Higher temps = shorter life.
The 8800GT is known to run hot, and with the cooling is have on it i hit 56C on load
during normal room temp.
The cooler you can keep your gpu, the higher you can overclock it and the longer it will last.
yeah I see what your saying, I really need to get those special fans because theres not much else I can do for my hot room ( its also dusty ). Card life isn't that important of a factor though with the lifetime warranty now adays.