Let's see here...

[Legendary Silke]

• The computer slows down when having more than 50% CPU load for more than half a minute
• The computer randomly freezes while at stock settings for everything
• I check temperatures and discover that the CPU is at 70 degrees C
• I dust PC
• Temperatures still high
• I set fans to maximum speed, and temperatures are still high
• I downclock the CPU to 60% of its original speed, and it still hovers around 60 degrees C at full load

Do you think I need to replace this CPU? I think it might be breaking down...

 

[donavannj]

Reapplying thermal paste between the CPU and the heat sink would probably be a cheaper alternative in the short term.

 

[Truality]

Do you think I need to replace this CPU? I think it might be breaking down...

Misread as "breaking dawn"

 

[Legendary Silke]

I think I'll just get a replacement CPU. This board supports Core 2 Duo and Quad CPUs, which are all pretty old by now. I wonder what's good?

(I checked, and the CPU idles at 50 degrees C at current setttings with the fan blaring. It did 60 when at stock settings.)

 

[donavannj]

You'll have to reinstall your OS if you get a replacement CPU. The drivers your OS has for the CPU are for your current CPU.

 

[Legendary Silke]

You know...

Right now, with reduced speed, it idles at 50, regular load = 60, extreme load = 73 and warning beeps...

At full speed, it idles at 60, and well, everything goes downhill with more than around 25% load.

 

[donavannj]

Small tube of thermal paste: $5-$10. Replacement CPU $50-$100.