GTX 260 vs. GTX 280 Opinions

[blargs]

So, I'm looking at a new build, completely from scratch and boy do I need it. Still have a mobo that only supports the original DDR ram and the old 939 chips.



Anyways, just to give some info as to what I'm thinking about...

CPU - Intel Core i7 920
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202

CPU Heatsink - Cooler Master V8
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103055&Tpk=N82E16835103055

Mobo - Asus P6T Deluxe
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131346

Case - Antec 300
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129042

Primary Drive - WD VelociRaptor 10k
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136260

Storage Drive - WD 750 gig 32MB cache
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136283

Power Supply - Xigmatek 650 watt Modular
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817815001

RAM - G. Skill DDR3 1600
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231225

Optical Drive - Lite-on Blu-Ray ROM/DVD R/W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827106277

Case Fans - Scythe 120mm Slipstream Variable Speed
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835185060

Fan Controller - Scythe Kaze Master
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811998038

Monitor - Asus 1080p 2ms Response
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824236051



Now, I feel this is a fairly beefy build, at least on paper. My question is will throwing a 260 in there (specifically the super OCd Black edition by XFX http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150330) really hold me back all that much? Or would a 280 (specifically an OCd BFG like http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814143145) with 24 more cores be a noticeable improvement.



I've read a ton of reviews for the card platforms in a general sense, and only for the 260 as far as these specific cards go. I'm really looking for personal experience/opinions here, however, if you have 2nd hand knowledge please feel free to add that as well. I understand it makes a lot of sense to not gimp a 2k build with a video card to save 100 bucks, just wondering if the improvements will be justifiable. Also, I am aware that the 4870s have come down in price recently, but all the talk about driver issues kinda turns me off to them.

I appreciate any input you guys may provide.

 

[ovaltineplease]

The gtx260 would be fine for a 21" monitor, a gtx280 is only really going to pull ahead in a big way at upper high resolutions (2560*1600++)

I'm aware you aren't big on the 4870s, however the 4870 1gb edition is a great graphics card and I believe its price: performance is better than the gtx260

 

[r_manic]

Agreed. My experience is that the GTXs are *barely* faster than older Radeons, but cost a way lot more. This round goes to ATI for the time being.

 

[coozie7]

With the ongoing price cuts, the GTX 280 is getting to be a sensible choice for a high-end build. They`re on Newegg for $300 if you use the rebates.

 

[ovaltineplease]

Agreed. My experience is that the GTXs are *barely* faster than older Radeons, but cost a way lot more. This round goes to ATI for the time being.

I beg to differ, but the "older" radeons (2000/3000 series) were total crap and don't hold a remote candle to the current generation of cards from both Nvidia and ATI