I have a 980ti and a 6770k i7 (screen capture vids on facebook)
I cant run it with max graphics but how i have it doesnt really make much visual difference, the lower resolution in the rift is enough to mask the slightly lower visuals anyway.
I run at 90fps at all times apart from when i start at the back of a 30car grid where is fluctuates around 50/60.
For £349 i was tempted to just buy another one to sit in a corner just incase something goes wrong with my current one..
Im unsure of when the next generation of rift will come out or even if there ever will be... from their recent legal battles i think the price has been lowered to clear stock as they were in the process of battling a cease order from selling any more..
Just get one from amazon and return it if you dont like it.