Question for hackers/comp experts

[Tyrone Slothrop]

I have a hypothetical question (in relation to a screenplay I'm working on and a minor plot point):

Is it possible to create a virus of some sort that would act by overstressing the CPU above and beyond normal thresholds and result in literally burning out the CPU/motherboard? (That is, a virus that would not just tamper with memory, etc., but would actually cook/melt the insides to a state where they would never be usable again.)

Thanks in advance. I'm about to leave work so I might not be able to respond. Any help is much appreciated!

[datasuspect]

1. shall we play a game?

global thermonuclear war

[Deja Q]

2. If it's for a screenplay, why do you want the accuracy?

[billyskank]

3. No

Only if the computer owner has foolishly overclocked their CPU without adequate cooling, can it be damaged by overwork. If it is operating at its proper specification and the cooler is working, it will not overheat even on 100% load. Also I think CPUs have thermal overload cutouts to prevent damage.