I don't get any drops below 30..have it plotted on my G15 screen and it maintains an average 36-38fps, with 30-35fps drops when loading new areas and entering build up parts.
[RCG]Boosted, I'd go ahead and overclock it. Athlons are pretty good, my old 2000 had no trouble reaching the same clockspeed as a 2600, once you bumped the voltage up a little bit. My 3400 I O/C 200mhz, which is about 3700 speeds I think, not seen it go over 45C.