Side by side

Argus Monitor vs Core Temp

Both stand on system monitoring tools. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

Argus Monitor

Free plan Windows

Argus Monitor combines detailed fan controls with hardware and storage monitoring for Windows. A 30-day evaluation is listed, followed by licenses from $16.45 a year.

Visit Argus Monitor

Core Temp focuses on direct processor-core temperature readings with monitoring, alerts, plug-ins, and an Android companion. It is free for private use, but hardware access requires administrator privileges and commercial use requires machine-based licensing.

Visit Core Temp

The facts

	Argus Monitor	Core Temp
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Not published	Not published
Runs on	Windows	Android, Windows
Lowest paid plan	See the plans	See the plans
Plans published	5	19
Maker	Argus Monitor	Not published
Website	argusmonitor.com	alcpu.com
On system monitoring tools	#1 of 12	#2 of 12

Argus Monitor: what it does well

Fan control supports curves, profiles, and rate limits.
Monitors nearly all available HDDs and SSDs through S.M.A.R.T.
A fully functional 30-day evaluation is available.
Each listed license supports two concurrent installations.
No subscription is required.

What to know first

Supports Windows 11 and Windows 10 version 22H2 or later.
RGB controls are limited to supported hardware.
Each additional active installation adds a fee.

Core Temp: what it does well

Per-core temperature readings
Supports Intel, AMD, and VIA processors
Remote monitoring available
Plug-in customization and expansion
Overheating protection included

What to know first

Custom sensors are not supported
Administrator privileges are required
Some AMD families show one temperature
Commercial licensing is per physical machine

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