Guides & Troubleshooting

Installation (Installer vs Portable)

Installer (Setup)

1. Download the setup executable from the official CPUID site or a reputable mirror.
2. Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts.
3. Choose install location if offered; finish the wizard.
4. Launch HWMonitor from the Start Menu or desktop shortcut.

Portable (ZIP)

1. Download the ZIP from the official site.
2. Extract the archive to a folder (e.g. on your PC or a USB drive).
3. Run the HWMonitor executable inside the folder. No installation step required.

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Uninstall Steps

1. For the setup (installer) version: Open Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & features (or Add or Remove Programs), find HWMonitor, and choose Uninstall. Or use Start Menu → CPUID → HWMonitor → Uninstall HWMonitor if present.
2. For the portable ZIP version: Delete the folder where you extracted the files. No uninstaller.

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Reading CPU Temperatures (Core vs Package)

Interpreting CPU package vs core temps and what to watch under load:

1. HWMonitor shows per-core temperatures and a package temperature. The package usually represents the hottest spot (or an aggregate) on the CPU.
2. For stress testing and stability, watch the highest value—often the package or the hottest core.
3. Many modern CPUs tolerate high temps under load; sustained 90–95°C is often near the upper bound. Always follow your CPU vendor’s guidance.

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Understanding TMPIN Sensors

How to map TMPIN using motherboard docs and sanity checks:

1. TMPIN (e.g. TMPIN1, TMPIN2) are motherboard temperature sensors. Their exact purpose varies by manufacturer (VRMs, CPU socket area, chipset, etc.).
2. Naming is not standardized. Check your motherboard manual or manufacturer documentation to map each TMPIN to a physical sensor.
3. Use HWMonitor’s min/max to see if a reading changes under load—that can help confirm which component it might be.

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GPU Temperature and Power Readings

GPU temp differences vs MSI Afterburner

GPU temperature in HWMonitor is generally accurate. Small differences from MSI Afterburner and other tools can occur due to different sampling or which sensor is displayed. When to cross-check: if you need exact numbers for overclocking or thermal analysis, compare with a second tool.

GPU power readings (PCIe slot + connectors; estimating total draw)

1. GPU power is shown when the hardware supports it. Values may be split by PCIe slot and auxiliary power connectors (6-pin or 8-pin).
2. Add PCIe + connector values together to estimate total GPU power draw. Useful for PSU sizing or upgrade planning.

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Drive S.M.A.R.T. Temperature and What It Means

1. HWMonitor reads drive temperatures via S.M.A.R.T. The value is reported by the drive itself.
2. Normal range varies by drive type; check the drive’s specs. Consistently high values (e.g. above 50–60°C for many SSDs) may warrant better airflow.

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Exporting Logs (TXT and CSV)

1. TXT report: Use File → Save to generate a full text report of current sensor values. Useful for support and troubleshooting.
2. Copy: Copy readings to the clipboard from the interface for pasting elsewhere.
3. CSV logging: HWMonitor 1.62 adds CSV logging. Use it to record sensor data over time for analysis (e.g. in a spreadsheet). Check the application menu or options for enabling and configuring CSV log output.

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Reporting Sensor Bugs

1. In HWMonitor, go to File → Save to generate a complete report as a text file.
2. Email that file to CPUID support. Use the address format: cpuz[at]cpuid.com (replace [at] with @).

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Common Problems

• Missing sensors: Not all hardware is supported. Ensure you have the latest HWMonitor version. Some sensors require running as administrator or specific drivers (see Advanced permissions below).
• Unrealistic readings: Rarely, a sensor or driver can report wrong values. Compare with another tool (e.g. HWiNFO, vendor software) and, if it’s a bug, send a File → Save report to cpuz[at]cpuid.com.
• Laptop battery not shown: Battery data appears only when the hardware and drivers expose it. Some laptops do not expose detailed battery sensors to generic monitoring tools.
• Admin permissions and driver access: Some motherboard and chip-level sensors require elevated rights. Try running HWMonitor as administrator. Ensure chipset and monitoring drivers are installed per your PC/motherboard vendor’s instructions.

See also Advanced permissions on the Features page.

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Best Practices

• When overclocking, compare readings with a second tool (e.g. HWiNFO or vendor utility) to confirm consistency.
• Watch max temperatures under load, not just current, to catch thermal spikes.
• Keep airflow and fan curves sensible; use HWMonitor to verify fan speeds and temps under load.

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