http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/news/video/breaking-news-amd-hd-7970-price-drop-incoming/article from hardwarecanucks calling for msrp of $479 for the hd7970. looks like i'll hold off a little longer before purchasing.
MB:Asus Crosshair V Formula, CPU:FX 8320, MEM:8GB Corsair XMS3 2000Mhz, GPU:Asus HD7970 Direct CU2, PSU:Seasonic X-850, Monitor: Dell U2410