why the 9600GT card from nvidia isn`t present in the charts? how can we know how good it performs compared to 8800GT and HD3850/3870?
 
where can I find charts comparing these 4 cards?

Because Tom needs to get his butt moving, i don't see them updated to often.  
 
The 9600gt floats around the performance of the HD 3870. They swap places a few times and cost about the same. It's almost your call, I'd look at what games you play and see which does better.  
http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3235
 
The 8800GT is the better deal regardless. If you can spare the extra $40-$50 get the 8800GT instead.  The 3850 comes in just under the 3870 though. Don't even look at the 256 versions.

Last time I looked they didn't even have the 8800GTS (G92) on the charts.

Yeah I had to do my own investigating for this before I bought mine.  I don't think the chart is very valid anymore because there are several old games and no new one there.  I like to see the benches of new games that I currently play.  So the general article benches work better for me.

 
*cough* *cough*

Toms charts are slackin big time. I think they are forgetting what made them a popular website and are giving into the mainstream. They are gonna lose their regulars soon. I actually rarely come here as much myself anymore.

WHAT?

I'm guessing he's going to try and defend his card
 
the 3850 comes way under. The 3870 is a more expensive card.  
 
Price goes:  
 
3870>9600 GT>3850
 
Here the prices are
 
3870: $179.99-$229.99
 
9600 GT: $130.00-$200.00
 
3850: $120.00-$220.00
 
Based on CAD currency

Yea, Im really disappointed with Tom's Hardware as well.
 
1. They redesigned the website to make advertisements easier to see.
 
2. They redesigned the charts, which are now more difficult to read, and do not work properly. (Cant actually add a CPU to the chart)
 
3. The have not updated the graphics card chart in quite some time.
      a. They really need to do a new version, much like the CPU chart, and it really only needs to have the most recent cards.
 
4. They are very far behind in reviews. (Like the new nVidia 750i chipset) and the reviews are poorly translated, with a lot of mis-spellings.
 
And thats enough for me to go elsewhere to look for the content I need.

I think they need to overhaul that chart for current games and cards. That is a big undertaking though i would think.  Maybe they will get to it when new hardware launches calm down... HAHA! which is never.

I think im done with toms.
 
two years ago, it was still a decent side, but as of the 3(4?) part HSF roundup a few months ago, I started loosing all hope for the site. And the re-design .. .well...
 
its crap.
 
 
/end of toms. bye.   /unbookmarked.

hmmm after just 7 posts eh?????
 
I think it needs some redoing but I still think their info is good.

there are many many websites that offer reviews of video cards. Dont depend on toms anymore. Yes it sucks but theres always replacements. The best and worst part of toms is the forums.

 
I have the 256MB 3850.......

yes we kno its in ur sig.

9600GT~3870>>3850

 
So far it has been a nice card minus a few crummy driver problems(still using 8.2).... The only game it has ever really choked on was Crysis...

well we're just saying its not at 9600 and 3870 standards. Yours also has the 256 RAM disadvantage

 
Yeah I know  I payed $170 for it..... and I run at 1680x1050...

Oh man, I was going to ask if you play at low res cause I'd give you a get outta jail free card then.  You bought it like day #1 didn't you? $170 is a lot.