first time time overclocker with a small question

[emp]

I am a first time overclocker and I managed to increase my 6800XT to 450/1100 (stock 350/1000) and i think thats pretty good, but I prefer running at stock settings (first time doing this, so im a bit scared). my question is the following:

Can I keep constantly switching back and forth between overclock settings and stock settings without damaging the card? (I like the extra performance for oblivion)

or should I just leave it at overclocked settings (I want this card to last me until december or early next year) without damaging it too severely?

 

[LAN_deRf_HA]

You should be able to leave it oc'd all the time... I do with my card, unlike with a cpu overclock I've seen no heat increase at idle when I overclock my graphics card, only under stress have I seen an increase in heat build up compared to when not overclocking.

 

[emp]

alright i guess... im just keeping this card for a year since dx10 is coming out, so might aswell make good of it... thanks

 

[battleghost]

also, nvida has a 2D mode and a 3D mode, when you are running in windows with no 3d apps running, it runs at a much slower '2d mode', when you OC(using coolbit?), usually only the 3d mode setting is changed.