I have two 9800GTs left over from the upgrade, and I intend to sell one, once I make 100 posts and I have the privilege to do so. As for Physx being a waste, I suppose it depends on your preference, as even ATI can use Physx(software implementation). Havoc works just as well as physx, but like I said, it depends on your preference. Patonb, dont worry, I'll fold with it in the future. I have been restraining all my attempts for the most part to increase performance and tweak to my heart's content until I can get my mobo, ram, Hdd upgrade, and make more permanent computer arrangements. It makes no sense to me to push this thing to the breaking point and expend so much effort eliminating the variables, when I'll just have to start over in a week and do it all again with a whole new set of controls and variables.
*UPDATE* I think I've isolated the anomaly to a driver level error. When I booted with the 9800GT, windows installed the default 9800gt driver, and then I noticed that my overclocking program would not recognize the 9800GT and would stop responding after about 30 seconds. GPU-Z reported it accurately, so I know that the driver was installed. I'll see if I can replicate the same fps scores with my new mobo when I get it. (I'm so tired of waiting for it)