I was using a tool to check my computer and saw that my CPU temperature was very high. It showed 98 degrees C and since water boils at 100 degrees C, I am concerned. So, what makes a CPU run hot and what can be done to prevent it. Also, what sort of damange can happen?

Multiple programs running at the same time. Too many tabs or windows open (browser drain). Insufficient ram, parts not compatible if custom built or not factory brand name built like "the omen" or "spectre" lines. Updates or poor air flow from case or heatsink. Run a windows defender scan while viewing your task manager graph or usage or details. You will notice your CPU in heavy use because this task needs to process so much data in your hard drive.

Leave a bowl of Spaghetti or anything with sauce in a microwave for 10 minutes, and you will have an idea of how your CPU will look inside your computer case, and it will start smoking and smell like bad fireworks.
good chance it could start a fire if not unplugged after it starts smoking.

CPU normally Explodes at 103-110C


Just like everything else in the world, like Microwaves or a TV, don't keep a computer in a Closed/Trapped area, where heat can't escape.
Clogged Fans or Old/warn out fans can cause heating issues.

CPU thermal paste Starts to Dry & Crack after 5 years, and normally should be Removed/Cleaned and freshly applied with new Thermal paste.
Arctic Silver , Grizzly , Noctual Brands are normally the best and make nearly a 4 to 7C difference on average compared to other brands.

Even while Gaming you really shouldn't see your Temps above 84C, thats normally a sign of 1 of the above mentioned things.
That or you live in Florida on the hottest day of the year.

Is everyone here terribly misinformed about latest gen CPUs?

I made a discovery and a fix. I had malware in the form of Chrome plugins running in the background once I disabled and removed them, my computer CPU cooled down.
Maybe I should make another discussion thread descriving how I was duped. Basically, there was a website that claimed I might be a bot and in order to convirm I was not, "click on accept" which was a trick to accept a mal chrome plugin.

It is an old computer.

Isn't there some sort of adhesive on the CPU that should be replaced?

It is still running hot.

Yeah thermal paste, as i mentioned above.
Noctua NT-H1 3.5g, Pro-Grade Thermal Compound Paste (3.5g) $8.99
You just remove the CPU fan, clean the Thermal paste off the CPU & the heatsink of the fan with like Rubbing Alcohol ( you can get a bottle at most stores for like 2 bucks )
Then Just apply a decent pea size amount of thermal paste on top of the center of the cpu, and then firmly press the Heatsing&fan back on and lock it into place.

This post was edited by conetopia on Apr 5 2023 12:37am

what's ur cpu?
did u overclock it?
wat cpu cooling? stock?

prob need to re-apply thermal paste
and possible get better cpu cooling, there are fairly cheap ones that are adequate, like under $30

this is clearly a fake video, because once past 103c it would have exploded.

This post was edited by purplex on Apr 8 2023 11:51pm