Our verdict: Core Temp is a small, focused tool for one question: how hot is my CPU? It reads each core's sensor directly and can show the values in the tray. It does not monitor the GPU, drives or fans, so pick HWiNFO or similar if you need the whole system.
About Core Temp
Core Temp is a freeware monitor from ALCPU that reads the digital thermal sensor in each core of Intel, AMD and VIA x86 processors. The main window shows the CPU model, frequency, load and temperature per core, along with the processor's maximum junction temperature (TjMax).
Temperatures can be shown as tray icons, logged to a file and checked by overheat protection, which can warn you or shut down the PC at a threshold you set. Add-ons, a remote monitoring app and a Logitech G15 keyboard applet are available. Version 1.21 redesigned the tray icon settings and mitigated a vulnerability in the legacy 64-bit driver.
What it does well
- Per-core temperatures. Reads each core's thermal sensor and shows current, minimum and maximum values.
- Tray icons. Shows temperatures, load or frequency in the notification area.
- Overheat protection. Shows a warning or shuts down the PC when the CPU reaches a temperature you choose.
- Logging. Writes readings to a log file at a set interval, with a custom log path.
- Wide CPU support. Works with Intel, AMD and VIA x86 processors, including many older models.
Who it is for
Good fit
Checking CPU temperatures while gaming, overclocking or after changing a cooler.
Look elsewhere
Monitoring GPU, drive or fan sensors; it only covers the processor.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free and lightweight
- Accurate per-core readings
- Tray icons and logging
- Overheat protection with automatic shutdown
Cons
- CPU only: no GPU, disk or fan monitoring
- Installer may show optional offers, so read each screen
- Closed source
How to install Core Temp
The button downloads the official installer from alcpu.com. Read each setup screen and decline any optional extra offers if they appear. Standalone 32-bit and 64-bit ZIP versions without an installer are listed on the same page. Core Temp needs admin rights to load its driver for reading the sensors.
Questions about Core Temp
Is Core Temp free?
Yes. Core Temp is freeware from ALCPU.
What is TjMax in Core Temp?
TjMax is the maximum junction temperature the CPU is designed for. Core Temp shows it so you can see how close each core is to that limit.
Is there a portable version of Core Temp?
Yes. The official page offers standalone 32-bit and 64-bit ZIP versions that run without installing.
