Overclocking an EVGA 8800GTX...temps/max/help

[eklock2000]

Sup ppls,

So I overclocked my GTX last night (first time) using ATItool. Holy sh@t that was easy. I was able to see a noticeable increase in perf. at 625/975 and that was all good.

Then I pushed the "find max core" button and the thing BSOD'd at about 680 on the core. Computer rebooted fine and everthing seemed cool. Is this dangerous? Is that the theoretical max core for the card? I'm scared to hit the find max. mem button?!?!?

Also, regarding temps...whad'ya know, the temps went up too. I was running the stock cooler at 100% and the temp. under load was about 70C. Is that too much too run for any length of time? Is better cooling necessary to prolong the life of the card, or just to get higher clocks?

So any help would be appreciated. Is overclocking really worth it? Does it void the warranty? How much does it decrease the life of the card?

Thanks for helping a first timer.

EK2K

 

[Eagle156]

Don't use the findmax button, I've had nothing but trouble with it; overclock it manually.