Safe operating temperatures for Single board computers
SBCs operate safely up to 80°C but throttle at 85°C. Keep temperatures under 70°C with heatsinks, airflow, and monitoring for optimal performance and longevity.
Single Board Computers (SBCs) like the Raspberry Pi, Orange Pi, and Rockchip-based boards pack impressive computing power into compact designs but with that power comes heat. Keeping temperatures within a safe range is critical for performance, stability, and longevity.
Most SBCs are designed to operate safely between 0°C and 80°C (32°F to 176°F), though the ideal range depends on the processor and workload. For example, ARM-based chips such as the RK3588 or Broadcom BCM2711 typically idle between 35°C and 50°C, and can safely run under sustained loads up to 70°C-75°C.
Once the temperature reaches around 80°C-85°C, many boards begin to throttle, automatically lowering CPU frequency to prevent overheating. Prolonged operation near or above these limits can lead to degraded performance and, over time, shorten component life.
To maintain safe temperatures:
- Provide airflow: Use open cases or add a small fan.
- Use heatsinks: Aluminum or copper heatsinks on the CPU dramatically reduce peak temps.
- Monitor regularly: Tools like
sbc-bench,glances, or built-in thermal sensors help track heat trends. - Avoid enclosed or sunlit areas when running high workloads.
In general, keeping your SBC under 70°C during typical use ensures efficient operation and prevents thermal throttling. With proper cooling and monitoring, these small computers can run reliably for years even under heavy workloads.
