Is my Graphics Card Dead?

[Slug For A Butt]

All cards have their own "little fan", doesn't mean it's not overheating. And just because you haven't OC'd it doesn't mean it's not OC'd as stock.
Without adequate ventilation and in the wrong environment, it's entirely possible that a standard card could be running too hot.
But as has said drivers may help too.
Just sounds to me like overheating, do you realise how fast a card or processor heats up? If your CPU isn't cooled right, it has a lifespan of about 10 milliseconds. Your GPU wont be too far behind.