I will, got to wait at least till next weekend though, haven't got time installing the mobo and stuff before the weekend :(..

Before I softmod it, does it make the card hotter/generate more heat??

Oh and it is going to be the first time I'm going to install a mainboard myself, any tips or advice?

No, it will not. No need to replace the standard cooler.

Yes, be carefull. :)

Watch out with the cards and the processor: don't push too hard..
be VERY carefull with installing the CPU-cooler

Getting one this evening! I'll keep ya updated ;)

I've read at shrimp you had no luck... a pitty. :/

If the checkerboards are not too serious, you could try drivertweaking. Setting Z buffer depth to 16bit and Full screen AA to 4x or 6x helped A LOT with my friends card.

what was in the package at Loveno
or is it a bulk version

thank you

loveno: bulk (card, drivercd, cables & dvi connector)

s-video to composite thingie

considering the history, the likelihood of a dead R9500 is almost 100% :^D