Processors — How do I know if my computer is overheating?

Processors

How do I know if my computer is overheating?

Note
Intel® Processors have built-in thermal protection. If the processor gets too hot, the built-in protection shuts down the computer. If your computer is not over-clocked and is running under the design specifications, the built-protection can help prevent damage to your system.

Computer overheating warning signs:

Unusual fan sounds	Most computers have two fans; one that cools the power supply and one that cools the processor. If a fan starts to make unusual whirring, clicking, clunking, or a musical sound or beep, the fan might be failing. If the fan is the problem, always replace, never repair.
Blue screen	If a fan does fail, the computer might boot up properly but then start to overheat. The most common result is a blue screen. If you keep getting a Windows* error and a blue screen, check the cooling fan and the air flow coming or going from your computer.
Constantly reboots or shut down	To prevent damage to components, the computer shuts down or reboots if it senses an overheating issue. The system might reboot every few minutes until the problem is resolved. This often occurs if your system CPU is over-clocked, sped up past the recommended speed limits. The BIOS usually reports if a thermal event has occurred.
Non-fan-based CPU overheating	When a CPU overheats with all fans working (assuming all cleaning, location, and environmental temperature recommendations are met), you might need to replace the thermal compound between the heatsink and processor. The existing compound eventually hardens with time on most systems. See a computer technician or buy a professional grade thermal compound and replace it yourself, carefully following all instructions and warnings.
High temperature	If you use a third party software to measure the temperature or the BIOS readings, contact the software vendor to ensure the software is validated to work with your processor.

Caution

If you purchased your computer from a computer manufacturer such as Gateway* or Dell*, you might void your warranty by opening your computer case. Contact your system manufacturer if you are experiencing any of the warning signs listed above.

This applies to:

Intel® Celeron® Desktop Processor
Intel® Core™ i3 Desktop Processor
Intel® Core™ i5 Desktop Processor
Intel® Core™ i7 Desktop Processor
Intel® Core™ i7 Processor Extreme Edition
Intel® Core™2 Duo Desktop Processor
Intel® Core™2 Extreme Processor
Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor
Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor Extreme Edition
Intel® Pentium® 4 Processors
Intel® Pentium® D Processor
Intel® Pentium® Processor Extreme Edition
Intel® Pentium® Processor for Desktop

Solution ID: CS-029426
Last Modified: 18-Apr-2013
Date Created: 09-Jun-2008