[SOLVED] Could my CPU be damaged from prolonged heat?

[kilo24]

Even Half-Life 1 on low settings underperforms on this computer (i5-3570k, gtx 1050 ti) and since my temps have apparently been going slightly above 100C while a game is running, I've ordered a new CPU cooler. I thought this would fix the performance issue but it seems it won't (hasn't arrived yet) because this CPU doesn't throttle until 105C, which it doesn't always reach. My main question is: could the CPU be damaged and thus underperforming overall due to being this hot for who knows how long (it was built in 2012)?

 

[scout_03]

your cooling paste could have been dry out and it is not very good to use it if it goes on high temp could reduce is life span .

 

[Barty1884]

While the max temp is 105'C before throttling, it's highly recommended to keep a chip much cooler than that for 24/7 usage.
<80'C would be where you *should* be.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-1800828/intel-temperature-guide.html

However, when was this cooler installed? Assuming it's the stock Intel offering? Either way, have you ever removed dust/reapplied thermal paste in the 6-7 years it's been running?

 

[kilo24]

To Barty1884 (don't know how to make replies on my phone) it's the stock fan and as far as I know hasn't been changed/repaired since it was bult.

 

[kilo24]

Also I've read that the ideal idle max temps specifically for my CPU are 60-70C, though its current sitting temps are in the 80s.

 

[kilo24]

I'm well aware that I have cooling problems, I'm just asking could the CPU be already damaged

 

[Barty1884]

Then a simple removal/reapplication of thermal paste (and a blowout of dust) may well be sufficient.
Not saying damage can't be done, but under the circumstances, it may simply be the cooler more than anything else.

Voltage is more of a concern vs strictly heat. There are certainly risks involved once you run higher temps sustained (see link above), but it's doesn't sound like you've been running an overvolted, overclocked CPU that's been throttling for years - so you *should* be ok.

 

[scout_03]

if you keep it on high temp could be .