It is impossible to get anything done when your programs are crashing, and your games are freezing continuously. When small signs of instability appear, it is often hard to pinpoint the source. There are several easy to run tests, to determine the direct cause of instability in your computer system. There are easy ways to identify a potential stability problem. First and foremost, there is heat.
Heat is a computers undeniable worst enemy.
Heat can, and will, damage any computer component under the right circumstances. The general rule of thumb for a processor's temperature is anything under 40c and you are at a safe temperature, anything under 30c is great. Most CPU's are rated to run up to 65-85c, but it is safe to stay away from those numbers if possible. While this is not true in all cases, raising voltage can increase processor stability. The key player in stability is the processor.