I'm in the soft camp as well. Anytime I plan an upgrade I'm so relieved I'm still running soft.
And about the looks, hard line looks "better", but to me it looks artificial.
2070 Super->Rx 580 4G->9600GT->7800GT
And then some other cool AGP and PCI cards, but I currently don't have systems up and running that support them.
Have the parts to build them though!
I as the buyer just sent F&F without being asked.
The guy is doing me a favor so I thought I'd send the few extra cents just to help pay it forward.
Not the same deal as yours but I thought I'd chime in.
I forgot I had a 6600 GT.
It was the first card I benched and overclocked.
Many 3dmark2001 runs, and many more artifacts trying to set a world record.
I can't believe I didn't kill that card.
I'm using the Raystorm on AM4.
Same problem.
I had to add the extra nylon washers to take the slack out of the back plate.
It's been up and running with good temps for about a month. I keep checking it and haven't found any problems yet.
Hope this eases your mind.
Keep us posted.
And...
I had a BFG GTS 250.
Bought it after my 8800GTS 640 randomly died. So it was a nice little upgrade. For the life of me, I can't remember what I did with that card.
My favorite of all time was a Geforce ti4200 64 meg.
First time I seen quake3 all settings set to high, 125fps. I was hooked on...
Back in the Socket 939 days I remember someone breaking a pin on one.
Someone mentioned stealing a pin from a different processor and dropping it into the hole that would be missing the pin. Allowing the pin to make contact where it was missing.
I don't know if I'd try it personally. I won't...