What does Core Temp mean for CPU?

Jessica Fish

Commendable
May 29, 2016
6
0
1,510
My CPU is AMD A6 5400k
I noticed that every Heat monitor program I have tried has given me different temps for my CPU.

HWMonitor is spikes A LOT from 52C to 70C whether its idle or i have Skype and or google chrome open.

AMD OverDrive showed it at almost a constant 60C to 70C. Idle or not.

Open Hardware Monitor shows CPU Core #1 - #2 5C to 23C.

I'm not experiencing any issues like slowing down, loud fans or lag in anything but I am still worried cause I cant find out what temp my CPU is and if its something to even worry about.
Does Core Temp mean anything or is it the same as any other CPU reading?

 
Solution
AMD Overdrive shows the thermal headroom (amount it can safely heat up). It does not show temperature. With my FX it shows 40C to 15C.