Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Core Temp VS HWMonitor

Compare Core Temp VS HWMonitor and see what are their differences

Core Temp logo Core Temp

Nov 4, 2017 - Core Temp is a compact, no fuss, small footprint, yet powerful program to monitor processor temperature and other vital information.

HWMonitor logo HWMonitor

HWMonitor is a hardware monitoring program that reads PC systems main health sensors : voltages, temperatures, fans speed.
  • Core Temp Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-18
  • HWMonitor Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-10-07

Core Temp features and specs

  • Real-Time Temperature Monitoring
    Core Temp provides accurate and real-time monitoring of the CPU temperature, allowing users to keep track of their system's thermal performance and prevent overheating.
  • Detailed Processor Information
    It offers detailed information about the CPU, including model, platform, and frequency, which can be useful for diagnostics and system optimization.
  • Logging and Reporting
    Core Temp allows logging temperature changes over time and creating detailed reports, aiding in long-term system monitoring and performance analysis.
  • Customization and Flexibility
    The software includes various customization options like changing temperature polling intervals and setting overheat protections, which can be tailored to different user needs.
  • Low Resource Usage
    Core Temp is lightweight and uses minimal system resources, ensuring that it doesn't affect the overall performance of the system while running in the background.
  • Free to Use
    Core Temp is available for free, making it accessible to a wide range of users without any financial commitment.

Possible disadvantages of Core Temp

  • Windows-Only
    Core Temp is limited to Windows operating systems, so users on macOS or Linux cannot use this software for CPU temperature monitoring.
  • User Interface
    While functional, the user interface of Core Temp is somewhat dated and may not be as visually appealing or intuitive as more modern applications.
  • Advertisements
    The free version of Core Temp includes advertisements, which can be distracting and annoying for users.
  • Limited Additional Features
    Core Temp focuses primarily on CPU temperature monitoring and lacks some of the additional features found in more comprehensive system monitoring tools.
  • Potential Compatibility Issues
    There can be occasional compatibility issues with certain hardware or newer Windows updates, which might require patch updates or manual adjustments.

HWMonitor features and specs

  • Comprehensive Sensor Monitoring
    HWMonitor provides a detailed view of various system sensors, including CPU, GPU, and motherboard temperatures, voltages, and fan speeds, helping users to monitor their hardware performance accurately.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The software features a straightforward and easy-to-navigate interface, making it accessible for both beginners and advanced users to monitor their system's health.
  • Lightweight
    HWMonitor is a lightweight application that consumes minimal system resources, ensuring that it doesn't impact system performance while running in the background.
  • Regular Updates
    The software receives regular updates, which ensures compatibility with new hardware and offers improvements to existing features.
  • Free Version Available
    A version of HWMonitor is available for free, providing a cost-effective solution for users looking to monitor their system hardware without financial investment.

Possible disadvantages of HWMonitor

  • Limited Advanced Features
    The free version of HWMonitor lacks some advanced features offered by competing hardware monitoring tools, which may be a drawback for users seeking more comprehensive functionality.
  • Reporting Limitations
    The software offers limited reporting capabilities, which can make it difficult for users to export or analyze historical data extensively.
  • No Cross-Platform Support
    HWMonitor is only available for Windows, which means it cannot be used on macOS or Linux systems.
  • No Active Alerts
    The application does not have built-in alert mechanisms to notify users about critical system thresholds being breached in real-time.
  • Static Interface
    The interface design is relatively static and lacks modern visual enhancements, which might not appeal to users who prefer more visually engaging software tools.

Analysis of Core Temp

Overall verdict

  • Core Temp is generally considered a good and reliable utility for monitoring CPU temperature. Its lightweight design and accurate readings make it a favorable option among both casual users and tech enthusiasts.

Why this product is good

  • Core Temp is a popular tool for monitoring CPU temperature and other system-related metrics in real-time. Its simplicity, compatibility with multiple processors and user-friendly interface make it a preferred choice for users wanting to keep track of their system's performance and temperature. It provides essential data that helps in preventing potential overheating issues.

Recommended for

  • PC enthusiasts who want to monitor their system's temperature closely.
  • Users who perform intensive tasks like gaming or video rendering that could raise CPU temperatures.
  • Individuals looking to prevent hardware overheating and extend system lifespan.
  • Tech hobbyists interested in system performance metrics.

Analysis of HWMonitor

Overall verdict

  • Yes, HWMonitor from CPUID is generally considered to be a good utility for monitoring computer hardware.

Why this product is good

  • HWMonitor is well-regarded because it provides real-time data on the system's hardware performance. It effectively monitors temperature, voltage, fan speed, and other critical sensor information for computers, which helps users keep track of their hardware health and performance. It's user-friendly and supports a wide range of hardware components.

Recommended for

    HWMonitor is recommended for users who wish to monitor their computer's hardware performance. This includes PC enthusiasts, gamers, overclockers, and IT professionals who need to ensure their systems run smoothly and diagnose potential hardware issues. It's also suitable for casual users who want to keep an eye on system stability.

Core Temp videos

Core Temp Processor Monitor

More videos:

  • Review - AWESOME Travel Clothes | Banana Republic Core Temp Haul and Try-On

HWMonitor videos

HWMonitor Tutorial and Explanation, Awesome System Health Software [1080, Voice]

More videos:

  • Tutorial - Introduction to CPUID HWMonitor | Track CPU GPU Temperature Tutorial

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Core Temp and HWMonitor)
Device Management
48 48%
52% 52
Monitoring Tools
45 45%
55% 55
System Information
46 46%
54% 54
Utilities
57 57%
43% 43

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Core Temp and HWMonitor

Core Temp Reviews

  1. Softlay.com
    · Writer at Softlay.com ·
    Good CPU Temperature Monitor software

    Core Temp is free and easy to use CPU temperature monitoring software. Displays core temperature in easy to understandable manner. Great tool helps us to keep an eye on your CPU Temperature to avoid Hardware failure.

    🏁 Competitors: HWMonitor
    👍 Pros:    Easy to use
    👎 Cons:    Interface needs improvement

7 Best Speedfan Alternatives for 2023
Core Temp is another good Speedfan alternative. It’s similar features to Real Temp, but is more flexible and can monitor a much larger number of CPUs, including those from AMD and VIA. Core Temp doesn’t use traditional onboard thermal sensors, but monitors CPU’s embedded Digital Thermal Sensor (DTS).
11 Best CPU Temperature Monitor For Windows PC To Check Accurate CPU Temp Readings
Core Temp collects data using the Digital Thermal Sensors that all major processors have on them. These sensors give more accurate information and Core Temp utilizes them to show us data.
Source: www.softlay.com

HWMonitor Reviews

HWMonitor Review & Alternatives for 2023
Beyond the technical abilities of HWMonitor the low price point is another reason to consider the tool. The standard version of HWMonitor is available for free, putting it in the reach of SME’s and larger organizations. However, there is a Hardware Monitor Pro version that includes additional logging capabilities, remote operation, and graphing. The price of HWMonitor Pro is...
7 Best Speedfan Alternatives for 2023
HWMonitor is the last of my Speedfan alternatives and the good news is that it’s another free application. It’s a very popular hardware utility that works with all versions of Windows. HWMonitor is a really lightweight application and when I used it, I noticed a very small impact on my system resources.
11 Best CPU Temperature Monitor For Windows PC To Check Accurate CPU Temp Readings
For the ease of users, HWMonitor is available to download in two different versions either download HWMonitor portable or HWMonitor setup. Upon minimizing this tool doesn’t add up in the system tray so to check readings you need to open it up manually.
Source: www.softlay.com
20 Programs to Analyze and Benchmark Your Hardware
HWmonitor is for Windows PCs only, but it's free, and as a tool for keeping an eye on temperatures, fan speeds, and voltages, it fits the role perfectly. There is a program called HWMonitor for Mac, and the name suggests that it's a platform port of this tool -- unfortunately it's not.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Core Temp and HWMonitor, you can also consider the following products

Open Hardware Monitor - Monitors temperature sensors, fan speeds, voltages, load and clock speeds, with optional graph.

SpeedFan - Hardware monitor for Windows that can access digital temperature sensors located on several 2-wire SMBus Serial Bus. Can access voltages and fan speeds and control fan speeds. Includes technical articles and docs.

HWiNFO - Professional System Information and Diagnostics. Comprehensive Hardware Analysis, Monitoring and Reporting for Windows and DOS. FREEWARE. download. Advertisements.

CPU-Z - CPU-Z is a freeware that gathers information on some of the main devices of your system : Processor name and number, codename, process, package, cache levels.

Sidebar Diagnostics - SidebarDiagnostics - A simple sidebar for Windows desktop that displays hardware diagnostic information.

AIDA64 - AIDA64 is a system information, diagnostics and benchmarking solution for Windows PC.