im running the game at 400*300 with an nvidia 8500gt smoothly over the sea

[AndyJWest]

800 * 600 doesn't look too bad. As for overclocking, I doubt that you'll be able to do this enough to make a noticeable difference, though it might be worth a try. Watch the temperatures though, and don't push your luck, otherwise you'll be getting a new graphics card whether you like it or not.

Have you tried the alternate fictional maps - they were designed for online, so they probably have less detail, and they are much smaller.