Does overclocking reduce cpu lifespan?

[Senkuroo]

I have recently clocked my i7 4790k to 4.4ghz and ran some tests and at 100% load all cores are averaging about 50 degrees Celsius, however, what came across my mind was that if i was doing this will it significantly lower the lifespan of my cpu. I'm currently cooling it with a corsair h110i gt and i am wanting to use this cpu for about 7-10 years, how long will my cpu last considering it is kept in a safe environment and all im doing is casual work and playing games

 

[MrN1ce9uy]

Overclocking by itself doesn't shorten the life of a silicon chip, however increases in heat may. As long as you stay in the normal temp zone, I'd say it wouldn't make much difference on the lifespan.

80C Hot (100% Load)
75C Warm
70C Warm (Heavy Load)
60C Norm
50C Norm (Medium Load)
40C Norm
30C Cool (Idle)
25C Cool

CompuTronix's Intel Temperature Guide - http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-1800828/intel-temperature-guide.html

 

[nycalex]

hard to say, but continuous high heat operation will definitelly shorten it's lifespan.

i have a 10 year old E5200 dual core which has been overclocked to 4.0 (from 2.6) for 10 years. Out of the 10 years, i have gamed on it for 3 years.

it's still running strong as a HTPC. however, not overclocking anymore, since a htpc doesn't have to be fast.

 

[Ecky]

CompuTronix's temp guide is excellent and following his advice will definitely not steer you wrong, but it's also very conservative. Intel allows server versions of that very same CPU to run closer to 100c at 100% sustained loads with no long-term reliability problems. Mostly what kills CPUs is a combination of increased voltage and heat, but you're realistically going to run into thermal throttling before you can increase voltage into unsafe territory. Most CPUs long outlive every other component in a PC, even when overclocked.

 

[PCMasterPacer]

OP, I have a computer at my work that was bought in 1998. It resides in a overheated office on the second floor in one of those 90's eras desk. Core temps read in the 90c range and has been from 1998 to 2017 and still going strong.

Don't worry about the lifespan of your CPU. The Mobo or PSU will burn out first 😛

 

[JordanMihailov]

Generally more voltage and more heat shortens the lifespan. If you overclock your cpu with as low voltage as possible and i assume you do because of the frequency you are aiming you should be ok for few years at least. For 10 years i am not so sure even though as the colleague above i have one 9 year old core 2 duo e6750 overclocked to 3.4ghz and it's working without any mistakes As every cpu is like the lottery when overclocking so is the answer to your question. 10 years is a long period but it's possible to be achieved. On the other hand it may last much less if it's a bad sample.