What is the SIMPLEST way to monitor the CPU temperature if users experience spontaneous shutdowns due to overheating?

Checking the BIOS settings is indeed the simplest way to monitor CPU temperature, especially when users are experiencing spontaneous shutdowns due to overheating. Most computer systems provide access to temperature readings directly from the BIOS or UEFI firmware when booting up. This allows users to quickly assess temperatures without needing to install additional software or devices.

When entering the BIOS, users can usually find system health monitoring features where important metrics, including CPU temperature, fan speeds, and voltages, are displayed. This information is often sufficient for understanding if the CPU is running at safe temperatures or if overheating might be causing the shutdowns.

Using hardware monitoring software is another viable option, but it requires an operating system to be loaded and software to be installed, which might not be ideal in situations where a system shuts down before the OS boots. Installing a new CPU cooler and utilizing a temperature probe could provide more comprehensive solutions, but they are more complex and not necessarily the simplest method for immediate temperature assessments.