SBOA431 September   2020 TMP1075 , TMP108 , TMP112 , TMP144 , TMP461 , TMP464 , TMP468

 

  1.   Trademarks
  2. 1Introduction
  3. 2What is a CPU, GPU, and SoC?
  4. 3Temperature vs. Performance
    1. 3.1 Benefits of Faster Processors
    2. 3.2 Overclocking and Underclocking (Clock Throttling)
      1. 3.2.1 Overclocking
      2. 3.2.2 Underclocking (Clock Throttling)
    3. 3.3 Cooling Systems
  5. 4Benchmarking
    1. 4.1 Benchmarking Data
      1. 4.1.1 Smartphones
      2. 4.1.2 Gaming PCs
        1. 4.1.2.1 Gaming PC CPU Performance
        2. 4.1.2.2 Gaming PC GPU Performance
  6. 5How to get Accurate CPU/GPU Temperature
    1. 5.1 Using Local Temperature Sensor
    2. 5.2 Using Remote Temperature Sensor
  7. 6Summary

5 How to get Accurate CPU/GPU Temperature

There are many different methods to monitor processor temperature. NTC thermistors are commonly used by placing them close to the processor with a good thermal path between the devices. However, these devices can be very inaccurate and can increase the necessary thermal safety margin. Local temperature sensors, however, can be very accurate and integrated in to the system using the same methods as an NTC. Some local temperature sensors are extremely accurate and can be rated up to 0.1 °C accuracy.

Another method is to use an integrated temperature sensor if the processor has one. Similar to NTCs, this method can be extremely inaccurate (as high as ±10 °C). For that reason, many processors have dedicated pins to use remote temperature sensors. These dedicated pins are connected to a thermal diode directly on the die of the processor. The remote temperature sensor measures the temperature of the die directly, therfore the sensor can be extremely accurate.