After more use, it turns out this did/didn't fix the issue. The text in the 2D graphs became readable (yay) but the model GUI and in-game TF2 text (or any other game) became unreadable (boo). Based on a few google searches, the 10% of results that were not related to linux pointed to an on going ATI driver problem. Apparently it has some issues with AA which is why the text is unreadable. So for now, I have to keep switching that option on and off :/
However, the 4850 is a great effing card
My specs:
C2D E6600 @ stock CPU speed (not OC'd)
ASUS 4850
4 gigs ram (3 in XP 32bit >_<)
My results: Resolution - 1920x1200
-COD4 (high settings, max AF): 60FPS constant
-BF2 (AA and AF maxed, all high settings): 100FPS+
-TF2 (AA and AF maxed, all high settings): 100FPS+ (note: this is for 20 person servers or less. anything above, is between 60-100 except 24+ player servers result in dips to 50)
-Crysis (no AA or AF, all medium except Texture, Shader, and Post Processing are high): 36-40FPS but very playable and no noticeable slowdown, very smooth with this FPS)
-Crysis (no AA or AF, all medium): 60fps
so its safe to say, I've VERY happy with my upgrade from an 8800GT. I didn't think I'd get a good boost going from an 8800GT but it's a night and day difference. Seems like double the performance.