I have been reading through this modding guide and it turns out that both 128MB and 256MB versions of the 9800 Pro can be modded into a 9800XT... you just need to find out which variant you have here.
I am keeping my fingers crossed (for good luck ) hoping that my card can be modded.
I'm so glad you posted this... I'm gonna get a new video card in a month or two and I was thinking the 9800 XT. You just saved me almost $100. Thank you!!!