Even the old ATi x1950XT is better than the GeForce 8600GTS...
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And the new GFXcards from ATi (HD3850 & HD3870) are somehow even with the GeForce 8800GT, if you compare:
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Price ATi HD3870 = ~200€ - GeForce 8800GT = ~ 230€
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Perfomance The ATi is said to be ~10-15% slower than the 8800GT, but there arent optimized drivers out yet!
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Consumption & Temperature The 8800GT uses 20w more than the HD3870 - temp of the ATi is lower aswell - this gap can be used for OCing the HD3870.
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I admit that GeForce is better atm, but ATi is coming back more cool, fast and less noisier.