User: VCE
Thx

Maybe the noise wasn't from the fan. Maybe it was from the vibrating body? That's why the wood helped.

I also think it's bad luck. But the next time I think you should try intensity <=13.
Did the piece of wood damage the card? I don't think so.
Can the card be damaged as a result of a wrong power supply (do you need a bigger power supply?). Yes it's possible but if it's ok with the other card then the problem is not with the PSU. p.s. if the PSU is too week or working at it's limit the one who will be damaged will be the PSU not the graphic card.
Is mining dangerous for the hardware? (Even with good/low temperatures?) - I don't think it's more dangerous then the gaming for example but the most important part for mining it's the system stability and remember that the most destructive factor for each electronic part is high temperature.
So, good luck with the new card and "live long and mine prosper" (like in Star Trek)