I'm trying to get the maximum hash possible which requires higher TDP while at the same time attempting to keep heat down.
If I have to roll back TDP because of heat then I will. Partly why I'm fishing around for heat figures and what is deemed generally good values to shoot for.
You did mind that your cards will reach their life end way earlier if you run them @100%?If I have to roll back TDP because of heat then I will. Partly why I'm fishing around for heat figures and what is deemed generally good values to shoot for.
Running cards at their intended spec will not dramatically reduce their lifespan.
Running the cards up near thermal limits will.
Besides, do you really intend on running those cards for 3+ years?
It's certainly possible to run a top end GPU (at the initial launch date for that series) for 3 years and still be profitable. Of course nobody can predict the future, but a 3 year old GPU that was a high(er) end model at the start 2015 should still bring in a small profit after electric costs today (assuming average electric costs).