A data processing system includes a microprocessor connected to a circuit board and a fansink positioned on the microprocessor. The system includes dedicated code that causes the microprocessor to draw a predetermined level of power. A fan speed required to maintain the microprocessor at a targeted temperature while the microprocessor is drawing the predetermined power level is then determined. If the required fan speed level exceeds the expected fan speed, corrective action is taken. Exercising the microprocessor may include executing a dedicated piece of code continuously until the microprocessor temperature stabilizes. The system may further include a stored table of empirically determined expected fan speed values that is indicative of the expected fan speed for various ambient temperatures and microprocessor temperatures. Alternatively, the system may generate an algorithm during an initial boot of the system and use the algorithm to derive the expected fan speed values during subsequent operation.