Our verdict: HWMonitor is the quickest way to check whether a PC is running hot. It lists every sensor in one tree with current, minimum and maximum values, which makes it easy to watch temperatures during a game or stress test. Logging and remote monitoring need the paid PRO version.
About HWMonitor
HWMonitor is made by CPUID, the developer of CPU-Z. It reads the main health sensors of a PC: voltages, temperatures, power, currents, fan speeds, utilization and clock speeds.
It covers CPU and GPU sensors, the monitoring chips on motherboards (ITE, Winbond and Nuvoton), memory modules with thermal sensors, SSDs and hard disks through S.M.A.R.T., and laptop batteries. HWMonitor PRO adds remote monitoring of other PCs or Android devices, logging graphs saved as images and sensors in the system tray.
What it does well
- All sensors in one tree. Temperatures, voltages, power, fans and clocks grouped by device.
- Min and max values. Records the lowest and highest reading since launch.
- Drives and batteries. S.M.A.R.T. temperatures for disks and battery wear for laptops.
- Motherboard chips. Reads ITE, Winbond and Nuvoton monitoring chips.
- Installer or ZIP. English setup or portable ZIP, 32-bit and 64-bit.
Who it is for
Good fit
Gamers and PC builders checking temperatures and fan speeds under load.
Look elsewhere
Long-term logging, alerts or tray icons without paying for HWMonitor PRO.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very simple sensor overview
- Min and max tracking
- Covers CPU, GPU, drives and batteries
- Installer or portable ZIP
Cons
- No logging, tray sensors or remote monitoring without PRO
- The download site shows ads
- Closed source
How to install HWMonitor
Download the setup from cpuid.com, or the ZIP if you do not want to install anything. Start HWMonitor, then run your game or stress test and check the Max column afterwards. Use View → Clear Min/Max to reset the values between tests.
Questions about HWMonitor
Is HWMonitor free?
Yes. HWMonitor is freeware from CPUID. HWMonitor PRO is a paid extended version.
What does HWMonitor PRO add?
Remote monitoring of other PCs or Android devices, logging graphs saved as image files, sensors in the system tray and editable sensor labels.
What is a safe CPU temperature in HWMonitor?
It depends on the processor; check the maximum temperature in your CPU maker's specifications and compare it with the Max column.
