Information about Temperature for Intel® Processors
Content Type: Product Information & Documentation | Article ID: 000005597 | Last Reviewed: 02/06/2025
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This is the maximum operating temperature allowed as reported by temperature sensors. Instantaneous temperature may exceed this value for short durations. Note: Maximum observable temperature is configurable by system vendor and can be design specific..
Tjunction max is the maximum thermal junction temperature that a processor will allow prior to using internal thermal control mechanisms to reduce power and limit temperature. Activation of the processor's thermal control system may cause performance loss as the processor typically reduces frequency and power to prevent overheating. The maximum junction temperature limit varies per product and usually is between 100°C-110°C. Consult the product specification page (ark.intel.com) to determine the details for specific processor models. The goal for a system builder or a do-it-yourself (DIY) end user is to design a platform configuration that keeps the processor under the Tjunction max threshold during heavy workloads to maximize performance of the system.
The benefit to a user is that many third-party utilities can monitor the digital thermal sensor (DTS) on the processor die to see how close the system is approaching the Tjunction max temperature without any destructive testing. We recommend that end users look up information on the product specification page (ARK) to aid them in system assembly. Original design manufacturers should consult the nondisclosure agreement (NDA) documentation available to them for full details.
Tcase max is measured by characterizing a socketed processor with an integrated heat spreader (IHS) for operation within an assembled system. This specification is set to ensure the processor does not exceed its operating temperature so long as the system is able to provide adequate cooling to maintain the top of the IHS at this temperature. This is primarily intended for system manufacturers in assessing their system design.
It's unlikely that a processor would get damaged from overheating, due to the operational safeguards in place. Processors have two modes of thermal protection, throttling and automatic shutdown. When a core exceeds the set throttle temperature, it will reduce power to maintain a safe temperature level. The throttle temperature can vary by processor and BIOS settings. If the processor is unable to maintain a safe operating temperature through throttling actions, it will automatically shut down to prevent permanent damage.
We do not provide typical temperature operating ranges for each processor or each core, as it can vary based on the system design and workload. Processors have internal protections to prevent against excessive temperatures. Operating ranges below the protection points are highly dependent on system configuration and workload. You can find the thermal specifications for specific processors in Intel® Core™ Processor technical documentation which includes the temperature limits in which Intel processors are guaranteed to operate.
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Not necessarily. Many Intel® processors make use of Intel® Turbo Boost Technology, which allows them to operate at very high frequency for a short amount of time. When the processor is operating at or near its maximum frequency it's possible for the temperature to climb very rapidly and quickly reach its maximum temperature. In sustained workloads, it's possible the processor will operate at or near its maximum temperature limit. Being at maximum temperature while running a workload isn't necessarily cause for concern. Intel processors constantly monitor their temperature and can very rapidly adjust their frequency and power consumption to prevent overheating and damage.
Since normal operation can result in CPU temperatures being at their maximum value, it is difficult to tell purely from temperature alone if your system is having problems. If you purchased your system complete from a vendor, you should contact them for specific steps to take to troubleshoot your system
Always contact the system manufacturer when you have an overheating issue.
Here are some resources that address overheating and prevention of overheating: