Depends on how far you are OC'ing regarding the startup sequencing. Remember, when you first start up after an extended off period, everything is at room temperature. It takes a bit until the pelt will get the CPU temperature down (thermal mass). Usually when using a pelt, you are doing it to get a very high OC, so you won't be able to boot until the CPU temp is reduced and of course it will get there more quickly with the computer off. ALWAYS have your pump on if the pelt has power.
The issue of the pelt dying - they are fairly reliable devices, but they can fail (especially if there are installation problems or you loose cooling to the hot side). I would strongly recommend a temperature controlled shutdown setup for any system with a pelt.
You can either make or buy a temp monitor that you can use to control power to the system with (both the computer and the pelt power), which is the most reliable method - or - you can use something like MotherBoard Monitor in conjuction with Shutdown to at least shutdown the computer itself at a safe temp that is above your normal operating range. The only problem with the software method is that it doesn't shut off power to the pelt.
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