Rain
Your CPU is idle most of the time when you're using your computer; when word processing, writing emails, browsing the web, the CPU does nothing else than just wait for user input. It produces substantial amounts of heat doing nothing.
This means that everytime the CPU executes a hlt instruction, it will go into "suspend mode" for a short time.
So, while the idle loop is being executed, the CPU will be in suspend mode, use much less power, and stay much cooler.
I have tried few apps of this kind, and Rain 2.0 is the best. It can decreas the temperature of the cpu up to 10°C and is 100% freeware. Only one (heavy) limitation: can be used only on Win98. If you have win Nt/2000/XP, you have to look for CpuIdle in the shareware section...
Anyway, if you have a laptop, or you have oveclocked you pc, or simply you do not like to have a 'ball of fire' in your mid-tower (if you own an Athlon XP 1800+ or better you should know what I mean), and you are running under Windows 98, this should be your most loved application.
CPU Eat 'n' Cool tries to keep the CPU (and the overall system) cooler while the system is busy. Works only with NT 4.0 or higher (like XP). Unlike other software of this kind, it executes the HLT instructions when the CPU is heavy busy, for example when you are playing a game. The game (or 3D app, etc.) will run slower, but your pc will not turn off. Great if you want to run 3D games during a hot summer with a laptop...
http://www.10ts.com/out10software.htm
Hope this helps
😎