Date: Jan 18, 2003
Category: Distributed Computing
Author(s): mechBgon

A system that has poor cooling may show problems when running a distributed-computing client. The client uses the CPU cycles that would otherwise go to the System Idle Process, so in a way the CPU has been at 100% usage all along, only now the process that's using the vacant cycles does something productive, and this is going to generate more heat.

Typically, the CPU itself will not get any hotter than it does when playing a 3D action game or doing media encoding. If the system overheats as a result of running a distributed-computing program, it would most likely do the same under other full-load situations. Consider dropping by the AnandTech Cases & Cooling Forum if you need advice on correcting a heat-related problem.

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