Cooling and monitoring laptop temperature under Ubuntu
Published on 15 July 2025
Do you feel that your laptop is overheating abnormally under Ubuntu? This article offers a completesoftwareapproach tocool, monitor et control the temperatureof your machine.
Objective of this guide
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Reduce the overall temperature of the computer
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Optimize power management
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Monitor critical components (CPU, GPU, etc.)
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Avoid slowdowns due tothermal throttling
Prerequisites
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An Ubuntu machine (20.04 or higher recommended)
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Internet connection
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Command line skills (beginner to intermediate level)
Install and configure tools
lm-sensors to detect sensors
sudo apt install lm-sensors
sudo sensors-detect
sensors|
Answer`YES`all the questions from`sensors-detect`to detect modules. |
tlp: intelligent power manager
sudo apt install tlp tlp-rdw
sudo systemctl enable tlp
sudo systemctl start tlp
cpufrequtils: limit CPU frequencies
sudo apt install cpufrequtils
cpufreq-info
sudo cpufreq-set -g powersave-
powersave: limits frequency spikes -
performance: favors performance at the expense of temperature
auto-cpufreq: simplified dynamic management
git clone https://github.com/AdnanHodzic/auto-cpufreq.git
cd auto-cpufreq
sudo ./auto-cpufreq-installer
sudo auto-cpufreq --install
thermald: automatic thermal protection
sudo apt install thermald
sudo systemctl enable thermald
sudo systemctl start thermaldReal-time monitoring
sensors via command line
watch -n 2 sensorsGUI Option: psensor
sudo apt install psensorSimple graphical interface for CPU, GPU, fans.
Additional tips
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Close tabs and heavy applications (e.g., browsers)
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Avoid intense use on battery
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Monitor processes via`htop`:
sudo apt install htop
htopClean the system to limit overloads
sudo apt autoremove
sudo apt autoclean
sudo journalctl --vacuum-time=3dTo go further
You can create a custom`systemd`service to automatically apply certain settings at startup. Would you like an example in a future article? Let me know!
📚 Conclusion
By combining these simple tools, you will gain:
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Controlled CPU temperature
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Less fan noise
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Better battery life
Remember to monitor your temperatures regularly to prevent any overheating.
_ Better safe than melting your CPU. _