dont apologise guys, i know its a risk like anything else. ive copped a brand new 4870 when they first came out and i fried that too. happens.
i dont think i'll around with the block if/when i get a new board, i guess i'll just get a better fan for the front of my V352 and hope that some of the air makes it over the chipset.

that's a serious post above for anyone that cares, Nickel Plexi block Im looking to sell, happy to sort out postage worldwide.