Overheating

[d00mb0x]

So I've noticed that while i'm playing games recently, everything goes smoothly for about 1 hour or so (if its from a cold start, or idle for a while) and everything looks gorgeous, playing at acceptable framerates (30) and everything is just gravy. But after a while, the game begins to drop in fps, and eventually the graphics begin to look worse (as if i changed the settings or something). But when I check my card, it never got above 80c.

Now a couple of things to note:
1) The card is an 8600gt (dated I know)
2) My PSU is waaay under whats recommended for this card (250)

My question is, do you think the PSU could be causing the problem? Do you think that the card is overheating? Or do you think its probably another component?

(the two games in question are rift, and dead island which just came out a matter of hours ago)

Any other questions please just shoot.

Thanks,
DB

 

[borisof007]

Well, 80c for cards in that generation were pretty hot, but it wasn't dangerous.

The card could also be getting underpowered as the PSU gets older too.

Either way, both are old, should probably try either a different GPU or a different PSU to double check.