I got the MSI GTX 280 for $460 at the egg about a week ago. Furthermore, it has a faster core than even eVGA's SSC model (650mhz), which I currently have pushed an additional 10% OC on both the core and memory clocks and I'm still not at my optimal OC yet. However I should note that most vanilla 280's should be able to OC just as well. It just so happened that this factory OC'ed version was cheaper than all 280's at the egg.
I find it strange that when people ask which card is better (in this case the wiser purchase) and everybody says the 4870, or that the 4870x2 will be. The 4870 is a great card, but just because it is cheaper than the 280 doesn't mean it is faster.
If you are looking for the fastest gpu in the world, the GTX 280 is your one and only choice, best choice, wisest choice, however you want to say it.
I would recommend that in a heartbeat considering the poster didn't speak of a budget.
And if I found one of the fastest factory OC'ed 280's for $460 after a couple minutes of searching, then I'm sure there are other deals for the 280 that are under $500. But syko, if for whatever reason all you can find is $700 (which is more than they were at launch day here in the US), then maybe you are better off with the 4870 because $700 is a rip off for a 280. However, for $500 or less, its a little easier pill to swallow for the fastest graphics money can buy.
And now people are recommending the 4870x2 even though you can't even buy it yet.
First of all, I have a feeling the price of that card when it comes out will be more than I paid for my GTX 280 OC (again $460), if not more expensive. Even if it is slightly cheaper, my 280 will still be faster than it right out of the box since they are saying that it performs almost as well as a vanilla 280, or on par with it in some cases. And I have reason to believe the 4870x2 definitely will not OC as well as the 280 since it is an x2 card.
So why get the 4870x2 when it nears the price range of a GTX 280? I really don't know why.
Wouldn't the 280 be the better choice if its right on par or better than the 4870x2 and can get better OC's?
The 280 is a single gpu solution and you don't have to deal with any of the issues you get with SLI/CF. Because the 4870x2, despite being jammed into a single card, is still CF, of faux CF. And surely will generate more heat and/or be noisier than a 280.
I see SLI/CF as a last resort if you are running at rez's that simply require you to "double up". But voluntarily getting an x2 card if there is a single gpu solution that is just as good or better for roughly the same price makes no sense to me at all.
Now if the 4870x2 was actually notably faster than the 280 for about the same price, then I might even take a chance on it. However, that won't be the case.
Anyhow, point is that when somebody asks about what the best cards are, definitely mention the 4870 for its price/performance, but how can people just not mention, dis, or completely rule out the GTX 280, especially when like I said I got mine, sweet factory OC, for $460. Sure it is pricier than the 4870, but its also the fastest freaking single gpu in the world and will continue to be so.
The fact that the 4870x2 won't really be faster than the 280 and you are dealing with x2 cores and paying $40 more than I paid for my 280 OC, then that is just more reason not to buy the x2. My opinion of course.