Check BIOS/UEFI hardware monitor (restart → enter BIOS/UEFI → Hardware Monitor/PC Health → CPU temperature)
Use the OS built-in tool (Windows: Task Manager is not reliable for CPU temps; use a vendor utility or third-party tool)
Use CPU vendor utilities (Intel: Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool; AMD: Ryzen Master)
Use third-party monitoring apps (HWMonitor, HWiNFO, Core Temp, Open Hardware Monitor)
In HWiNFO: Sensors-only mode → look for “CPU (Tctl/Tdie)” or “Package” temperature
In Core Temp: “Core Temperatures” section → note “Max” and current temps
Check laptop vendor utilities (Dell/HP/Lenovo software that includes thermal monitoring)
Use a command-line option (Linux: `sensors` with lm-sensors; Windows: PowerShell may require a vendor/third-party provider)
Linux with lm-sensors: install lm-sensors → run `sudo sensors-detect` → run `sensors`
Compare current vs. max/critical readings shown by the monitoring tool
Verify temps under load (run a CPU stress test briefly, then re-check temperatures)