OK so which temp is it?!

A

ada///M

New Member
I've been wondering this since I built my computer so now, once and for all; When people talk about their processor temps, which temperature are we talking about? Confused? Looking at my pc health status in BIOS, only 2 temperatures are given: NorthBridge, and CPU. Now, looking at Core Temp for example, I get the 4 temperatures of each core, with no overall cpu value. I usually use Hardware Monitor and here is a quick screenshot for those who may not be familiar:

cpu-z.jpg


Now by correlating the temps between this and BIOS I'm led to believe that TMPIN0 represents my northbridge and TMPIN1 is my cpu. Now you can see in this picture that there's a difference of 4-8*C between my individual core temps and my cpu temp. That difference is exaggerated under load to probably 10-14*C.

Basically what I'm asking is, when everyone talks about their cpu temps, which temp are you giving? The hottest of the individual core temps? Or the single cpu temp?

I hope my question makes sense...

also, although not as pressing, how does my computer find these temperatures? Is there a tiny thermocouple in each of these devices? Are they derived from other values? How accurate are these temperatures?


Thanks a lot!
-adam
 
Personally i just refer to the individual core temps when i talk about my cpu. Although for me theres usually only a 1 - 2 degree difference or none at all so i just state it as that. For example, right now both cores are reading 26 deg. so i would just state that. If i had two differing temps i would just use the average unless i was refering to max temps in which case i would state the higher of the two.

I dont know if thats the right way to do it but logically its correct.
 
CoreTemp is reading internal diodes in the centre of each core (roughly the hottest spot in the CPU). The other reading you are getting is the sensor on the top of the CPU at the case. It should be anywhere from 5-15 degrees cooler, depending on load, than any temp you see in CoreTemp.

In short, both temps are the right.
 
for me realtemp is better because it has such a better layout. and when i had my C2D it read 5c hotter than coretemp and id rather be safe than sorry.
 
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