Question About Underclocking a CPU/GPU?

[mytfastss]

Currently Im runing the BFG Nvidia 5700 Ultra at full stock clock speed (450mhz), and was considering lowering it to a more stable (and cooler) 350-400mhz. Is there any Danger in underclocking a CPU/GPU? I seem to have issues (crashes-freezing) playing Unreal2 and Splinter cell with the case closed, but if I open the case and turn on my "16 fan, the games run stable.

Also, I was considering lowing the Memory clock speed from 906mhz to 800mhz. Is this O.K?

Again, Can you Underclock to much and harm the GPU.

[stroyal]

I've never herd of underclocking hurting anything, but I have herd of instability from underclocking.

Sounds like you need better case cooling. add fans or change to faster fans if you can.

[Selphie]

stroyal is right.

Overclocking means the hardware runs hotter, but that doesn't mean that underclocking means it goes cooler. <-- IMPORTANT!

A stable system is a system running at default settings and at temperatures as low as possible (around 20 degrees is ideal).

Underclocking means changing default settings which in turn compromises stability. What you want instead is better cooling.

[Chuckiechan]

I made a video card cooler once.
I got a pci card and sanded off the board contacts. I cut a hole in it and mounted a fan on it and slipped it into the slot closest to the AGP slot.

You might want to try it. It is cheap and effective.