How To Fix CPU Over Temperature Error (6 Easy Solutions)

Has your computer begun acting erratically? Is your computer getting increasingly slower? Is it restarting on its own frequently? Or are you worried about why your computer keeps shutting down, especially in the summer season?

Then, experts advise that abnormally high CPU temperature may cause these problems to occur.

According to computer designers and experts, the ideal temperature for a CPU to run smoothly is between 30° C to 40° C and 70° C to 80° C. In case CPU temperature reaches over 90° C, then your computer might slow down, begin to restart on its own or keep shutting down randomly.

Read on to learn what could be causing the CPU to over-heat in your computer.

Why Does CPU Over Temperature Error Occur?

These are the several top reasons why you get a CPU over temperature error on your computer:

Insufficient Thermal Paste

Thermal paste is used to cover the gaps between the heatsink and the CPU processor. It helps to transfer heat efficiently and keeps your CPU within operating temperature. This is a common theme as a cause for a CPU over temperature error to occur in regions with a hotter climate.

Dust

Excessive dust collects over time in your CPU and blocks heatsink and other fans. It is also one of the most common reasons for users to get CPU over temperature error.

Incorrectly Installed Heatsink

The heatsink component in your CPU may get dislodged or could be improperly installed which causes insufficient heat transfer from the CPU and results in users getting the CPU over temperature error. A dislodged heatsink is not in contact with the processor completely and results in a dissipation of heat within the processor.

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Malware

When malware infects your PC, it tends to slow down your PC’s processing power. This is caused due to overtaxing processing by the CPU which eventually results in abnormal heat to get created in your processor. Viruses, Trojans, worms, etc tend to slow down your computer significantly.

Overclocking

Overclocking is when you manually change the CPU’s clock rate (speed) through the BIOS setting in an attempt to increase CPU processing speed. Increased CPU speed eventually results in generating a higher amount of heat than the heatsink can remove.

Old Heatsink

An old, outdated heatsink can also cause an increase in CPU temperature as it becomes insufficient in providing the required amount of cooling.

These are the top 7 reasons that are known to cause the CPU over temperature error on your computer.

Read on to learn how to fix CPU over temperature error successfully, once you pinpoint the cause of overheating in your processor.

How To Fix CPU Over Temperature Error?

These are the simple ways to fix CPU over temperature error on your PC, depending on the exact cause:

Follow these simple solutions to fix CPU over temperature error in case your CPU is getting overheated as a result of:

Insufficient Thermal Paste

Using your PC when the CPU does not have enough thermal paste can result in system failure due to overheating. To fix this issue, you will need to locate the heatsink near the CPU. Carefully remove the heatsink unit. You can order thermal paste online or buy it from the nearest computer shop. First, wipe the surface of the processor of any extra paste. Now squeeze out a tiny (pea-sized) amount of thermal paste onto the processor surface. Ensure that the borders of the processor are well covered with a film of thermal paste. Then, you will need to carefully place the heatsink back on the processor. This will ensure to cover any gaps left earlier.

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Dust 

Cleaning dust from your CPU can be tricky with the tiny gaps and small crevices between its components. You can use a clean, soft cloth to wipe the dust from flat surfaces, such as fan blades, sides of components, etc. However, ensure to be in constant touch with a metal surface outside the CPU. This will ensure there is no static discharge that can affect the fragile computer parts within the CPU. You will need a handheld vacuum cleaner to remove dust from the power supply, between the fan blades, the motherboard, etc. Make sure to keep the vacuum cleaner at a steady distance of at least 6 inches over the CPU components when vacuuming the dust from it. For stubborn, clinging clumps of dust, it is advised to use a Q-Tip dipped in a >90% isopropyl alcohol solution.

Incorrectly Installed Heatsink

This error is usually detected once you have ensured that sufficient thermal paste has been applied and even after cleaning the CPU components of dust. In this case, if the heatsink is not installed properly, then you will need to remove it carefully. Ensure to keep the borders aligned with the CPU when re-installing the heatsink and lock it in place firmly using the attachment system (tabs, screws, etc).

Malware

Malware infections can be easily removed using the most advanced and reliable antivirus system. Today, you have a vast choice when it comes to selecting free or paid anti-virus software for your computer. You can install your choice of antivirus software and ensure its updated to remove the existing malware infection and prevent future malware attacks too.

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Overclocking

If you have recently increased the speed or clock rate of your CPU in the BIOS setting, then it is recommended to bring it back to normal levels. In case the higher processing speed is necessary for your work, then experts advise to invest in a high-end cooling system for your CPU.

Old Heatsink

In case your heatsink component is old and outdated, then its lack of coolant may result in CPU over temperature error to be shown. It is highly recommended to install the latest and more advanced cooling system to ensure that your CPU temperatures are maintained within operational limits effectively.

Conclusion

Now that you know what are the causes and the different ways to fix CPU over temperature error, we hope that you will now be able to use your computer smoothly and conveniently.

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