Why does processor gets hot

Is the correlation between the number of chips and the heat generated linear? Do CPU manufacturers optimize the positions of single transistors in order to minimize the heat generated? Ricardo 5, 17 17 gold badges 48 48 silver badges 83 83 bronze badges. But if this subject interests you, you might want to read about how the creation of binary information itself necessarily requires creation of waste heat; A nice essay that doesn't require a lot of physics can be found here plato.

There is "kT ln 2 energy dissipated per irreversible bit operation". Part of Landauer's principle. That information that is lost in this process has to go somewhere and becomes entropy heat Add a comment. Active Oldest Votes. Majenko Majenko 55k 8 8 gold badges silver badges bronze badges. Just because this answer doesn't happen to mention your favourite one doesn't mean it is wrong. I suggest, instead of down-voting perfectly valid answers, you try writing your own answer.

If it is better than this one then the community will decide and it will get more votes. For now, I agree that heat is generated by resistive losses. However, I don't think your answer gives a very deep understanding.

Aluminum is still used on less complex and bigger-process chips, though, as it's a whole lot less complicated to work with. Abhay Abhay 11 1 1 bronze badge. Guill Guill 2, 7 7 silver badges 5 5 bronze badges. Current flow in a vacuum or superconductor does not generate heat. Sign up or log in Sign up using Google. Sign up using Facebook. Sign up using Email and Password.

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Change the Size of the Touch Keyboard. Check Bluetooth Device Battery Life. Reader Favorites Take Screenshot on Windows. Mount an ISO image in Windows. Boot Into Safe Mode. Disable Startup Programs in Windows. For an evacuated system configuration fans blowing outward , ensure proper inlet venting.

For pressurized system configuration fans blowing inward , ensure proper outlet venting. Or, try to update the BIOS. For an existing system with no changes made: Check for any dust on the fans Check to see if there's an excessive build-up of dust in the system on all the fans, primarily the processor's heatsink fan.

If there is, clean it. Check to make sure that the intake vents and exhaust vents are clear of dust and lint. Check fan operation Check to see that the processor's fan is still operating. Check to see if a cable is dislodged, something is blocking the impeller, or the fan power source has failed. Undo any recent changes See if anything has changed around the system.

Check the thermal interface materials Inspect for any failures of processor's heatsink mechanical retention. Inspect for broken components from a drop or shock event, or similar cause.

If using CPU liquid cooling, check for pump failure, visible leaks, or fluid loss. Note: Inspection procedure and maintenance potential will vary by manufacturer. If the processor gets too hot, the built-in protection shuts down the processor. If your computer isn't overclocked, and is running under the design specifications, the built-in protection can help prevent damage to your system.

If you use 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. Discontinued Products. Show all Show less. Need more help?