Can you help me pick a video card?

Can you help me pick a video card? I am comfortable spending $250, more or less. Unfortunately, the cards I have been looking at are $350. I was thinking of a GeForce 970. I also read on the web that Radeon has better cards cheaper, that can beat the GeForce 970. I WILL pay $350 if I have to, but I am not comfortable doing so. What do you think?

Oh, yeah - one other itsy bitsy thing - I want a COMPACT card - 7" long or so. GeForce 970 and 960 both come in compact form, as do many Radeon cards.

My power supply is an 850 watt Thermaltake Black Widow - plenty of juice for anything. :)

My current screen is a 27" 1920 X 1200 resolution. I expect my next screen to be bigger.

My current processor is an Intel i5-3570K, the best i5 in the Ivybridge line.

Heat is no problem - I don't use a case! :O My computer is justa buncha computer parts layin on the desk, with wires connectin them! :D It's super easy to clean, and to change parts around. :)

Not that it matters, but my current video card is a Sapphire Radeon 7770 - yes, 7" long! :)

Thank you, ~Cindy! :)