how come GPU's can handle higher temps than CPUs?

[PremiumG]

my Tyan software says my 9800 ProM is running at 72C right now... IDLE!!!

how come CPU's can't do that? An CPU would die at 72C right?

 

[wetcat007]

It wouldnt die at that temp but i wouldnt recomend it running at that temp for sure a cpu that is. The reason graphics cards run at higher temps is because they dont have room for a big heatsink like on cpu's, as to how they can withstand it i don't know.

 

[Cerb]

Your CPU would NOT die at 72C. In fact, it shouldn't be in danger up to 90C or maybe more.
But...that's assuming a diode reading, where uualy CPUs are still done with socket readings. If the socket eads 70C, th CPU is surely Near 100C if not fa above.