The leading processor manufacturers intentionally design their components to function at high temperatures throughout their lifespan. They do so based on their understanding of the dependency on system fan power and cooling capabilities. For instance, if Intel or AMD specifies a maximum CPU temperature of 95°C, it means that the processor can operate at that temperature limit without negatively affecting its lifespan. This is provided the CPU does not exceed that temperature threshold.
In situations where a processor runs at high temperatures during idle periods, it is because the system fan power is being conserved. The total power consumption of system fans can range from 85 W to over 200 W, and conserving power plays a crucial role in reducing fan power consumption without compromising the reliability of the system components.
It is unlikely that a processor would get damaged from overheating due to the operational safeguards in place. Processors have two modes of thermal protection, throttling and automatic shutdown. When a core exceeds the set throttle temperature, it reduces power to maintain a safe temperature level. The throttle temperature can vary by processor and BIOS settings. If the processor is unable to maintain a safe operating temperature through throttling actions, it will automatically shut down to prevent permanent damage.
"For Instance: (See the iDRAC9 user guide-Optimizing system performance and power consumption for more detail instruction.)
1. Default Thermal Profile + BIOS System profile--Performance.
This setting raises the fan speed baseline and increase fan speed for cooler CPU temperatures.
2. Change Thermal Profile from default to Maximum Performance.
This option behaves similarly to Option#1.
3. Change "fan speed offset" from default off to low
By adding 25% PWM based on the minimum fan speed requirement.
4. Custom Minimum fan speed --Set higher minimum fan speed than minimum fan speed calculated by iDRAC/Thermal.
Note: Users cannot set the fan speed below the calculated baseline/minimum fan speed required by ambient temperature and system configurations.
5. Set lower "Maximum PCIe Inlet Temperature Limit" or lower "Exhaust Temperature Limits"
This may result higher system fan speed, used for third-party PCIe card that requires a lower temperature.
Note: This feature is not available unless iDRAC data center license purchased. See the iDRAC9 user guide for detail about iDRAC license feature.
For Dell PowerEdge servers, the thermal design regarding CPU temperature is as follows: