Anyone that uses resource-consuming applications such as games and professional image editors may occasionally need to see the CPU temperature, to make sure the safe levels are not exceeded. Core Temp is a small, free tool that lets you do that and even more. It displays real-time temperatures for each of the processor’s cores along with other information such as min/max temperatures, load levels, model, platform and frequency.
The good news is that Core Temp comes with extra features such as overheating protection and system tray display, but also multiple settings that make it easy to customize for demanding users.
Installation & Requirements
There’s nothing complicated concerning Core Temp’s install process. You have the options of creating a desktop shortcut and a sidebar gadget which is basically a shortcut to the developer’s website from where you can download the Core Temp Gadget (for Windows 7) and other add-ons. Ad-ware is present in one of the setup dialog boxes as the user is offered a 3rd party app called Search Enhancement, which is optional and unrelated to Core Temp’s functionality.
Core Temp is widely available for Windows-based systems as it supports any computer with an Intel, AMD or VIA x86 based processor running under Windows XP, 2003 Server, Vista, 2008 Server (R2), 7, 2012 Server or 8.
Interface
Core Temp’s utilitarian interface is everything one needs to see all of the displayed information even at first glance. The program’s main window lists the number of CPU cores and threads as well as other information, namely model, platform, frequency, Voltage ID or CPU ID. Last, but not least the real-time temperatures and load levels of the processor’s cores are displayed along with the minimum and maximum reached temperatures.
Core Temp’s Settings are available under the Options menu. The tabbed categories provide various tweaks for the program. Time intervals can be customized for temperature readings and logging. temperature display can be set to Fahrenheit and owners of Logitech G15 and G19 keyboards can set Core Temp data to be shown on the LCD display of their keyboards. Also, there are several options for displaying system tray elements, such as displaying all cores/highest temperature per processor/highest temperature, customizing the font and colors of CPU cores, load and frequency and many others.
One of the most interesting features of Core Temp is the Overheat Protection, also available under the Options menu. This works in automatic mode or the user can simply set a certain temperature and define related actions once it’s reached. These include notifications, program executions and shutdown options.
Pros
– Very small application with speedy installation.
– Basic, intuitive interface with well-organized information.
– Flexible utility through its multitude of settings and available add-ons.
– Overheat protection allows the user to setup notifications and actions once the CPU reaches a certain temperature.
Cons
– None worth mentioning.
Alternatives
– SpeedFan
– HWMonitor
– Real Temp
– Open Hardware Monitor
Conclusion
Core Temp’s strength lies within its versatility: it can be used as a simple CPU temperature monitoring tool or as an advanced utility that can allow users to protect their processors against overheating and other useful functions via the program’s  settings and support for add-ons.
