Upgrade dilemma after 9800GTX, 9800GX2 launch

Well that depends on what you have and what you do. If you have a series 7 setup or lower (with possible exception to dual 7950 X2), a leap to the 9 series is definitely beneficial, due to its new smaller chip design that allows for better power consumption, lower temperatures, and quieter card than the 8 series. If you have an 8800 series card, I wouldn’t even consider it. There is just not enough new technology to justify moving, except the physical aspects pertaining to the chip size. If you need the extra speed and performance and will pay $600 for it, that’s your decision, but keep in mind that it won’t have any expandability for future games over the 8 series, due to its lack of new features. If you have a 8600 card or lower, moving to a 9600 GT is up to 90% better of raw performance, so it would be a very good decision in the long run, but only until the new 10 series comes out.