What really happens when your CPU overheats

[Chronictank]

Not true today as most cpus come with some sort of fail safe nowdays
http://www12.tomshardware.com/images/thg_video_1_cpu_cooling.zip

 

[Jeriraa]

Both have their pro's and con's... if your cooler fails you won't lose your CPU with Intel. But if your cooling sucks you will lose performance.

If your cooling sucks with an AMD your system will tell you by becomming instable.