Does CPU temp really matter

[eflat]

Right now I have my Q6600 in a comfortable Antec P182 case running @ 3.6Ghz and around 40 degrees.

If I put it in a smaller case though, I can still get 3.6 out of it, but the temperatures get into the 70's or higher. I really want to use a smaller case but I don't want to kill my magic Q6600!

 

[Gillbot]

IMHO, yes. The number one killer of electronics is heat. Less heat means longer life.

 

[TheOtherRizzo]

It's extremely unlikely that your CPU will die before you stop using it anyway. Other components on the Mainboard are bound to die much earlier. Yes, the higher temp will shorten the life. But I don't think you're planning to use the same CPU in 2020 are you? The simplest rule is that if it's stable then there is no problem. If I look at the number of threads in this forum where people are asking if their temps are too high for no apparent reason then I have to say the importance of temps is WAY overrated on gaming forums.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Somehow I doubt that the choice of case will have a difference in temps of 30C. That's way wrong.

 

[krnmastersgt]

30C is pushing but if the smaller case is recycling the air inside the case a large heat increase wouldn't be impossible. However 70C-80C is still acceptable for Q6600s, they could probably last 3-4 years at least at those temps, even if it was on 24/7.

 

[Fraggable]

When was the last time someone reported that their CPU died due to heat? They throttle before they overheat, and Intel has a 3-year warranty. The way I see it as long as it's not causing problems and you don't intend to use it for 10 years then you'll likely never have an issue.

 

[BassBomb]

Originally posted by: Fraggable
When was the last time someone reported that their CPU died due to heat? They throttle before they overheat, and Intel has a 3-year warranty. The way I see it as long as it's not causing problems and you don't intend to use it for 10 years then you'll likely never have an issue.

Gotta love that three year warranty with overclocking covered...

Wait...

Anyways, I would look into some better cooling for that smaller case for those kinds of temps. If that is just the outer cpu temp rather than core then even more need to do it.

While Rizzo stated if its stable there is no problem, but there are times where you want something to work as best as it can for as long as it can. I do not think a CPU will die due to heat, but I'd prefer not to get to a throttling point at all.

 

[Nathelion]

Yeah, once it starts throttling the whole "performance benefit" part of the OC kinda goes out the window too.

 

[PHiuR]

I've been running my CPU at 68-70C for 4 years. (Athlon XP2500+)

 

[Bateluer]

Typically, you'll upgrade your CPU, among other components, long before it dies from thermal stress. Its good practice to keep it within Intel/AMD's specs though.

 

[rasczak]

Originally posted by: PHiuR
I've been running my CPU at 68-70C for 4 years. (Athlon XP2500+)

I've got a 2500+ running about 60 - 70 as well, it sure is cheaper on my gas bill during the winter

 

[Mondoman]

The CPU won't die from heat per se; the real risk is electromigration, which is enhanced as heat and voltage rise.