Pre-purchase video card question

Definitely not. Your CPU is very powerful, and will easily handle either card.

Go for the GPU upgrade. Your CPU is a good one. I don't see that you're setting up for any major issues at all. Worst case, you just OC your CPU a little to get some more out of it.

You'll see massive improvement over your 9600GSO...   Especially if you can game @ 1920x1080 or better. Anything lower and you'll still see improvement, but won't be harnessing the GPU fully.

Upgrade done. I caved and went with the 480.

H O L Y C R A P

a night and day difference doesn't even do it justice

thanks!!!!!!!!!