Accuracy of CPU temp monitoring programs

[UncleDaddySwiss]

I've been doing some maintenance on my gaming PC lately, and have been watching CPU temps with both MSI Command Center and HWmonitor, and this morning HWmonitor is reporting a Max temp of 36C, 37C, 34C, and 37C (Core 0,1,2,3 respectively) and Package 37C. In Command Center I've never observed it going over about 31C. I was wondering how accurate either of these programs are. These are idle temps. I'd like to know which program, or other program if need be, to trust. I've only had the computer running about 15 minutes so far.

 

[MarkW]

There are sensors all over the place. And there seems to be no standard in what needs to be read and reported.

 

[UncleDaddySwiss]

I know there are a lot of sensors, but the ones I'm looking at on HWmonitor are under CPU.
Also, for a while now the current temps are hovering between 26C and 29C. Doesn't make sense to me.

Edit: Ok also I have another question: I want to check CPU temps under load, so I can tell if I need to reapply thermal paste. What is a good way to do this? I'm not overclocking as I dont have a need for it at this time, but I want to check that my CPU isnt getting to hot.

 

[CompuTronix]

UncleDaddySwiss,

Intel or AMD? System spec's please.

CT

 

[UncleDaddySwiss]

Oh, sorry, I guess I should include that with my profile...
Anyway

Intel i7-4770k
MSI Z87 GD65 Gaming motherboard
MSI GTX 780 OC edition Graphics card
Also
Phantek PH-TC14PE_BK CPU cooler

let me know if you need more.

 

[UncleDaddySwiss]

(Testing to see if system specs show up)

Edit: No...

 

[CompuTronix]

Nice cooler.

What's your ambient temperature?

Idle temperatures aren't very critical, but load temperatures are.

Core Temp and Real Temp are accurate. Real Temp was developed specifically for Intel processors.

Core Temp - http://www.alcpu.com/CoreTemp/
Real Temp - http://www.techpowerup.com/downloads/2089/real-temp-3-70/

You might want to give this a read: Intel Temperature Guide - http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-1800828/intel-temperature-guide.html

CT

 

[UncleDaddySwiss]

Thank you!

Oh, and about 72F.