CPU
Browse cpu articles and guides in our Hardware section.
- CPU at 100%: Is It Safe or Harmful?
Running at 100% is normal for brief tasks. Prolonged high usage only causes problems if your cooling system can't control the heat it creates.
- How CPUs Work: The Brain of Your Computer
The CPU is your computer's brain that handles every click, app, and game. Learn how processors work and what makes some faster than others.
- Is Your CPU Working? How to Test It
Confirm your CPU works by checking boot behavior, Task Manager usage, and HWMonitor temps, plus quick tests for stability.
- CPU Heat Explained: Why Processors Get Hot
CPUs generate heat as transistors switch, turning power into thermal energy. See typical wattage and normal temperature ranges.
- Intel CPUs Have No Pins: Here's Why
Intel CPUs use LGA sockets where pins live in the motherboard, not the chip. This protects your processor from bent pin damage during handling.
- CPU Heat Damage: Signs Your Processor Is Dying
A processor with heat damage shows crashes, slowdowns, throttling, and boot failures. Monitor temps and run stress tests to confirm the damage.
- CPU Sockets: LGA, PGA, and BGA Differences
LGA has pins on the motherboard, PGA puts them on the CPU, and BGA is soldered permanently. Know the difference before upgrading your processor.