Quote Originally Posted by 'Spatch',index.php?page=Thread&postID=75771#post75 771
Recently after playing for extended periods...
I think that's your clue. Ask yourself, "What changes in a computer if I play for extended periods?" I can think of only two things. Temperatures rise and memory allocations change due to fragmentation and leaks. You can probably determine which it is by rebooting and continuing to play, because rebooting puts memory back in its original condition but it can't remove heat.

My guess is, the card is overheating. You say the card runs 60c at full load. I don't own an 8800GT (in fact I bought an 8800GTS instead precisely because of the heat issue) but I just googled "8800GT temperature" and read about 50 forum postings by owners of 8800GT's. Typical temps under load are 70-95 degrees. I didn't see anybody as low as you. So I'm wondering, maybe the card is giving you false readings and it's running much hotter. Or, like you said, maybe you burned it before you adjusted the fans.

In any case I'd RMA the card. If there's anything else here, I'm missing it too.