Quick update. The problem still persists. Swept away any old drivers and reinstalled. I also used ATITools to do a check for artifacting (at least I learned a new techno-term through all this) and it came up with no errors over an extended run. I also started monitoring temp, it stays around 42 and 49 degrees C, which looks to be withing spec. I tried clocking up and down with minimal success, it looked as if there was less artifacting at times, but still non-playable. Cloth map mode has less artifacting, but it does have enough to make it non-playable as well.
As for it maybe being related to the catalyst control center, I don't have the slightest. Catalyst and I don't really get along. Most attempts to adjust my settings through Catalyst when I am running dual monitors involves much screen flashing and cursing, although it seems to work fine with single monitor ... but that is a problem for different tech gurus and is neither here nor there.
Anywho, thanks for the help. If voodoo works I'll let you know, and if a fix is found you y'alls end, I hope you do the same. 
Thanks again.
