CPU Temperature Monitoring with PRTG

A CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the primary component of a computer responsible for interpreting and executing most of the commands from the computer's hardware and software. Often referred to as the "brain" of the computer, the CPU performs the essential operations that allow the computer to function. The CPU is a chip that sits in a specific socket on the motherboard, often beneath a heat sink or fan to manage the heat it generates.

Architecture of the CPU:

Clock Speed: Measured in gigahertz (GHz), it indicates how many cycles per second the CPU can execute, with higher clock speeds typically meaning faster processing.

Cores: Modern CPUs often have multiple cores, which are individual processing units within the CPU. Multi-core CPUs can handle multiple tasks simultaneously, improving performance.

Threads: A thread is a sequence of programmed instructions that the CPU can execute. CPUs with multiple threads can perform multiple tasks more efficiently by managing them concurrently.

Examples of CPUs:

Intel Core i7: A popular CPU series for desktops and laptops, known for high performance.

AMD Ryzen 5: Another widely used CPU series offering strong multi-core performance.

Apple M1: A CPU designed by Apple, used in its Mac computers and known for its efficiency and power.

CPUs overheat for all sorts of reasons. The most obvious causes are poor air flow, high ambient temperatures, and cooling system malfunctions. But technical issues such as resource-heavy processes, outdated firmware, and poorly optimized hardware or software can also cause overheating by making the CPU operate inefficiently or work too hard.

A CPU is too hot if its temperature is higher than the maximum specified by the manufacturer. The limit varies depending on the make and model, but it's typically somewhere between 60°C to 90°C (if you're in the US, that's 140°F to 194°F). If a CPU goes over this limit for any sustained period of time, it can cause network disruptions and become a fire hazard. The device will also be less reliable and have a shorter lifespan.

Because it makes it easier to spot and address the causes of overheating – including those that might not be immediately obvious – before your device becomes unstable or, worse, dangerous. Alongside CPU temperature, PRTG also monitors other key variables that might damage your hardware and make your network less safe and reliable, such as humidity levels and the status of power distribution units and uninterruptible power supplies.

No temperature data? No problem. You can get around it by monitoring other key stats that might impact performance and cause your device to overheat. PRTG has sensors for every variable imaginable, including application performance, CPU load, memory, email, website, and even CCTV monitoring.

The PRTG core server runs on Microsoft Windows (Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, Windows 11, or Windows 10 are recommended). With the help of our built-in multi-platform probe, you can also run PRTG on Linux and other Unix-based systems.

In PRTG, “sensors” are the basic monitoring elements. One sensor usually monitors one measured value in your network, for example the traffic of a switch port, the CPU load of a server, or the free space on a disk drive. On average, you need about 5-10 sensors per device or one sensor per switch port.