[SOLVED] - Should I be worried about my CPU reaching 78 degrees Celsius under maximum load? (2024)

jovicajova,

On behalf of Tom's Moderator Team, welcome aboard!

There's a lot of variables involved in processor temperatures, so when discussing this topic we need to be very specific.

• Please define "maximum load".

Most users have their own ideas about what "maximum load" of "full load" might be, but we need to keep in mind that Intel has their own definition, which is a steady 100% TDP workload with steady Core temperatures.

Although "Throttle" temperature (Tj Max) for the i5-7600K is 100°C, it’s not advisable to run a CPU near it's thermal limit. The consensus among well informed and highly experienced system builders, reviewers and overclockers, is that cooler is better for ultimate stability, performance and longevity. Experts all agree that it's prudent to observe a reasonable thermal margin below Throttle temperature. so here's the nominal operating range for Core temperature:

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Core temperatures below 80°C are ideal.

Core temperatures increase and decrease with ambient (room) temperature. The "standard" for normal room temperature is 22°C or 72°F. Ambient temperature is used as a reference value for Intel's thermal specifications, so it's important to know.

We have Members who write in to our Forums that live anywhere from the Arctic Circle to the Equator without A/C, so ambient indoor temperature might be anywhere from 10°C (50°F) to 40°C (104°F), which can be a HUGE variable. We always need to know ambient temperature so no one proceeds on false assumptions or jumps to the wrong conclusions.

• What is your ambient temperature?

We have a Guide for this topic. It's a "Sticky" at the top of the CPUs Forum, which is where you posted your question. If you take a look up there you can't miss it. There's a link to it in my signature.

Once again, welcome aboard!

CT