CPU Overheating

My computer has reecently been freezing completely. I think its the CPU overheating, BIOS said that it was 51 degC and thats the highest ive seen it before (Im guessing the temp where I live isn't helping - i though UK should be cold!).

Anyway, are there any cheap immediate solutions? Also is there any chance of lasting damage caused by this?

Thanks for any help,
Matt

Yes, permanent damage is possible, and the cheap solution is to put it in the fridge :) Or open the cabinet, clean the fans, and put an office fan (or ventilator or whatever it's called) next to it.

Ok thanks, my fridge isn't big enough so I think i'll stop using it while I try to get the temp down. Will give me an excuse to open it up again :P

My CPU has been running at 51 degs in this recent heat. I haven't had any problems. I don't this 51 degs is overly hot, is it? I guess it could depend on CPU type, though.

Another thing to check for is leaking capacitators, or faulty ram.

I had a motherboard with broken capacitators, exhibiting the exact same problems as you describe. I checked it (visually) three times, before I found the spot... It was hidden behind a ton of wires. There's a very fine cross at the top of each capacitator, if any of them are bulging out it's a good sign that's the problem. Some of them might actually be leaking too.

If your motherboard is from between 2000 and 2002, this is not an uncommon thing.

Tell me about it. :P All the capacitors on my last mobo went bang (literally) and leaked all over my GFX card. :/

I would suggest going out to buy the biggest fan/heatsink that would fit into your case. Also, buy a good heatsink paste. Take the old one out, clean the CPU top of the old paste, put a generous amount of paste on it, and put the new heatsink/fan on.

Oh, clean any other fans you have - one of the biggest one is the PSU fan(s). Also, IF it is possible to add a fan to a case somewhere, add it. You can add those quiet fans that spin at lower speeds, it will help but not add too much noise to the room.

This would be your cheapest solution. Or, buy an AC unit specifically for that room and keep it cool. Here in US, a cheap AC for the window is about $200. Cheaper than replacing your MB/CPU/RAM if any or all blow. :) Plus, more comfortable to live in.

P.S. Personal experience: I bought a Dell system and after putting in ATi 9800Pro, it would overheat. All I did was drill a hole on the side of the case - bottom right next to HDD - and added 80MM Stealth Fan. Now, it runs just fine, it just needed that extra airflow. My room temperature reaches 30 degrees ( 85F ).

I have a window open now, and I moved my computer on to my desk (it used to be in a shelf in my desk which was basically a wooden bok with no front which I think increased the heat).

I'll check my motherboard but I only built this computer less than a year ago. I'm going to try and find the site that was posted here a while back which had those heatsinks which were also fans.

Thanks for the help,
Matthew