Ubuntu is one of the most popular Linux distributions among developers and system administrators. One of the important aspects of maintaining a healthy and functional system is to keep an eye on the CPU temperature. The CPU temperature is the temperature of the processor, which can get hot, especially during heavy loads, and it can even damage your hardware if it gets too hot. In this article, we will discuss how to check the CPU temperature on Ubuntu using different methods, including command-line and GUI tools, with code examples.
Method 1: Using lm-sensors to check CPU temperature
One of the most popular and reliable tools for checking the CPU temperature on Ubuntu is lm-sensors. It is a command-line utility that can detect all the sensors on your system and provide accurate temperature readings. Here are the steps to install and get the CPU temperature using lm-sensors:
Step 1: Install lm-sensors
sudo apt-get install lm-sensors
Step 2: Detect sensors on your system
sensors-detect
Step 3: Start the sensors service
sudo service kmod start
Step 4: Check the CPU temperature
sensors
Method 2: Using htop to check CPU temperature
htop is another popular command-line tool that can be used to monitor system resources on Ubuntu. It has an easy-to-use interface and provides real-time information about CPU usage, memory usage, and CPU temperature. Here are the steps to install and get the CPU temperature using htop:
Step 1: Install htop
sudo apt-get install htop
Step 2: Run htop
htop
Step 3: Check the CPU temperature
Under the CPU section, you will see the temperature readings for each CPU core.
Method 3: Using the GNOME system monitor to check CPU temperature
If you prefer a graphical user interface to monitor your system resources, you can use the GNOME system monitor. It is a built-in tool in Ubuntu that provides a real-time view of system resources, such as CPU usage, memory usage, and CPU temperature. Here are the steps to check the CPU temperature using GNOME system monitor:
Step 1: Open the GNOME system monitor
In the Activities menu, type "system monitor" and click on the icon.
Step 2: Check the CPU temperature
Under the Resources tab, you will see the CPU temperature readings for each CPU core.
Method 4: Using a third-party applet to check CPU temperature
If you want to have a quick and easy way to check the CPU temperature on your desktop, you can use a third-party applet like the GNOME Extension "CPU Power Manager". It is a simple applet that shows the current CPU frequency, usage, and temperature in the top panel. Here are the steps to install and use the CPU Power Manager:
Step 1: Install the GNOME Extension "CPU Power Manager"
Go to the GNOME Extension website and install the "CPU Power Manager" extension.
Step 2: Enable the CPU Power Manager
Open the GNOME Tweaks tool and go to the Extensions tab. Enable the "CPU Power Manager" extension.
Step 3: Check the CPU temperature
The CPU temperature readings will be shown in the top panel next to the CPU usage and frequency.
Conclusion
In this article, we have discussed different methods to check the CPU temperature on Ubuntu using command-line and GUI tools. Using these tools, you can keep an eye on the temperature of your CPU and prevent any damage to your hardware. The methods discussed are reliable and easy to use, so choose the one that suits your needs best.
Regarding the previous topic of checking CPU temperature on Ubuntu using lm-sensors, it is a great tool for monitoring system temperatures and detecting CPU overheating, and it supports a wide range of sensors. However, it requires some interaction to configure the sensors-detect module before the tool can work correctly. This may be a hurdle for inexperienced users.
When it comes to htop, this command-line tool is much more than just a system monitoring tool. It is also a process viewer, process monitor, and system manager all rolled into one. Htop is very customizable, supports mouse interaction, and is very efficient in terms of resource consumption. It is straightforward to use and is perfect for beginners and advanced users alike.
The GNOME system monitor is a built-in tool in Ubuntu, making it a natural choice for many users. It provides an easy-to-use interface with real-time data about system resources. The GNOME system monitor is perfect for users who prefer GUI tools and don't want to use the terminal. It also makes it easy to visualize CPU usage and temperatures, making it easy to identify any bottlenecks.
Finally, CPU Power Manager is a GNOME extension that makes it easy for users to keep an eye on CPU frequency, usage, and temperature. It is easy to install and set up and provides a quick way to check CPU temperature directly from the desktop without the need for any additional tools or going through system settings.
In conclusion, checking CPU temperature is a critical aspect of maintaining a healthy and functional system, and there are different methods to achieve this on Ubuntu, including command-line and GUI tools. The choice of tools depends on user preferences and experience. Experienced users may prefer to use command-line tools like lm-sensors and htop, while beginners may prefer to use GUI tools like the GNOME system monitor or CPU Power Manager. Whatever method you choose, monitoring CPU temperature is a must-do exercise for all Ubuntu users.
Popular questions
- What is lm-sensors, and how can it be used to check CPU temperature on Ubuntu?
lm-sensors is a command-line utility that can detect all the sensors on your system and provide accurate temperature readings. To use it on Ubuntu, you can install it using the command "sudo apt-get install lm-sensors" and then run the "sensors" command to get the CPU temperature.
- How can htop be used to check CPU temperature on Ubuntu?
htop is a command-line tool that can monitor system resources on Ubuntu. To check CPU temperature using htop, you can install it using the command "sudo apt-get install htop" and then run it using the command "htop." Under the CPU section, you will see the temperature readings for each CPU core.
- What is the GNOME system monitor, and how can it be used to check CPU temperature on Ubuntu?
The GNOME system monitor is a built-in tool in Ubuntu that provides a real-time view of system resources, such as CPU usage, memory usage, and CPU temperature. To use it on Ubuntu, you can open it by typing "system monitor" in the Activities menu. Under the Resources tab, you will see the CPU temperature readings for each CPU core.
- What is CPU Power Manager, and how can it be used to check CPU temperature on Ubuntu?
CPU Power Manager is a GNOME extension that shows the current CPU frequency, usage, and temperature in the top panel. To use it on Ubuntu, you can install it from the GNOME Extension website and enable it in the GNOME Tweaks tool. The CPU temperature readings will be shown in the top panel next to the CPU usage and frequency.
- Why is it important to monitor CPU temperature on Ubuntu?
Monitoring CPU temperature on Ubuntu is essential to ensure the health and stability of your system hardware. If the CPU temperature gets too high, it can damage your hardware and cause system crashes. Monitoring CPU temperature also helps to identify any bottlenecks or performance issues in the system.
Tag
Thermometry
