Core Temp simplifies the task of monitoring the temperature of modern x86 based processors, supporting models from Intel, AMD, and VIA.

For Intel processors, spanning from the “Core” series to the latest Core i7 models, including derivatives, and AMD processors, starting with the initial Athlon64 and Opteron series up to Phenom and AMD’s new APU, Core Temp offers comprehensive support. VIA processors, commencing with the C7 generation and encompassing all derivatives based on the C7 architecture, as well as Nano-based processors, are also fully compatible.

Temperature readings are highly accurate thanks to data collected directly from Digital Thermal Sensors (DTS) situated within each processing core. Unlike traditional external motherboard circuits and sensors, the DTS stores temperature data digitally within the processor, ensuring precision and eliminating potential inaccuracies.

The program operates as follows:

For Intel processors, a designated Tjunction temperature is defined, typically falling between 85°C and 105°C. In more recent processor generations, such as Nehalem and beyond, the exact Tjunction Max value is accessible for software retrieval. Temperature data is stored in a specific Model Specific Register (MSR), represented as a Delta in °C between the current temperature and Tjunction. The actual temperature is calculated as follows: ‘Core Temp = Tjunction – Delta’. The data field size is 7 bits, theoretically allowing reporting of a Delta of 0 – 127°C, although temperatures rarely dip below 0°C, and in certain cases (e.g., Core 2 – 45nm series), temperatures below 30° or 40°C may not be reported.