How to Fix the “CPU Over Temperature Error”

The “CPU Over Temperature Error” appears when your CPU temperature exceeds safe operating limits. This not only affects performance but also poses a risk to your system's stability. Let’s explore why this happens and how you can resolve it.

Main Causes of CPU Overheating

  • Dust buildup in the cooling system: Dust, pet hair, and debris can accumulate in fans and heatsinks, blocking airflow and reducing cooling efficiency.
  • Malfunctioning cooling components: Fans may wear out and fail to operate at full speed, especially in older computers.
  • Poor contact between CPU and heatsink: Dried-out thermal paste or improper cooler installation can hinder heat dissipation.
  • CPU overload: Running demanding applications or games on systems with insufficient cooling can also lead to overheating.

Steps to Resolve the “CPU Over Temperature Error”

1. Clean the Cooling System

The first step is to thoroughly clean the computer from dust. Turn off the power, remove the case cover, and use compressed air or a soft brush to clean the fans and heatsinks. Ensure all cooling components are dust-free.

2. Replace the Thermal Paste

If it’s been more than a year since the last thermal paste application, it’s time to apply a new layer. Carefully remove the cooler, clean off the old paste from the CPU and heatsink, apply a small amount of new thermal paste, and reinstall the cooler.

3. Check Fan Performance

Restart the system and check fan performance. Using BIOS or specialized software like HWMonitor or SpeedFan, you can monitor temperature and fan speeds. If a fan is malfunctioning, consider replacing it.

4. Adjust BIOS Settings

Certain BIOS settings can impact CPU frequency and voltage. Enter the BIOS and select “Load Optimized Defaults.” If this doesn’t fix the issue, navigate to sections like CPU Fan Control and Hardware Monitor to manage fan speeds and monitor temperatures.

5. Install Additional Cooling

If none of the above steps work, your system may need additional cooling. Consider installing extra case fans or upgrading to a more powerful CPU cooler, especially if you frequently run resource-intensive applications.