I am thinking of getting either the 4850/4870. Which is better, and does the manufacturer make a difference?

Obviously, 4870 perform better. Do you even have to ask? And at this point, those "manufacturers" don't actually do any manufacturing. It's a matter of pasting on different labels from pre-brought cards, so it's all the same.

Well, if you want it from a price to performance standpoint, the 4850 is better.
4870 provides about 20% more performance for 50% more cost. But hell, I would still get the 4870.

I'd do 2 4850's or one 4870. I forgot to put that in the post. I would also use this computer mostly for audio and photo editing.

2 4850s is a good value/performance - the actual performance is fairly high though, so make no mistake it is a pretty impressive gpu array.

either way cant lose. i went the 4850 route in CF. more cost effective per performance.

the 4870 is nice tho. the cooling on it blows hot air out the back which is a plus

all manufacturer are the same why you ask about this

just go with the cheapest

All Manufacturer's are not the same in as they offer different warranties...

I bought a Visiontek 4870 because they offer a lifetime warranty...

Check the manufacturer's website to research their warranty before buying. Otherwise, all the cards are identical, at least until overclocked versions come out with alternative coolers.

Why spend extra on a lifetime warranty when the card is gonna be siting in a box in the closet a year from now?

a year from now??

Slight exaggeration?