What's the worst that could happen?

[Rollydog]

I just bought me a nice gainward 64MB geforce4 4200. Im looking to OC and I know what Im doing when OCing. My question is, if the card works fine at max overclocked speeds without artifacts is there any chance that it is slowly deteriorating considering that I will be using it for a while?

[Allan]

Well, in theory, yes. Most things tend not to last as long when overclocked - and especially overvolted. However, this doesn't mean that you video card can't last 3-4 years, probably even more. It might mean that it will only last 8 years instead of 10 - or if you are unlucky it will die tomorrow (Highly unlikely!)

We can't give you any promises, but I think most of us have overclocked video cards without noticing they didn't last as long as expected because of the overclocking. I know I have...

[cloasters]

I always think "cooling" before "overclocking." Sure, installing better than stock cooling can be APITA. Nonetheless, I just don't understand folks who overvolt and overclock without one thought for extra cooling.

[Allan]

Good point C.

[Pinky]

Also, if you're still using the same video card in 3-4 years, I'll do you the favor of finding and shooting you

Okay, so I'm a little extremist!! :devil: