What CPU Runs the Hottest? Let’s Talk Temps, Cooling, and Power

The hottest CPU right now is usually one of the high-end models like the Intel i9-13900K or AMD Ryzen 9 7950X, they run hot, fast, and powerful. These CPUs are total beasts when it comes to performance, but that also means they heat up fast if you’re not careful.

In this post, we’re gonna talk about which CPUs get toasty, why it happens, and what you can do to keep things chill. Don’t worry, I’ll keep it simple, no need to be a tech genius to follow along. Whether you’re building a new PC or just curious why your CPU sounds like it’s ready for takeoff, this will help you get a better grip on temps, cooling, and power.

The Hottest CPUs Right Now (Literally)

Alright, let’s talk about the heat champs. Right now, the Intel Core i9-13900K and AMD Ryzen 9 7950X are topping the charts when it comes to running hot. These chips are super powerful and packed with cores, but yeah, they do get spicy.

Even under regular use, these CPUs can easily hit 90°C or more, especially if you’re doing stuff like gaming, streaming, or video editing. And that’s with a decent cooler. If you don’t have proper airflow or you’re using the stock cooler, you’ll notice the temps shoot up fast.

Intel chips are known to run a bit hotter out of the box, but AMD’s top chips aren’t far behind. If you want big performance, these are awesome, but just know they need serious cooling love to stay happy. And before whatever brand you prefer, learn how to check what CPUs your motherboard actually supports. Trust me, learning this beforehand is gonna save you a lot of hassle.

Why Some CPUs Run Hotter Than Others

Not all CPUs are built the same, and that’s why some run hotter than others. A few things can make your CPU feel like a toaster. First, more cores usually mean more heat. CPUs like the i9 or Ryzen 9 have a ton of cores doing a bunch of work, which creates more heat.

Next up is power usage. Some CPUs are just thirsty, they draw more power, which means more heat. Also, the size of the chip and the type of cooler you’re using play a big role. Small form factor PCs with bad airflow? Yeah, that heat’s gonna build up fast. Also, If you’re curious about how these CPUs stack up in terms of power consumption and thermal output, check out Tom’s Hardware’s CPU Benchmarks and Hierarchy 2025 for detailed comparisons.

And then there’s boost speeds. CPUs these days love to push themselves as hard as they can, especially during heavy tasks. That extra speed gives better performance but also makes them run hot. So yeah, it’s not just about the chip—it’s about how it’s set up and cooled too.

How to Keep a Hot CPU Cool Without Going Crazy

So your CPU’s running hot? Don’t freak out, there are easy ways to cool things down. First, make sure your PC has good airflow. Like, seriously, just opening up some airflow can drop temps fast.

Next, look at your CPU cooler. The stock one is okay for basics, but if you’re running a high-end chip, go for a better air cooler or even an AIO liquid cooler.

Clean your fans too! Dust builds up and messes with the cooling. Also, you can apply new thermal paste, sometimes the old one just isn’t cutting it anymore.

And if you’re still seeing super high temps, try lowering your CPU’s power limit or tweaking fan curves. You don’t need to be a pro, just play around with settings a little. Small changes = big difference.

FAQs

Which CPU is currently known to run the hottest?

The Intel i9-13900K and Ryzen 9 7950X both run super hot, especially when doing heavy tasks like gaming or editing.

Is it okay for my CPU to reach 90°C?

Yeah, it’s kinda normal for high-end chips under load, but if it stays that hot all the time, try improving your cooling.

Do liquid coolers help with hot CPUs?

Totally. Liquid coolers can handle heat better and usually run quieter too. Great choice for beefy processors.

Can bad airflow make a CPU run hot?

Absolutely. If your case has poor airflow, even the best CPU cooler won’t save you from high temps.

Conclusion

So yeah, some CPUs are just hot by nature, especially the high-powered ones. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with crazy temps forever. With the right cooler, good airflow, and a little setup tweaking, you can keep things running smooth. Just don’t ignore those temps—it’s better to fix it now than deal with problems later. Keep your build chill and your CPU happy.