Now, I haven't tried yet but hopefully this new version brings the Linux version to par with the windows driver, at least in the performance department. Last time I tried running a game based on the source engine on Steam for Linux it was a stutter fest.
This card reminds me of the XFX recent cards like this one:
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150590
As for me, the card looks okay. At least it's not glossy plastic like the 7990.