Graphics card had it?

Guys, help me out here.

I have a 256MB Sapphire 1950PRO that has been fine when running my old 20"CRT at 1360x1024 playing mainly Valve games.

Lately the CRT has been flickering, so thinking I'll get a 24" LCD to replace it I brought a Samsung 2493HM home from work while a guy is on holiday. Screen looks really good and the card has been displaying 1920x1200 just fine, but when I'm playing L4D or TF2 I get a dialog box telling me the card is running too hot and the clock speed has been reduced to protect it.

Desktop stuff is fine the card sits around 60 degrees but start a game or a 3D test of some sort and the card jumps (within 2 minutes) to over 100 degrees topping out at 110 when the clock speed reduction kicks in.

I've cleaned my case and fans, ramped them up to full speed, added a side fan, updated drivers all to no avail.

So here's the question... Is the card on its way out or should I just replace the stock fan on the card with a zalman after market one (as I'm willing to keep this card alive for this year before redoing my whole rig later in the year).

Alternatively I could pick up a 9800GT or 4850.

Heatsink grease probably went crappy, pull the cooler off and put on some AS5

Good point. I'm getting an 8600GT from Nismo (he has one spare) to replace it anyway.

I'll try your suggestion though to see if I can get it back working and then maybe use it in my spare machine.

Good point. I'm getting an 8600GT from Nismo (he has one spare) to replace it anyway.

I'll try your suggestion though to see if I can get it back working and then maybe use it in my spare machine.

i have used a x1950 xtx to run the samsung 245t i have now at full res, im with the others, regrease and clean the GPU fan carefully.

Do I need to use anything special to get the old stuff off?

white spirts works well or any alcohol wipes work well

Metho/VHS head cleaning fluid if ur desperate