is widely used by PC enthusiasts, gamers, and professionals concerned with system stability. Core Temp is lightweight, easy to install, and compatible with most modern CPUs. It’s especially useful for users running intensive tasks like gaming, video editing, or virtual machines, where overheating can impact performance and system longevity.

Focused, accurate, and efficient utility

Core Temp provides real-time temperature readings for each core of AMD, Intel, and VIA processors. Its interface is clean and focused, showing temperatures, load percentages, and processor frequencies in a straightforward layout. However, the user interface is very basic and can feel outdated. Additionally, it’s limited to CPU monitoring only, lacking broader system insights such as GPU temperatures or fan speeds that other tools might offer.

The software is popular with gamers, overclockers, and users running demanding applications like video editors or virtual machines. It helps them ensure their CPUs stay within safe thermal limits. While plug-in support extends functionality, it lacks GPU and system-wide sensor tracking. It also faces occasional compatibility issues with very new CPUs, which can limit its usefulness for users with the latest hardware configurations.

While it is highly functional, there are alternative programs for users seeking broader system monitoring. Tools such as HWMonitor, Speccy, and Open Hardware Monitor provide more detailed hardware insights, including GPU temperatures, fan speeds, and voltage levels. Despite these limitations, this program remains a preferred choice for users who prioritize accurate CPU thermal monitoring and want a lightweight, no-frills solution that does exactly what it promises with minimal system impact.

Pros
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Accurate core-specific temperature readings
- Supports most modern CPUs
- Offers plug-in and logging capabilities
Cons
- Basic user interface
- Limited to CPU monitoring only
- No GPU or system-wide sensor tracking
- Occasional compatibility issues with very new CPUs

Bottom Line

Reliable, simple, and purpose-built monitoring

Core Temp is a reliable and focused utility that delivers what it promises—real-time monitoring of CPU core temperatures. Its lightweight footprint, compatibility with a wide range of CPUs, and straightforward interface make it a go-to choice for users seeking accurate thermal data. While it lacks broader hardware insights, its precision, stability, and ease of use continue to earn trust among tech enthusiasts and professionals alike.

What’s new in version 1.18.1

Fix: Do not display TDP and TjMax for Zen and Zen+ CPUs
Fix: Incorrect BCLK on legacy (Pre-Zen) AMD CPUs
Fix: Check for updates feature

Core Temp for Windows

Download now

Used Core Temp for Windows? Share your experience and help other users.

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: April 23, 2020

Latest update: July 28, 2025

Version: 1.18.1

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows XP
Windows 8
Windows 8.1
Windows 7
Windows 10
Windows Vista
Windows 2003

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 602,453

Downloads Last Week: 32

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Program available in other languages

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Last Updated

User Reviews

2.5/5

48 User Votes

Still the best temp low CPU monitor software
jcraft1September 20, 2015
Pros
Works great now Windows 10 also, you just have to set it to show the readings of your choice on the taskbar, through the settings of the app after install - as Windows 8 and 10 no longer supports the Gadget interface. Also, your "Free" usage of this app has to be paid through advertising, so just pay attention during the install process, otherwise, you cant blame anyone but yourself. Or you can go to Compucraft Computers .com or net, click on the free software page and get a less infested installer! You cant even get a cleaner one directly from the publisher!
Cons
Installer will load you up with PUP's if you don't pay attention during the install process. The publisher has to get paid for the software through advertisings.
Summary
WARNING - Read User Ratings - 100% Malware - A Trojan
Ian-92263July 26, 2015
Pros
NONE AT ALL
Cons
Full of VERY difficult to remove self-installing and self-replicating malware. Don't fool around with this one at all.
Summary
To CNET: How have you not caught on to this and are still offering this junk to unsuspecting users. Will be difficult for me to view CNET as a trusted source again. Some of the user warnings here regarding CoreTemp appear to be submitted over a year ago, but you are still offering it. Previously CoreTemp was a good program but now just essentially a carrier for malware.
DON'T install this ... you WILL regret it.
Pont_RoyalJuly 23, 2015
Pros
At some point CoreTemp became a mule for adware of the type that once installed you're in deep trouble. Forget about simply removing it with the usual methods; this is truly nasty stuff.
Cons
No exaggeration ... anyone other than a medium to experienced user who installs this might end up thinking of doing a clean install of their OS as the only way to get rid of all the self-installing adware.
Summary
By itself Core Temp is great. The installer however will ruin your day. DON'T DO IT! There are other gadgets that give the same info but unfortunately are not as well designed as Core Temp, but as of now it needs cleaned up. At this point I'm using HWMonitor which is terrific. Will go back to Core Temp if I get word that it's clean.
BEWARE Loaded with adware/malware
Brain_DrainJuly 23, 2015
Pros
Previous experience good. Well designed and effective gadget.
Cons
Very deceptive install process meant to load up infinite amount of crap. Even as an experienced user taking great care to avoid any add-ons, I ended with both Chrome and IE getting hijacked and so many problems that machine became useless.
Summary
Had just installed new HD on laptop. Previous experience with Core Temp was good. You'll notice right off how deceptive the install process as it attempts to trick you in to installing crap. Even with great care I ended up with a FLOOD of crap that I could not remove. Eventually used 'Restore' to solve problem, and even then had to remove remnants of adware. Both Chrome and IE got hijacked by this stuff. Wasted hours in removing everything. Too bad as this is a great gadget and previous experience was good. At this point I would not touch it at all until I was 100% certain that it is safe to install. Very bad experience ... and just after I had installed a new HD ... Damn!
Deny ALL adware
andrew.boss.71January 30, 2015
Pros
Does exactly what it says it does
Cons
Comes with adware, which could be potential malware. DENY or SKIP ALL the free software it comes with.
Summary
I just downloaded this yesterday, it's fine as long as you skip or refuse all the free additional software as you are installing Core Temp. I accidentally accepted BoBrowser but skipped all the others. I recently uninstalled BoBroswer (you have to uncheck "all application to run" in the icons portion on the right-hand side in order to uninstall it successfully, otherwise it will say that a window is open and cannot be uninstalled) so it shouldn't be an issue any more, since BoBrowser itself isn't malicious. Ignore all the drama queens on this sight. If you accept the adware, then yes- you will have problems. Otherwise, it's a very handy tool.
WARNING: Installer is Malware
MarcusCaspiusJanuary 3, 2015
Pros
Was great - now I hate!
Cons
The installer installs a truck load of junk onto your PC that you cannot get remove.
Summary
It's terrible.
Do not install this program !
tbgoogDecember 16, 2014
Pros
none. the old version of the prog is gone and the new owner turned it into malware heaven !
Cons
WARNING: DO NOT INSTALL THIS PROGRAM !! I downloaded cpu temp from http://www.alcpu.com/CoreTemp/ and I got a whole lot junkware on my system: a bobrowser and a magic program called hpui.exe that restarted automatically when killed.... unbelievable ! There are only two programs that can remove this junk from your system: anti-malware bytes mamba and adwcleaner. good luck !! try to avoid this headache if you can.
Summary
This is junk, junk, junk. Stay away from it.
classical example of crapware
User881November 3, 2014
Pros
none, trust me.
Cons
1. CNET Editors' Rating 5.0 stars Spectacular. WTF?! 2. lol at dudes (most likely one) trying to explain in comments, that you can opt out from malware. ye, you can, just opt not to install this.
Summary
afik - i will not download anything else from cnet.com, and will recommend other people to do the same and stay out from spectacular 5 star crapware with free offerings.
Do not install. It contains a Trojan horse
jorgecalderOctober 7, 2014
Pros
I did not even install it
Cons
Even though I downloaded this app directly from alcpu.com, AVG AntiVirus says the setup file contains the MalSign.Generic.2E0 AVG states "Trojan horse Generic is a malicious application that allows hackers to remotely access you computer system letting them modify files, steal personal information and install more unwanted software."
Summary
Do NOT install. It contains MalSign.Generic.2E0
Bundled with MALWARE
DigitalBladeSeptember 21, 2014
Pros
None, no good developer that will bundle it with malicious software. It might have been good without the malware, but that's irrelevant.
Cons
It installs YTDownloader (for which there is no option to opt out under advanced install - you can opt out of other seemingly harmless ones (which I did). It takes over your browsers (changes home page/search engine EVEN after you try to switch back), makes multiple changes to registry, creates scheduled tasks to auto re-install if you uninstall it, and is just an all-around nightmare to clean up. DO NOT INSTALL the .exe version
Summary
DO NOT INSTALL. Too bad there's no way to report to CNET, having "CNET Secure Download" for this is misleading

Developer’s Description

By ALCPU

Monitor your processor temperature via a graph at the bottom of the gadget.

The original Core Temp Gadget, brought to you by Core Temp's developer, Arthur Liberman. Monitor your processor temperature, load, frequency and VID settings with a visual representation via a graph at the bottom of the gadget. Settings: - Adjust the zoom to change the size of the gadget. - Show or hide the graphs and text fields. - Graphs can display core load or core temperatures. - Select colors for the cores. Colors can be selected automatically or manually, a different color per core or a single color for all the cores. By clicking on the resize button (dock/undock in Vista) you can quickly show or hide the graphs. Uninstalling the gadget: 1. Close all instances of the Gadget. 2. In Vista - Restart Windows or Kill the "sidebar.exe" process by using the Task Manager. In Windows 7 - Right click Desktop, View, uncheck "Show Desktop Gadgets". 3. Start Sidebar again from the Desktop context menu (right click Desktop). 4. Uninstall the Core Temp Gadget.

Core Temp for Windows

Key Details of Core Temp

Editors’ Review

Focused, accurate, and efficient utility

Pros

Cons

Bottom Line

Reliable, simple, and purpose-built monitoring

What’s new in version 1.18.1

Core Temp for Windows

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User Reviews

Still the best temp low CPU monitor software

WARNING - Read User Ratings - 100% Malware - A Trojan

DON'T install this ... you WILL regret it.

BEWARE Loaded with adware/malware

Deny ALL adware

WARNING: Installer is Malware

Do not install this program !

classical example of crapware

Do not install. It contains a Trojan horse

Bundled with MALWARE

Developer’s Description