Some users have recently had their accounts hijacked. It seems that the now defunct EVGA forums might have compromised your password there and seems many are using the same PW here. We would suggest you UPDATE YOUR PASSWORD and TURN ON 2FA for your account here to further secure it. None of the compromised accounts had 2FA turned on.
Once you have enabled 2FA, your account will be updated soon to show a badge, letting other members know that you use 2FA to protect your account. This should be beneficial for everyone that uses FSFT.
VGA Silencer performs quite well for me. Most ppl with after market cooling are ppl who Overclock their video cards. I beleive removing your stock Cooling solution Does Void the warranty.
If your not planning on Overclocking your video card, then don't worry about getting different cooling...
9700pro is better than 9600xt.
9700Pro: 8 pixel piplines 256bit memory bus
9600XT: 4 pixel piplines 128bit memory bus
Only thing the 9600XT has on the 9700Pro is a faster core.
I'd go w/a 9700pro over a 9600XT, but thats just me. ;)