Which CPU temp is correct?

Mordaxify · Jul 18, 2016

Hi. I have i7 6700k and H100 cooler, but when i monitor my temps with AIDA64, there are 2 main different temps (CPU & CPU Core temps). I know that temps on i7 can be from 25 - 80C depending on load, but WHICH temp do i look at? Nobody ever mentions it, is it because of the poor knowledge about computers and that people have no idea there are more than 1 temp to monitor?

Here's what my CPU has:
CPU temp
CPU Package temp
CPU IA Cores
CPU GT Cores
CPU Core 1 - 4

They all show different temps, which is the temp to monitor?

CPU temp never exceeds 55C, even with very hot weather, while other temps will go up to about 70C.
I haven't OCed the CPU, it runs on 4.2ghz. so if it's 70C, then it's way too hot for H100 ... but if it's 55C, then it's quite cool. so which temp is correct?

I have attached a screenshot of AIDA64 temp readings. http://i.imgur.com/uLZbZSP.jpg < here

fabiodrm · Jul 18, 2016

use HWMonitor to measure temp. if im corretly, AIDA64 inst updated to support Skylake yet and always show wrong temps.

Mordaxify · Jul 19, 2016

fabiodrm :

AIDA64 supports everything. That wasn't my question, my question is, which temp is correct? Poor softwares such as HWmonitor doesn't even have other temps. It only shows each core temp and that's it, which is EXACTLY same as in AIDA64.

HWmonitor only shows Core 1 - 4 temps and Package temp, those are exactly same as in AIDA64.
AIDA64, has additional temps like shown on the screenshot, there are some other professional tools too that show all the available temps, while those simple tools never read those temps.

so my question remains, which is the temp to look at? I don't know if it's so hard for people to understand, that modern CPUs have more than 1 sensor in them? poor programs such as HWmonitor only read couple of them, while professional programs such as AIDA64 will give you all the available info.
HWmonitor is simple and quick and good for beginners, but it doesn't give extensive info about your hardware.

From my understanding, "CPU Temp" is the CPU temp on surface, the part that touches the cooler. so sensor must be right under the cover, while "Core 1 - 4" temps are separate sensors, deep inside CPU, near each physical core.

but i don't know what is "package" temp or what is "cpu IA cores" or "cpu GT cores". I'm not one of those who just rolls eyes over this, i want to know where those things are coming from, they're put there for a reason and i'd like to know that reason, what they do, what part of the CPU they measure ..etc.

CompuTronix · Jul 19, 2016

Mordaxify,

Welcome to Tom's!

I've read your Thread and I understand your frustration. You're not the first one to be confused by Intel's terms, so you're not alone. Here's how it works.

CPU Temperature:

Legacy Core 2 processors and Previous Generation Core i Socket 1366 variants (not your i7 6700K) use a single Analog Thermal Diode centered under the Cores to substitute for a thermocouple, which measures the “CPU” temperature of the entire processor. The Analog value is converted to Digital (A to D) by the motherboard's Super I/O (Input / Output) chip, then is calibrated to look-up tables coded into BIOS.

Previous Generation Core i Socket 1156 and newer processors (i7 6700K) don’t use an Analog sensor, but instead use the hottest Core as "CPU" temperature, which is shown in BIOS, and is defined as “Package” temperature. Package temperature is the hottest Core.

Core temperature:

Measured directly on the hot spots at the transistor junctions within each individual Core by Digital Thermal Sensors (DTS).

Core temperature is the standard for measuring processor temperatures.

IA = Intel Architecture.
GT = Graphics Temperature of the Integrated Graphics Processor Unit (IGPU).

Concerning AIDA64:

CPU, Package and IA Cores should all be synonymous with the hottest core. However, since the value for "CPU" temperature isn't read directly from processor registers, and is instead read through BIOS, it's likely that BIOS is responsible for the peculiar 55C indication. You might try a BIOS flash which may fix the problem.

Regardless, I wouldn't get stuck on this. Just monitor your core temperatures. That's all you need be concerned with. Mid-70's are safe, so keep it under 80.

You might want to read this Sticky: Intel Temperature Guide - http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-1800828/intel-temperature-guide.html

Thanks,

CT :sol:

Mordaxify · Jul 21, 2016

@CompuTronix excellent reply, exactly what I was looking for.

I know 70s are fine, but are they fine when using H100? I find 70C bit too hot for liquid cooling, should I delid the CPU? I heard that it helps a lot. I'm just bit worried about ripping my 6700k apart. From what i've seen, by default they only have 1/3 of the cover covered with thermal compound and it's not the best stuff they use, if i'd put IC Diamond in there and enough to fill entire area under the top cover, so there's no air in between, it should greatly reduce the temps?

Is it worth it and how hard it is?

between cooler and cpu, i have Liquid Ultra, applied perfectly.

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Which CPU temp is correct?

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