I have been contemplating for 2 solid weeks, going back and forward to Anandtech, Guru3D, TechReport etc. and I still have not made a desicion on the question on everyone's fat lips:

2 x 4850 OR 1 x 4870.

However, having just read the Toms "Best Graphics Cards For The Money: July '08" article, I sense subliminal messages constantly echoing:

"decimate.......people’s champion..........devastating force.........put the hurt on the powerful new Geforce GTX 280........."

Maybe, just maybe, I may have the answer.....

4870

2x4850 will certainly far outperform a single 4870, but you use up the dual option and won't be able to add another 4870 later for upgrade.

For AGP8x MB users the HD 3850 is easily the best option.

I have an Abit X38 Quad GT so dual PCIe16x for me!