Is My CPU Failing? Seeking Your Insights

I recently encountered a potential issue with my three-year-old gaming PC that has left me feeling uncertain. After experiencing overheating problems with my Intel i5 11400 CPU, I decided to take it to a local PC repair shop. Naturally, I assumed that the solution would be straightforward, perhaps a case of dust buildup, inadequate cooling, or a need for fresh thermal paste.

To my surprise, the technicians informed me that they couldn’t provide a fix because the CPU was effectively reaching the end of its life. They recommended that I consider purchasing a new one. This diagnosis is particularly perplexing to me, as I have never overclocked the CPU, and I make it a point to clean the components regularly to maintain proper airflow and cooling.

So, I’m reaching out to the community for your insights: do you think it’s possible for a CPU to fail like this under normal conditions? Could there be other underlying issues that haven’t been addressed? I appreciate any advice or experiences you may have had with similar situations!