Contents
Intro
So, is 87°C hot for CPU? If you’re gaming hard, running intense applications, or just monitoring temperatures out of curiosity, it’s totally valid to question this number. High CPU temperatures can bring a ton of risks, from thermal throttling to potential hardware damage. Let’s dive into what this means for your precious computer!
Temperature Thresholds

When we talk about CPU and GPU temperatures, it’s essential to know where the red flags lie. Most CPUs are designed to operate safely within a range of 70°C to 85°C, while peak temperatures can sometimes hit around 90°C. But here’s the kicker: temperatures in the 85-90°C range can be risky territory.
If your CPU starts hitting that 87°C mark, it could lead to thermal throttling. What’s that, you ask? Well, it’s when your CPU slows down to cool off, which directly impacts performance. If you want more info on the dangers of overheating, check out this Quora discussion.
In short, if your CPU is regularly peaking at 87°C, it’s definitely something to keep an eye on.
Discussion Points from Sources

Link1 (Quora)
On Quora, several tech enthusiasts debated whether 85-90°C is a cause for concern. Most of them agreed that at these temperatures, you’re entering potentially damaging territory. The community stressed the importance of regular monitoring, especially if you’re using demanding software or playing high-graphic games.
Link2 (Reddit)
Similarly, Reddit users have shared their own experiences. One user recounted a moment when their CPU peaked at 87°C during heavy gaming. The community chimed in, emphasizing the significance of cooling solutions. This leads me to wonder—are you checking your temperatures regularly? Because monitoring can really help you catch issues before they escalate.
Link3 (Tom’s Hardware Forum)
Over in the Tom’s Hardware Forum, another gamer reported hitting 87°C while gaming. The conversation quickly shifted to cooling upgrades. Members recommended swapping out the stock cooler for something more robust, like a premium air cooler or even a liquid cooling system. This can dramatically improve your temperatures and prevent overheating.
Cooling Solutions
So, what can you do to keep that CPU temperature in check? Here are some cooling hacks that have helped me:
1. Air Cooling: A solid air cooler can do wonders. If you’re using a stock cooler, it might be time for an upgrade. I went from a stock cooler to a Noctua one, and wow, what a difference!
2. Liquid Cooling: If you’re feeling fancy, liquid cooling setups can manage heat exceptionally well. It’s a bit pricey, but worth considering if you’re always pushing high temperatures.
3. Thermal Paste: Don’t forget about the magical world of thermal paste! A fresh application can drastically improve heat transfer. Just be careful when applying it; less is often more!
4. Case Fans: I can’t stress enough how much case airflow matters. Investing in a good set of case fans really helps maintain a balanced airflow within your PC.
5. Overclocking Settings: If you’re overclocking, you might want to dial back your settings. I had to learn this the hard way when I pushed my CPU too far one summer. Keeping it at stock or a moderate overclock can keep things sane temperature-wise.
It’s a good idea to have a strategy for temperature management. After all, no one wants to fried hardware, am I right?
Conclusion
If you’re watching those temps closely, let me know what you think! Share your thoughts or questions about managing CPU temperatures in the comments. For more insights on computers, check out more articles at mshardwareguide.com.