You could always try putting a heatsink on and letting us know the results. The question is rather subjective though. The pops and crackles could be anything from a bad connector to a malfunctioning mother board. Could even be a driver issue. Does it do the same thing with headphones, or another set of speakers, or when the system is at stock speed? I'd also check your multipliers. Some sound cards don't like being run too much out of spec, and will give you grief when you try to push them too far. I personally, can't give you an objective opinion, because this room is far too noisy to have any sort of reference point. If it was popping and crackling when I listen to music, I'd definately be put out. If it's solely withing the game, then I'd start looking there.
..and yes it's sort of an unwritten "no, no". You can send a thread to the top of the forum by just "bumping" the thread. Just by posting in the thread will send it to the top of that particular section, if you REALLY need a quick answer. This is usually done by just posting " *BUMP* ". Keep in mind that you're asking a question at the beginning of most people's weekend. I wouldn't expect a quick response.
