coltz :
You guys do realize that 8800GT 512M is dipping into the $200~$220 range right? Without lower prices it's hard to justify buying 3870 these days. (Yeah, they can match 8800GTs once you get both of them SLi'd and Crossfire'd... but dual card remains a small part of the market)
....and you yourself realise theres now a card for more or less any price point: 8800gs, 3850 256 or 512, 8800gt 256, 9600gt, 3870, 8800gt 512, 8800gts 512.
In short if you want to spend an extra 10 dollars/pounds, you can buy something a bit faster. In the u.k. the 95-150 quid price range takes in all these cards except the 8800gts 512. Weve never had such a choice as at this present time. You could set yourself a budget and be very happy with whatever you bought imho.