How to Fix CPU Over Temperature Error

The ASUS computers equipped with an American Megatrends motherboard display the CPU Over Temperature Error message when the CPU temperature exceeds the predetermined limit. This safety feature protects the CPU from damage by shutting down the system and alerting you of the error to address the issue.

Although using your computer beyond its capability can sometimes trigger this error, frequent occurrences or appearing during every boot-up indicates a problem with the cooling system.

This article outlines the potential causes of this error on ASUS Computer and their corresponding solutions. Similar errors can occur on other systems when the CPU temperature rises excessively. You can apply similar steps to address the issue.

Causes for CPU Over Temperature Error

The CPU Over Temperature Error occurs when the temperature of your computer’s central processing unit (CPU) exceeds the safe operating temperature limit. The reasons for this can vary and include:

1. Poor cooling system: If your computer’s cooling system is malfunctioning, blocked with dust or debris, or not powerful enough to handle the CPU’s heat output, it can lead to overheating.
2. Dried-out thermal paste: The thermal paste between the CPU and the heat sink can dry out or deteriorate over time, reducing its effectiveness and causing the CPU to overheat.
3. Obstructed airflow: If your computer’s vents or airflow passages are blocked, it can cause heat buildup, leading to CPU overheating.
4. Limit overclocking: Overclocking refers to pushing the CPU beyond its factory-set speed limit, leading to a higher voltage and heat output. This can cause the CPU to overheat if the cooling system cannot handle the extra heat.
5. Faulty temperature sensors: If the CPU temperature monitors are damaged, they may not accurately reflect the actual temperature, leading to overheating.

It is important to promptly address the CPU Over Temperature Error to prevent permanent damage to your CPU or other components in your computer.

How to Fix CPU Over Temperature Error

The CPU may overheat quickly if you utilize resource-intensive applications on a low-spec computer. Therefore, reducing CPU usage during regular usage is advisable to prevent this issue. You can monitor the CPU usage of each process using the Task Manager.

Suppose you encounter the CPU Over Temperature Error. In that case, the first step is to allow the CPU to cool down by turning off your computer and refraining from using it for 1-2 hours. After it, restart your PC and check if you still receive the error message. If the error persists, it is recommended to implement the solutions mentioned below.

Check Fan on BIOS

When faced with a CPU Over Temperature Error, the first step is to access the BIOS and check the fan speed. If the fans are not running at an adequate speed, they will fail to cool the CPU down quickly enough, resulting in the boot error.

To check the fan speed, follow these steps:

1. Power on or restart your computer and press the BIOS key (F2 or Del in ASUS) to enter the BIOS. You may need to press the key several times to get the timing right.
2. On the EZ Mode, locate the FAN Profile.
3. If the CPU fan shows N/A, your fan may not be connected correctly, and you should proceed to the next troubleshooting step. Otherwise, click on QFan Control.
4. Click on each fan option and ensure it is set to the correct mode (PWM or DC). If the fan has three pins, set it to DC; if it has four pins, set it to PWM. You can examine the fan connector to determine the number of pins.
5. Click Optimize All.
6. Then OK.
7. After optimization, select each fan option again and the appropriate Speed Option. For heavy-duty processes, choose Turbo or Full Speed; otherwise, choose Standard or Silent.
8. You may also select Manual and adjust the temperature vs. performance graph.
9. Then, click Apply.
10. Press the F10 key to save your modifications and exit the BIOS.

It is essential to note that the BIOS key and available options may differ between various motherboards. Therefore, if you encounter a similar issue with a different BIOS, we suggest you visit the official website to obtain relevant information.

Maintain Proper Airflow

If you experience the “CPU over temperature” error after some time, the issue could be due to improper computer placement. For example, your CPU may continue to heat up if your computer is situated in a location that quickly heats up or if its vents are obstructed.

If you do not have a good cooling system, running resource-intensive programs can quickly cause your CPU to exceed the temperature threshold. Maintaining proper airflow and keeping your PC in a cool location is essential to prevent such issues. Here are some additional guidelines you can follow:

• Place laptops on a hard flat surface, and avoid placing them on your lap, cloth, or carpet to prevent blocking their vents. You can use stands or cooler pads.
• Do not close the desktop CPU case to the walls to ensure proper airflow.
• Avoid exposing your PC to direct sunlight.
• Keep your workspace clean and well-ventilated. We also recommend investing in a fan or air conditioner to keep it cool.

Check and Clean the CPU Cooler and Heat Sink

Suppose your CPU cooler/fan or heat sink is not functioning correctly. You might also encounter the “CPU over temperature” error in that case. This happens because they fail to dissipate enough heat from the CPU, leading to the boot error.

• Ensure the CPU fan and heat sink are placed correctly and their screws are tight.
• Plug the CPU fan into the motherboard’s CPU_FAN header, not CHA_FAN or SYS_FAN headers.
• Cleanse the vents and fans if they are dusty or dirty, as dirt and dust can block the airflow and decrease the CPU’s heat dissipation rate.

Reapply Thermal Paste

If the thermal paste on your CPU is dried out, it can lead to the CPU overheating quickly. The thermal paste improves heat conductivity and aids the heat sink in cooling down the CPU more efficiently.

You need to clean and reapply the thermal paste to fix this problem. 

Follow these steps to do so:

1. Open the outer case of your laptop or PC.
2. Disconnect the CPU’s fan cable from the header.
3. Please take out the fan and heat sink by unscrewing them.
4. Clean the thermal paste from the heat sink and CPU using 70% isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber cloth.
5. Apply a pea-sized amount of high-quality thermal paste to the center of the CPU.
6. Carefully place the heat sink and fan back in place and screw them properly.
7. Reconnect the fan header.
8. Reconnect the outer case of the computer and boot up to inspect whether the error is resolved.

Remember to use the high-quality thermal paste to stop it from drying out too fast in the future.

Lower Overclock Settings

Overclocking your CPU can be beneficial in terms of performance, but pushing it beyond its limits can lead to overheating. To prevent this issue, you must adjust the overclock settings to a reasonable limit. If you have a computer with low specifications, it is advisable to disable overclocking altogether.

If you use a program to overclock your CPU, you can use it to reduce the clock rate. Similarly, if you use the BIOS, you can lower the input voltage of the CPU through the BIOS settings.

If you need to disable overclocking, reset your BIOS to the default settings. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Access your computer’s BIOS.
2. Look for the option to restore the default settings. The location and wording can differ based on your specific system. For example, you can find the option on an ASUS computer by searching Default at the bottom of the screen.
3. Select the option and confirm the changes.

Alternatively, you can reset the BIOS by removing and reinserting the CMOS battery.

Delid CPU

To improve heat dissipation and resolve the issue on a desktop computer, consider delidding the CPU, which brings it closer to the heat sink. This can help dissipate the heat produced by the CPU more efficiently. Nonetheless, it’s important to note that delidding a CPU can be risky and may cause damage to the device.

How to Fix CPU Over Temperature Error but It Is Not Hot

Suppose you are receiving an over-temperature error, but your computer’s CPU does not feel hot to the touch. In that case, the error message may be triggered by a faulty sensor or incorrect reporting by the motherboard. Here are a few measures that you can take to try and fix the issue: 

1. Monitor temperature: Install a program to monitor the temperature of your CPU. This will allow you to see whether the error message is accurate. If the temperature is normal, the error message is likely due to a faulty sensor.
2. Replace the faulty sensor: Sometimes, you can do nothing when something goes wrong; in this case, it’s the sensor. All you do is get the sensor replaced, as it is inputting inaccurate information. 
3. Contact the manufacturer: If none of the above steps work, contact the manufacturer for further assistance. They can provide additional troubleshooting steps or replace faulty components if necessary.

Remember to take appropriate precautions when working with computer hardware, such as grounding yourself to prevent static discharge and disconnecting the power before opening the computer case.

Conclusion

Encountering a CPU overheating error can be frustrating. Still, you can take a few steps to fix the issue. Ensuring your CPU fan and heat sink are correctly placed and clean, applying high-quality thermal paste, and adjusting overclock settings can all help alleviate the problem. However, it’s essential to be cautious when attempting more advanced solutions such as delidding a CPU. Taking proper precautions and following the necessary steps can keep your CPU running smoothly and avoid potential damage.

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