Minimum/Maximum operating temperatures

Minimum and Maximum operating temperatures specify the range of temperatures in which the CPU is guaranteed to function. It is not recommended to operate the CPUs at temperatures lower than the minimum and higher than the maximum operating temperature - while they may work, pro-longed operation at these temperatures may cause system instability and shorten the CPU life. Running the processors at temperatures much higher than the maximum operating temperature may permanently damage the CPU.

Modern microprocessors include special features that can throttle or reduce processor frequency when the CPU temperature reaches the maximum, or shutdown the CPU completely when the temperature reaches certain critical value (which is greater than the maximum temperature). If your CPU is consistently running at temperatures close to the maximum, or periodically shuts down by itself, use the following methods to rectify the problem:

  • Verify that there is unrestricted airflow to and from the CPU's heatsink and fan.
  • Move the computer away from other sources of heat, or to colder place.
  • Clean the CPU's heatsink and fan. Also clean other fans that are usually attached to your computer case.
  • Make sure that you use thermal paste when you install the CPU's heatsink.
  • Replace CPU's heatsink/fan with a more powerful one.
  • Add more fans to your case.
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