So, thoughts? comments?
The problem with any of these devices is they require you divert your eye to the case. That is hardly convenient, IMO. I much prefer to glance down at the system tray. Therefore, I would recommend a hardware monitor program. Your motherboard utilities disk should have a monitoring program (or check for a more recent version on your motherboard or PC maker's website). If none, I recommend
CoreTemp for newer Intel and AMD64 CPUs, or
http://www.techpowerup.com/realtemp/' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>
RealTemp for Intels.
SpeedFan is a great and popular alternative,
or you can try
Motherboard Monitor. Unfortunately, I have found that these programs often have problems properly identifying and labeling the sensor they are reading. The temperatures shown are as accurate as the inexpensive, low-tech sensors will allow, but it may say System Fan instead of CPU Fan. Fortunately, the programs do allow you to edit the labels, so I use
Everest to verify the temperatures (as it is able to match sensor with label correctly), then edit the label in the monitoring program. In Everest, look under Computer > Sensor, then wait a couple seconds for the readings to appear. Unfortunately, Everest does not minimize to the system tray to show real-time temperatures, otherwise, you could use Everest instead of the others. Check but do not rely on the temps shown in the BIOS Setup Menu. While they are likely correct, running the BIOS Setup Menu is probably the least demanding task you can ask of your computer so it does not show the temps when the system is being taxed. But if the BIOS Setup Menu temps are high, you have a problem that needs to be corrected.
HWMonitor, from the makers of CPUID is also very informative, but does not minimize to the system tray.
Be sure to select the custom install option for each to ensure you don't install any unwanted toolbars, etc.