CPU / GPU Acceptable Temperature Range

[ghost-note]

I’m using a Pi 2, Model B with Retropie 3.5 and noticed CPU and GPU temperature of 41C / 105F. Is this an acceptable temperature range?

[herbfargus]

Mine is usually higher than that and I’ve had no problems.

[Omnija]

if your pi hits around 80c/85c it can cause damage other wise its fine.

[zerojay]

I overclock my Pi 2 without a heatsink or any fans and the hottest it usually gets is 53 degrees which is well within acceptable ranges.

[ghost-note]

OK, thanks. I was debating whether or not to add heatsinks, but noticed a negative comment about adding heatsinks – “i have tried these and core temps went up. they do nothing but insulate the cpu/gpu!!” – wasn’t sure if anyone else experienced a similar issue.

[brainfrz]

There is no truth whatsoever in that quote your posting.

Unless thermodynamics have changed since i went to college a proper heatsink can’t actually make the core temperatures go up. A mistake he might have made is sticking it with ordinary double sided tape, or worse, double sided foam.

And about insulating the CPU/GPU, that’s what the black packaging with the text on it is for :)

In short: a heatsink is always a good idea, but unless you’re overclocking your RPI1/2 or running it in a hot environment it’s not necessary. They do recommend a heatsink for the RPI3 though.

[ghost-note]

Thanks for the clarification.

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