1. Definition: This is the brain of the computer. This controls how fast the computer can do things and how many things it can do at once. It functions in direct connections with the RAM through the system board.
2. Normally these run at high temperatures upwards of 150°- 180° F (65.6° - 82.2° C.) They require either a cooler and a fan or a liquid coolant system. The cooler you are able to keep this processor the faster it will allow your computer to run. The best cooling systems to have are either a super powered fan or a liquid cooling system. This will allow your computer to run longer or to operate with higher capabilities ex) faster speed.
3. Generally Encountered Problems with Processors:
1. Overheating – based on the fan process of cooling, overheating can occur due to the build-up of dust on the fan. This can be easily prevented by dusting the fan every 3-12 months, depending on your environment (smoking households should do this more frequently.)
• Common signs of overheating:
1. Lockups – when a computer freezes or loses responsiveness (during overheating, a computer can lock up and then need time to cool off before being able to turn on again.)
2. Sporadic Random Problems and Program Crashes (especially during intensive use.)
2. Electrical Surges - As discussed with power, electrical surges are a common problem. If this happens the processor can be affected several ways, though it is difficult to pin most problems on the processor in particular. In this case, the easiest, and often the only way to fix the problem is to replace the processor entirely. Test the processor in another systemboard and / or test a known good processor in systemboard. Use caution with damaged processors and systemboard processor sockets as they have been known to damage good parts after testing and failing.