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Are 3D screensavers that eat up CPU bad for you computer in the long run?

I downloaded a 3D fish screensaver and it eats up a lot of CPU and makes the fan go nuts. Is this dangerous for my computer in the long run?

Public Comments

1. yes.... if its a tower the effect will probably be negligible but if its a laptop it can severly shorten the life...... so if you use a screensaver w/ high cpu you have more heat coming off your computer especially in laptops this heat adds up over time..... and although there is no immediate negative effect repeated heating and cooling of the sodder and other parts makes them brittle.... thus more prone to breaking...... all-in-all I would not use a 3D screensaver, but i really don't think the difference in teh life of a machine will be noticeable...... so if you just have to have your screensaver keep it..... i keep my monitors on 24/7 no screen saver no sleep......
2. If it makes the fans go crazy then it probably is bad. The harder the cooling system has to work, the shorter it will last, but depending on your computer it might make a big difference or almost none. If you have an LCD screen, it can't get permanent burn-in so screensavers are really more for fun than anything.
3. Usually not. Most machines will handle 3D screensavers just fine. But if it's using a lot of CPU, it will make your machine heat up. Laptops are smaller than desktop PCs, with less air circulation. In addition, they generally have less capable graphics, so the main processor has to work harder. Running an intensive screensaver on a machine like this for long periods of time, especially if airflow is poor (i.e. you leave it on something soft like a bed or sofa), could cause your PC to stay hot. This isn't good for your PC. It won't make your machine blow up or anything like that, but it's certanily not good over time. In summary: moderate screensafer + moderately powerful pc + good airflow = good. intense screensaver + not-so-powerful PC + poor air flow = overheating.