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To check GPU temp in Windows, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, open the Performance tab and select GPU; the GPU temperature appears at the bottom of the panel. For hotspot temperature, memory temperature and fan speed, use a free monitoring tool such as GPU-Z, HWiNFO or MSI Afterburner.
What are the ways to check GPU temperature?
There are 4 main ways to check GPU temperature on a Windows PC:
- Task Manager: built into Windows 10 and 11, shows core temperature only.
- GPU-Z: free, portable, shows every GPU sensor.
- HWiNFO: free, shows current, minimum, maximum and average temperature for GPU and CPU.
- MSI Afterburner: free, shows GPU temperature on screen while gaming.
| Method | Install needed | Core temp | Hotspot temp | In-game overlay | CPU temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Task Manager | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| GPU-Z | No (portable) | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| HWiNFO | Yes or portable | Yes | Yes | Yes (with RTSS) | Yes |
| MSI Afterburner | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How do you check GPU temp in Task Manager?
You check GPU temp in Task Manager in 4 steps, without installing any software:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click the Performance tab (the second icon in the Windows 11 sidebar).
- Select your dedicated GPU. On laptops, GPU 0 is usually integrated graphics and GPU 1 is the dedicated card.
- Read GPU Temperature at the bottom of the panel.
Task Manager shows GPU temperature only for dedicated graphics cards on Windows 10 version 2004 or newer and Windows 11. If the temperature field is missing, update your GPU drivers first.
How do you check GPU temp with GPU-Z?
GPU-Z checks GPU temp through its Sensors tab. Download GPU-Z from TechPowerUp, run it, open Sensors and read these 5 values:
- GPU Temperature: the core (edge) temperature.
- Hot Spot: the hottest point on the GPU die.
- Memory Temperature: available on most GDDR6X and GDDR7 cards.
- Fan Speed (%) and (RPM): confirms the fans are spinning.
- GPU Load: shows how hard the GPU is working at that moment.
Tick Log to file to record every reading during a gaming session.
How do you check GPU temp with HWiNFO?
HWiNFO checks GPU temp in Sensors-only mode. Launch HWiNFO, choose Sensors-only, scroll to the section named after your graphics card and read GPU Temperature and GPU Hot Spot Temperature. HWiNFO keeps Current, Minimum, Maximum and Average columns, so you can play for 30 minutes and then read the peak temperature in the Maximum column.
How do you see GPU temp while gaming?
You see GPU temp while gaming with an on-screen overlay. MSI Afterburner sets one up in 4 steps:
- Install MSI Afterburner with RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS).
- Open Settings > Monitoring.
- Select GPU temperature and tick Show in On-Screen Display.
- Launch a game; the temperature appears in the corner of the screen.
NVIDIA users can also press Alt + R in the NVIDIA App, and AMD users can press Ctrl + Shift + O in AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition.
What is the difference between GPU core temp and hotspot temp?
GPU core temperature is the average reading across the GPU die, while hotspot (junction) temperature is the single hottest sensor on the die. Hotspot normally reads 10–20°C higher than core temperature. A gap larger than 25–30°C points to poor cooler contact or dried thermal paste.
How do you check CPU temp?
You check CPU temp with a monitoring tool, because Windows Task Manager does not show CPU temperature. There are 3 reliable options:
- HWiNFO: read CPU Package (Intel) or CPU (Tctl/Tdie) (AMD).
- Core Temp: shows each core’s temperature in the system tray.
- BIOS/UEFI: press Delete or F2 at boot; shows idle temperature only.
A normal CPU temperature is 30–50°C at idle and 60–85°C under gaming load.
What should your GPU temperature be?
Your GPU temperature should be 30–50°C at idle and 65–85°C while gaming. Compare your reading with the full normal GPU temp ranges, and if your card reaches 90°C, read how hot is too hot for a GPU. The official limit for each model is in the GPU temperature chart by model.
FAQ
Can you check GPU temp without software?
Yes. Task Manager in Windows 10 and 11 shows GPU temperature under Performance > GPU, with no extra software.
Is hotspot temperature more important than core temperature?
No, both matter. Core temperature shows overall heat; hotspot temperature reveals cooler contact and thermal paste problems.
Why does my GPU show 0 RPM fans at low temperatures?
Most modern GPUs stop their fans below 50–60°C to stay silent. If fans stay stopped when the GPU is hot, see GPU fans not spinning.
How do you check GPU temp on a laptop?
You check GPU temp on a laptop the same way as on a desktop: Task Manager, GPU-Z or HWiNFO. Laptop GPUs typically run 5–10°C warmer than desktop cards.
Related guides
Related reading: see our guide on whether 60°C is too hot for a GPU while gaming.
