what happens when your chip overheats?

[skywhr]

Does the pc shut down?

 

[aUt0eXebat]

yea, some devices may not work. or the CPU could just fry

 

[FlyByWire]

Even if your PC doesn't shut down, or the chip doesn't just "fry" (fatal failure?), operating any IC (intergrated circuit, or "chip", including CPU)at higher than specified temperatures actually reduces their lifetime. In other words, your chip will fail sooner if you run it hotter. For example, if CPU is guaranteed to operate for 15 years at 60 C, and you run it at 150 C (overclocking or not enough cooling), it may fail in 1 or 2 years or even less.

 

[Bleep]

Depends on the Chip. The newer AMD will cook themself to death in about 90 seconds with no cooling. Celrons will generally just shut down and crash because of heat.
Bleep