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Key Details of Core Temp

  • Lightweight CPU temperature monitoring tool
  • Last updated on
  • There have been 1 updates
  • Virus scan status:

    Clean (it’s extremely likely that this software program is clean)


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Core Temp 0/1

Editors’ Review

Download.com staff

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 However, the user interface is very basic and can feel outdated.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


Explore More


Full Specifications

GENERAL
Release
Latest update
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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User Reviews

2.5/5

48 User Votes


Developer’s Description

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.

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