Yes, CPUs can fail just like any other hardware component. On desktop systems the most common case is you'll try and boot the system and just be presented with blank video or a beep code. On server systems with multiple CPUs there usually will be an error reported via blinking light or the little info LCD on the front of the system. In some cases the damage is actually visible on the CPU (e.g. discoloration of some of the gold contact points on the bottom). CPUs under normal operation fail less frequently than most other components in my experience.
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Yes, CPUs can fail just like any other hardware component. On desktop systems the most common case is you'll try and boot the system and just be presented with blank video or a beep code. On server systems with multiple CPUs there usually will be an error reported via blinking light or the little info LCD on the front of the system. In some cases the damage is actually visible on the CPU (e.g. discoloration of some of the gold contact points on the bottom). CPUs under normal operation fail less frequently than most other components in my experience.