GPU Lifecycle Question

[Rekindled]

I am currently looking at upgrading my GPU to be in line with my current system:
850 OCZ PSU
3930k OC 4.0
8GB Ram Vengeance @1600 (adding 8GB more next week)
Rampage IV Forumula Mobo
6790 Sapphire 2GB

This build normally accommodates lots and lots of rendering. But now I have 6 weeks off (FINALLY) and want to get some serious game on. ( Screen 100hz 1080p screen) Everything runs maxed with a little stutter (34-5 fps most of the time on skyrim, BF3 etc)... but. Stutter makes my inner nerd cry.

So considering that we are 2/5ths through the current gen (More or less by my guesstermation) I was wondering it is worth spending the big Aussie Bucks on a 680/70 and which ones are the best. Saw recently some reviews on O3D about the zotac 680 amp and want to know will it get better, current gen? and if so how soon?

Price is about 600 AUD for the AMP!

Overall, I am looking at this from intermittently hardcore gamer. When I play I go hard... then have to work

Factors that are important:

Price Between 500-700
Temps
Noise... I dont like it when GPUs are loud. Currently my 6970 @ 30% speed[idle] is too loud for me to block it out as a point of reference.

---------- Post added 2012-06-17 at 05:33 AM ----------

Is anybody out there?