Graphics Card Overheating while playing games

[subzer0]

I realized that my graphics card (Geforce 6800GT)idles at 59C, but slowly builds up to 70C when I play a game. At this point, my mouse light starts to flicker, and freeze constantly etc etc. There are also chances of getting a nv4_mini.sys BSoD. My question is, is it normal for the 6800GT to go up 10C just by playing a game? It isnt even that graphic intensive (CS 1.6, Warcraft 3). Currently, I have one side of the PC case opened for more air flow. It lowered temperatures a bit (i use to have temperatures up to 80C) but it still doesn't seem to be enough. Are there any options besides buying fans?

 

[mailpup]

It is normal for temperatures to rise during a game but your temperatures are a bit high. You could remove the heatsink and fan, clean the old thermal compound off and reapply some Arctic Silver and reinstall the heatsink/fan to the graphics card. As long as your fan is capable of getting up to full song, your temps should go down. Anyway, it's cheap to try.

 

[subzer0]

Ok, I did as you said, but I'm still getting high temperatures. I'll see if I can do tests with a different video card.