Normal GPU Core Temperature

[t0rek]

I discovered a way to turn off my GPU fan (is very noisy). I disabled it only for standard 2D applications (Windows GUI for example). When the fan is enabled the GPU core is normally at 56 ºC, but if I disabled it it goes up to 79 ºC. That temperature levels are reached normally when using 3D games (heavy ones, you know like Doom3, Half Life 2).
My card is a vanilla Geforce 6600. I'm not overclocking (well, actionally the GPU is overclocked 100 Mhz but that's the stock spec of my card model).
Do you know about the normal temps for an nvidia GPU? is this temperature levels normal?

[revl8er]

Keep on the fan, it's running normal with it on. I have a 6800 and it's running at 61 normally.

[WhiteX]

yes, 79 is too much, keep the noise or get some heat pipe solution.