how much does temperature affect processor performance?

Question

now that it is summer my cpu is running between 112 and 117 farenhight durring normal use. In the winter it was around 100 durring normal use and 120 after watching movies for over 2 hours.
Should I invest in more fans? I have a large gaming case with four case fans. I have room for three more. Celeron D 2.8 ghz prossesor with a thermaltake P4 spark III+ heat sink and fan. It has been running slower than normal and was just currious if the temp could be a culprate.Do I want it as cool as possible?

Answer 1

Yes in your situation you should do everything you can do to keep your system cool. Invest in an air conditioner...both you and the computer will be more comfortable :)

Good luck with the hot season :)

Answer 2

I do not know the answer to your question. However, I do know that heat management is a big factor in designing computers and computer components. In processing, much energy is lost in the form of heat, and excessive heat in or around a component can damage it. That's why there is "heat bus" directly on top of the CPU and a fan inside your computer -- they dissipate heat.

I've heard that older computers were recomended to operate in air-cooled rooms. A computer that overheats can 'break.'

Now, does operating temperature affect performance? I don't know. Since I don't know, I don't know 'how much' either. My guess is, not significantly, since major computer manufacturers aren't suggesting we run our computers in cold rooms.

Answer 3

You want it cool as possible, but my experience with heat was that the problems from it were huge and started all at once. If your computer is slow, its probably something else.