Can a processor without overclocking lose the ability to work at standard frequencies

[Feconi]

On overclocker forums, experts say that over time, the processor may stop working at certain frequencies and they will need to be set less.

Can a processor without overclocking lose the ability to operate at the frequencies specified by the manufacturer as standard, due to, for example, elevated temperature, undervolting or other variables?

[Levent]

If we are talking few decades and voltages in excess of 50% above stock, then maybe. Otherwise, extremely unlikely.

[191x7]

I've seen it happen. And not even that old CPU-s. 

[Feconi]

18 minutes ago, 191x7 said:

I've seen it happen. And not even that old CPU-s. 

how does this manifest itself? (blue screens or just will work at lower frequencies and there will be no errors)

[manikyath]

10 minutes ago, Feconi said:

without overclocking

in theory, yes.. but we're talking about a projected lifespan that is so long we have no sensible timeframe for it. (other than maybe a very small subset of processors that are already marginal out the gate.)

 

what *is* something to note though, is that when you have done overclocking, it can be assumed it will degrade "faster" than stock, the further you push it, the faster it degrades. somewhere in there there's a line where the lifespan becomes "measurable", and you may find after several years that the CPU has degraded to the point it can no longer run stock speeds at stock voltages.

 

an old but decent example is way back when barnacules nerdgasm had this watercooled overclocked workstation, it ran overclocked about as far as you could daily drive an OC back in the day, and did for a decade. however, trough the years he had to progressively dial back the overclock and/or increase the voltage to keep the system stabile, until it came to a point where he was running stupid voltages to keep it running at a speed that was below stock.

[191x7]

29 minutes ago, Feconi said:

how does this manifest itself? (blue screens or just will work at lower frequencies and there will be no errors)

This could be helpful