Re: My Macbook pro 17" CPU running hot
Running Parallels and a Windows 7 virtual machine (VM) could cause the Mac to work harder, thus generating heat and in turn revving up the fans. I had an early 2011 17" MBP, and had the same failed screen/GPU problem as you did. The system would run hot, if Flash content was playing or Chrome as Scatabrain suggested.
I also ran a Windows 7 VM in Parallels, and that would on occasion cause the MBP to get hot, depending upon what apps I was using in the VM, or what background processes were running.
Running a VM is not a small task, though, so I'd expect there to be some heat generated more than if the VM and Parallels weren't running.