First I must state that I know the 3850 is faster then the 8600GTS in terms of graphical power. However I do not use my computer to play games. I just browse the internet, burn dvd/cd, watch movies, listen to music and do some video encoding. My current system is as follows:
 
Dell 530
Vista home premium
Q6600 processor
4GB Ballistix DDR2 800MHz
Antec 500W PSU
Integrated GPU
LG L246WP monitor 1900x1200
 
Just a few days ago I picked up an EVGA 8600GTS 256MB "256-P2-N761-AR" graphics card. Now I just found out that I can get a VisionTek HD3850 card for literally about $5 more. Given my current system and the way that I use it, is there any reason for me to return the 8600GTS and buy the HD3850? Will the 3850 give me a better picture during blu-ray playback? Is VisionTek a reputable company? Any help would be appreciated : )
 
Also, what is the difference between the Antec Basic 500W PSU and the Antec EarthWatts 500W PSU?

http://firingsquad.com/hardware/am [...] /page6.asp
 
Check out the performance difference for yourself, the HD 3850 totally stomps out the poor 8600GTS by a heafy 30 FPS in that test.
 
The difference between those two PSU is unknown? but i would say make and quality.  
But if you dont game much or at all why not look at the HD 2600XT that is really great for decoding and watching movies, along with the HDMI output its a clear winner for Home theaters!
 
 
Whoa! just found this on newegg.com can anyone confirm this!?? this is crazy!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] Tpk=2600XT
!!!!$90

stick with the 8600 if returning it would be any hassle. if it means dropping it back off at BB, I say take it back and get the 3850 if it's only $5 more (how much did you pay for an 8600?!) if you want to save money the 8500, hd2400 or 2600 would all serve your uses just as well for a lot less money. all of these cards off load hd processing, not that you need it with a q6600!
 
the earthwatts are made by seasonic, likely to be a better quality than the "standard" 500. earthwatts also have higher efficiency, which is nice.

take the 3850 because it's PCIe 2.0. When you will upgradeing your comp, probable will be MBO with PCIe 2.0, so you'll not have to change your VGA

The 3850 is quite a bit faster afaik. The 8600 is the biggest flop in graphics card history.

Yes, get the 3850 over the 8600. I've often found that ATI cards are better for multimedia than Nvidia's. Maybe I just like Avivo over Pure Video? Am I right in thinking that Nvidia charges separately for that?
 

I think if you don't have strict requirements for the display you can just get the 8600, but 3850 is sure better.

If you only have one hard disk and edit a bit of video or do multi-tasking, but another HD to get better use of your Q6600.

Basiq = poor quality and no bling and the price is low for good reason.
EarthWatts = very good quality but no bling so it keeps the price down. Also supposedly designed for high efficiency

Yes, get the 3850 if it's not much hassle. The UVD on those cards also support full VC1 video codec (which is used a lot on Blu-ray) decoding over DXVA unlike PureVideo 2 that only support this codec partially thus much higher CPU usage. Then again your CPU is strong enough for VC1 though so it's your choice.
 
Stay away from those lower end HD2400 or GF8400 and 8500 as they have trouble playing 1080i or p currently if you want to buy more cards for HD playback. Don't think this will ever be fixed though as those cards actually lack the power needed to accelerate video at that resolution.
 
Last but not less if you have trouble with color level with the new ATI HD card looks here http://exdeus.home.comcast.net/ati-hd2x00/. nvidia has this problem, too. But most ppl doesn't notice.

Yes, deffy

Good advice so far
 
I can't believe how similar the HD3850 is to the 8800GT in these graphs seen here.  Being that it is substantially less, the choice seems like a no brainer.  Even if I won't tap into 50% of it because I don't game!
 
http://www.anandtech.com/video/sho [...] i=3175&p=6
 
 

 
PCie 2.0 and 1.0 are compatible with each other.
 
When i read the OP i thought he said 8800gt... but nope, he said 8600.
 
the 3580 will just destroy the 8600.

Better UVD encoder (on the HD3850).  The PureVideo on the nVidia is not very good (especially outside Vista).
 
http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/1 [...] purevideo/
 
It's pretty clear from the article that AVIVO is superior to PureVideo (in the HD2x00 vs. 8x00 arena).  I'm sure the same is as true (if not more true) in the HD3x00 vs. 8x00 realm.
 
Edit:  8x00 (read: non-G92 based)

Get the 3850, even if you dont game. It is a more powerful card by far and for $5 dollars more you are really getting your moneys worth. Besides, you may not game now, but you never know; one of your friends just might show you a game you really like. So if anything, get it just in case, because $5 more is more than worth it.

Yeah, I would definitely get the HD3850, not only is it a better investment, it's just an all around much better card.  
 
Like some people said, the Earthwatts version of Antec is made by Seasonic and of very good quality (I have the 430 Watt Earthwatts version). Amazing PSU. Quiet, very good quality, cheap, and has very good amps on the 12+ rails. So I would definitely get the earthwatts version.

 
I second that.

with no doubt  3850 , if you never play game in resolution more than 1050i with all AA in some  games like call of duty4,and so on. the 3850 will do a good job ,and it's performance at least 1.5times more than 8600GT

Yes, you should get the 3850 if you're going to be watching HD movies (blu-ray and HD DVD).  ATi's Avivo HD is better implemented in the 3850's than nVidia's PureVideo HD in the 8600.  ATi offers better noise reduction and better offloading of the CPU (which isn't that important with the CPU you have). Now, I'm not an ATi fan, but according to the various reviews I've read, you'd be better off with the 3850 for HD content, and games when you feel like having some fun.

What I said above ^^^!