is it better to have a cool system or cpu?

BG4533

Golden Member
Oct 15, 2001
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High CPU temps will make your system unstable. Cool temps usually come hand in hand. It is also more difficult to have a cool CPU with high system temps.

What I am personally most concerned with now is the temperatures of my hard drives. Hard drives seem to be much more susceptible to heat now compared to years ago. Also, if a HD dies it may be difficult if not impossible to replace. Your CPU and other components are easier to replace and running your system hot may decrease the life of your CPU from 10 years to 5 years, but is that really all that important?
 

drx9175l

Member
Jan 11, 2002
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Your question is very general, but consider this: if your system temps are high then it's going to be impossible for the CPU HSF to work effectively. But, if the system is cool and has adequate airflow than any decent HSF will be able to keep the CPU at a safe temp.
 

deerslayer

Lifer
Jan 15, 2001
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Like others have said, the higher your case temp is, the harder it is going to be to have a low CPU temp.
 

OulOat

Diamond Member
Aug 8, 2002
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Originally posted by: gururu
above all else, use what you have to cool your cpu.

I disagree. I would value my hds more. It does suck to burn out your cpu, but a cpu is only a cpu. If you lose your HDs, that's a lot of data gone. And data is going to be a pain to get again, if you aren't already screwed (school, job).