Will varying processor speed hurt the cpu?

[Match]

I've been thinking about underclocking my 1.2 Gig Athlon so it will run at a cooler temperature. I've heard the cooler it runs the longer it will last. I could then bump the speed back up or overclock when I need the processing power. Will the repeated changing of processing speed have a bad effect over time on any of my components?

 

[AkumaBao]

I personally have not seen anything bad happen because of underclocking a CPU. In theory it shouldn't. Basically the processors we use are considered underclocked since the actual max speed that they have has been lowered by the manufacturers. I really don't see it hurting any components.

 

[sohcrates]

You'd be fine to under and overlcock your cpu all the time, but the truth is that the life span of a cpu running "hot" versus one running "cool" is not that dramatically different. We're *maybe* talking about the difference, for example, between lasting 10 years or 5 or 6 years...most likely much much more. And anyway, i feel sorry for you if +6 years out you're STILL using the same cpu.

It's silly to underclock if you're worried about heat IMHO. Perhaps just a better cpu heatsink and fan are in order?

 

[PeteyPete]

CPU life has never really been a concern to me, generally, if it's old enough to fail, it's probably obsolete anyway...no computer parts are investments

 

[Demonicon]

The only people i hear are underclocking is to be able to keep their CPU cooler so they can run without a fan and cut down on excessivev noise

 

[Match]

Ok, thanks for the input. I probably won't bother with underclocking then.