thanks for quick reply..

well yes the HL2 demo runs 'ok' at 1024X768 (FPS range from 16-100+) but seen it on high end rig and it really is a world of difference graphically and without the slowdowns. So I guess I'll just wait and see how it turns out on the 9800 pro with current system...

my current motherboard is FIC VI31 which doesn't handle a CPU faster than P4 2.2 apparently...

Dunk