What would cause overheating of the CPU?

Answer by  slartibartfaster (28)

Although it is possible that the conductive material that connects the CPU to the heatsink has not been placed correctly, overheating is usually caused by dust roaming freely in your computer case, and ending up clogging both the heatsink's plates and the CPU fan. Use an air spray to fix.

Answer by  Navi (12)

Insufficient cooling. The fan may be blocked with dirt, or the fan may face a wall rather than having enough space for air to circulate. Also check that the thermal paste between the heatsink and the processor is contacting. I also find that if you tax your processor too much you may cause overheating.