Sometimes the fan in my laptop completely stops. This seems to happen more often when the computer is under heavy load. When the temperature goes over 90°C the fan goes to max but it stops again when it goes below 90°C. This never seems to happen under Windows.
You did not mention your openSUSE version, your Desktop selected, or anything about your computer hardware or its age. For any PC approaching one year old, have you blown out the vents on the Laptop computer to remove dust? You can use Duster spray in a can, I would buy two cans as it gets cold and slows down when you need it most and to never discount the effect that over heating can have from dust build up.
Further, Laptops need help in setting up its speed, which can effect heat.
For CPU speed Control see this: C.F.U. - CPU Frequency Utilitiy - Version 1.10 - For use with the cpufrequtils package - Blogs - openSUSE Forums
To Set your over all Power on startup, see this: YaST Power Management - Control Your CPU Energy Usage How To & FAQ - Blogs - openSUSE Forums
For a newer kernel, which can effect CPU operation on newer laptops, see this: openSUSE and Installing New Linux Kernel Versions - Blogs - openSUSE Forums
Thank You,