Safe temperatures for 7800GT? Suggestions for cooling?

[Griever]

Hello!

I recently bought a 7800GT (disguised as a 7800GS: http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=30502) and I've been getting fantastically improved performance. However, I'm a little concerned about temperatures as I'd read this card was very good for staying cool.

My temperatures under strain (i.e. playing Oblivion) are:

System: 40-45 degrees
CPU (overclocked): 45-50 degrees
GPU (default speeds): 75-80 degrees!

Now, I'm not sure what should be considered a 'safe' temp for GPUs but this seems a bit odd when the rest of my system is so cool in comparison. Could I have got a defective cooling system on the graphics card?

I already have all the fans slots on my case occupied and I don't have the resources or expertise for water cooling. Could I use a PCI slot cooler instead? Are there any that are recommended?

Thank you!

 

[Griever]

I have two 80mm case fans and no space for more. My PSU (Hiper Type-R) does a lot of cooling too. It has modular wrapped cables so the airflow is also very good. The overall temps in my case are good but was concerned about the GPU, though I'm glad it won't be damaged at 75 degrees! There are two spare PCI slots below my AGP slot - would one of those PCI coolers help?

Thank you.

 

[Heyyou27]

My 7800GTs idle between 35-37C and under load run around 65C.

 

[SuperFly03]

All in all you look to be right in the middle of the safe temp range. 80c on a GPU isn't unheard of by any means. As long as your not artifacting and under 100c or so (even though nvidia drivers let the core reach 120c before throttling) I wouldn't worry about it at all.