Ati or nvidia

That is an impossible question to answer. When purchasing gaming technology, it really comes down to how much you are willing to spend, if one prefers a certain company over the other, which games you will be playing, the need for CF or SLI, chipset, or even which card is rated as "top" performer at that point in time.

Let us know a bit more about some of these questions and we will be better able to give a few suggestions.

FAIL. What this guy MEANT to say was... "The most expensive one with IMPRESSIVE PACKAGING is usually the best one to get."

The pretty box is a key part of this decision making process.

Purchase a card that gives you most performance for the money. Currently ati 4850 is the best card for the money. If you will be shopping for a 4850 card get one with the aftermarket cooler since those cards get hot with the single slot cooling solution. Also don't forget to check that you have pcie slot and a 6pin power connector for the card

Right now Ati has the $150-550 market on the bag me thinks. If the absolute maximum you're willing to pay is $130 for a graphics card then get the 9800GT, however if you're willing to spend more then you should get the HD 4850, HD 4870, 2 HD 4850 CF, or HD 4870 X2 depending on what fits your budget.

4780X2 > GTX 280 > 4870 = GTX 260 > 4850 > 9800 GTX (+) > 8800 GTS > 8800 GT > 3870 = 9600 GT > 3850

Thats how it breaks down.. and I wouldn't recommend any other cards.

Edit: At least regarding single card configurations.

nice way to start a thread..."ati or nvidia".....

give us ur budget.....ur psu, ur monitor resolution ...then we can advice

If you have less than $110 to spend, I'd say go with a 3850. Between $110 and $150, go with an 8800GT. If you have $150-200, then get a 4850.