Fix CPU overheating on Ubuntu. Learn to monitor temperatures, optimize power, reduce background processes, and improve cooling for better performance.
This guide covers the common causes of CPU overheating on Ubuntu and offers practical solutions, including monitoring temperatures, optimizing settings, managing processes, and improving cooling to ensure efficient performance.
Causes of CPU Overheating on Ubuntu:
Before fixing the issue, let’s understand what causes CPU overheating on Ubuntu:
- High CPU Usage – Some processes consume excessive CPU power, leading to increased heat generation.
- Insufficient Cooling – Dust buildup, faulty fans, or poor ventilation can prevent proper cooling.
- Outdated Kernel or Drivers – A buggy kernel or outdated drivers can lead to inefficient power management.
- Power Settings Misconfiguration – Incorrect power settings may prevent the CPU from scaling down when idle.
- Background Processes – Unnecessary background services can overload the CPU.
- Malware or Cryptojacking – Malicious software can secretly use your CPU resources.
Now that we understand the causes, let’s move on to the solutions.
How to Fix CPU Overheating on Ubuntu?
1. Monitor CPU Temperature:
Before making changes, check your CPU temperature to determine if it’s overheating.
Install lm-sensors and psensor:
bash
- sudo apt update
- sudo apt install lm-sensors psensor -y
- sudo sensors-detect
- sensors
This will show real-time CPU temperature readings. If the temperatures are consistently high (above 80°C), you need to take action.
2. Identify High CPU Usage Processes:
Use the following command to check CPU usage:
bash
- top
Or install and use htop for a better interface:
bash
- sudo apt install htop -y
- htop
Look for processes consuming high CPU and terminate them if necessary.
To kill a process, use:
bash
- kill -9 <PID>
Replace <PID> with the process ID from htop or top.
3. Clean Your System and Reduce Background Processes:
Over time, unnecessary applications and services can overload your CPU.
Stop unwanted services
bash
- systemctl list-units –type=service –state=running
- Disable unnecessary services:
bash
- sudo systemctl disable <service_name>
- sudo systemctl stop <service_name>
- Remove unused applications
bash
- sudo apt autoremove –purge
Read More: What’s A Good Cpu Temperature – Tips for Monitoring!
4. Improve Cooling: Clean Your Hardware!
If you notice high temperatures despite low CPU usage, check your cooling system.
- Clean dust from fans and vents – Dust accumulation can block airflow and cause overheating.
- Reapply thermal paste – If your CPU is older, the thermal paste may have dried out. Reapply it for better heat transfer.
- Use a cooling pad (for laptops) – An external cooling pad can improve airflow.
5. Optimize Power Management:
Power management settings can help reduce overheating by controlling CPU power usage.
Enable TLP for Better Power Management:
TLP is a powerful tool for optimizing power consumption.
Install TLP:
bash
- sudo apt install tlp tlp-rdw -y
- sudo systemctl enable tlp
- sudo systemctl start tlp
This will automatically apply power-saving settings.
Adjust CPU Frequency:
Use cpufrequtils to limit CPU frequency and reduce overheating:
bash
- sudo apt install cpufrequtils -y
To check current frequency:
bash
- cpufreq-info
To set a lower CPU frequency (e.g., powersave mode):
bash
- sudo cpufreq-set -g powersave
For performance mode (higher power usage):
bash
- sudo cpufreq-set -g performance
6. Update Your Kernel and Drivers:
Sometimes, kernel updates fix CPU overheating issues by improving hardware management.
Check for updates:
bash
- sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
If you suspect a buggy kernel is causing overheating, try installing a different kernel:
bash
- sudo apt install linux-generic-hwe-22.04
(Replace 22.04 with your Ubuntu version.)
7. Check for Malware and Cryptojacking:
Malware can secretly use your CPU, leading to overheating. Scan your system for threats using chkrootkit or ClamAV.
Install chkrootkit:
bash
- sudo apt install chkrootkit -y
- sudo chkrootkit
For ClamAV:
bash
- sudo apt install clamav clamav-daemon -y
- sudo freshclam
- sudo clamscan -r /home
If malware is detected, follow the removal instructions.
8. Use Lighter Desktop Environments:
If you are using a resource-intensive desktop environment (like GNOME), consider switching to a lighter one like XFCE or LXQt to reduce CPU usage.
To install XFCE:
bash
- sudo apt install xubuntu-desktop -y
To install LXQt:
bash
- sudo apt install lxqt -y
This can significantly improve performance on older hardware.
9. Adjust GRUB Settings to Control CPU Performance:
Your system’s GRUB settings may affect CPU performance and power management. Adjusting these settings can help reduce overheating.
Step 1: Edit GRUB Configuration!
Open the GRUB configuration file in a text editor:
bash
- sudo nano /etc/default/grub
Look for the following line:
Plaintext
- GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT=”quiet splash”
Modify it to include CPU power-saving parameters:
plaintext
- GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT=”quiet splash intel_pstate=passive”
If you’re using an AMD CPU, use:
Plaintext
- GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT=”quiet splash amd_pstate=passive”
Step 2: Update GRUB and Reboot!
After making changes, save the file (CTRL + X, then Y, then ENTER) and update GRUB:
bash
- sudo update-grub
- sudo reboot\
This tweak ensures the CPU governor prioritizes energy efficiency, helping to lower temperatures.
Read More: Microcenter 25 Off Cpu – Tips and Tricks!
10. Install and Configure a Fan Control Tool:
If your CPU fan is not running at optimal speeds, it may not be cooling the system effectively. You can manually adjust fan speeds using fancontrol and pwmconfig.
Step 1: Install fancontrol and lm-sensors!
bash
- sudo apt install fancontrol lm-sensors -y
- sudo sensors-detect
Follow the on-screen prompts and allow it to detect your fan sensors.
Step 2: Configure Fan Speed Settings!
Run the PWM configuration tool:
bash
- sudo pwmconfig
This will guide you through setting up your fan speeds based on temperature thresholds.
Step 3: Enable Fan Control!
Once configured, enable fancontrol so it starts at boot:
bash
- sudo systemctl enable fancontrol
- sudo systemctl start fancontrol
This ensures your cooling fans operate at appropriate speeds, reducing CPU overheating issues.
FAQ’s
1. What temperature is too high for my CPU?
For most CPUs, temperatures above 85°C are considered dangerous. Ideally, keep your CPU under 70°C under load.
2. Can overheating damage my CPU?
Yes, prolonged overheating can degrade CPU performance and cause permanent damage.
3. How often should I clean my cooling system?
Clean your cooling system every 3-6 months, especially if you use a laptop or live in a dusty environment.
4. Does Ubuntu have built-in temperature monitoring?
Ubuntu doesn’t have a built-in temperature monitor, but you can use lm-sensors and psensor to check CPU temperatures.
5. Will switching desktop environments help?
Yes! Lightweight desktops like XFCE or LXQt use fewer resources and can help reduce CPU load and temperature.
Conclusion:
CPU overheating on Ubuntu can lead to performance issues and hardware damage, but it’s manageable with the right steps. Monitor CPU temperatures using lm-sensors, optimize power settings with TLP, and reduce background processes. Clean dust from your cooling system, apply fresh thermal paste, and adjust fan speeds for better airflow. Keeping your system updated and using lightweight desktop environments can also help prevent overheating and ensure smooth performance.
