Yes, there are many out there when searching, but I thought I'd ask here for some experience with what I need to get for the type of system I have, and what temps I should be monitoring.

Yes, I have a low end laptop, with low end graphics, but that is what I've got and that is what I'd like to monitor for overheating purposes.

Yes, I can play Skyrim on fairly low settings, and I have had no CTD so far, but I'd like to get a benchmark temperature on any/all components, as I do know that I am running HOT and do not want to destroy my system if I continue to use it for running Skyrim.

I am not running any Mods, but if I can get the overheating under control, then I might try some.

I am getting a Zelman cooling pad in the next few days. I don't have a link to the threads that recommended that, but thank you very much so for that info! ... Had ...no...idea...

So... what (free) overheating monitoring tool should I get for a before cooling pad benchmark/after cooling pad benchmark should I use?

I'd put my dxdiag in here but I haven't figured out how to put it in a spoiler tag yet... Still learning way too much technical stuff just to be immersed in a game.

Thanks all!

-Marden

I have an ATI card, so I just use the Catalyst Control Center that comes with the driver to check it. For my CPU, I use http://alcpu.com/CoreTemp/.

Another option for your GPU could be http://www.techpowerup.com/downloads/SysInfo/GPU-Z/.

I use Core Temp as well, handy because it has a before and after temperature, and an average. I use MSI Afterburner to monitor and overclockers my GPU.

Speedfan. Simple, easy, stays in the taskbar.

Core Temp and EVGA Precision (nVidia card) on laptops and desktops.

CPU wise I don't know since my desktop has a nice digital readout. GPU wise if I need to run some tests i'll hit up GPU-Z which is a great little program I can run in the background. Gives me several indicators beyond temperature controls such as volt, etc... . Used it extensively when I was testing SWTOR in beta to make sure it didn't overheat my rig. The program might even do core temps for your computer across the different physical cores on it. Best part is the program is free to use.

I use that as well

Thanks all. I'll look into these.

I to use Core Temp. I highly recommend http://event.msi.com/vga/afterburner/download.htm. You do not need to own an MSI card, it works with all makes.

Afterburner is basically Rivatuner tweaked by MSI. It has options for OSD in game, LCD if you have a keyboard with one (I love using mine) and on the task bar.

HWMonitor.