Relative value of 4850 to GTX260

Well, if the GTX260 you're referring to is the one with 216 stream processors, then it will be a bit faster than the 4850. However there are other factors. Most GTX260's are built on, I think, a 65nm architecture which drains quite a bit more power than 4850 that is built on a 50 or 55nm architecture. Other than the probable decrease in power draw, the 4850 also will probably overclock further allowing it to even the playing field a little.

If those prices are correct, the 4850 is a better value since its performance is a bit better than the 9800gtx at stock and even faster when overclocked. And for half the price you might want to consider crossfiring two 4850's if you can. That would net you performance on par with the gtx280's/285's

Depends on set up if you play at lower resolutions and dont amp up the aa and af past err x4 you should do fine on just about all games with 4850. But really GTX260 (216 stream processors) equlivet for ati is the 4870

well you can play it safe with the 4850. since its already @ a very disposable price @ $86, the moment the next gen cards come up you can use the money you saved to buy 1. and it can still play games decently below 1920x1080.

none of the 2 cards above would remain viable as soon as dx11 cards come up.

Well before we go ahead and suggest which graphics card to buy, could you give us info on at what resolutions do you play ???

I have not yet purchased the monitor I will probably use, however, I assume the monitor I buy will have 1680x1050 resolution.

The GTX 260 is no doubt more powerful than the 4850...

For that resolution the HD 4850 is more than suffice and would give you better value for money than the GTX 260...
But you will not be able to play all the games at the highest settings with all eye candies turned ON...
http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/gaming-graphics-char...

But a $86 4850 is better than a $160 GTX 260 if you look at the value perspective...

gtx260 for higher resolution gaming..  

I think it all comes down to preference realy.Both NVIDIA and ATI have thier pros and cons.However,the 4850 is very close performance wise to the GTX260,and for about half the money.I personaly would go for the GTX,however at the price per performance value of the 4850,you really can't go wrong with the 4850.Goodluck.

Dahak

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Price/performance ratio, 4850 wins. However, in terms of performance, 4870 vs. GTX260, it is a tossup depending on what games you play.

@ boredpessimist: What motherboard will you be using? Daft question perhaps with so many going for i7 but I feel it needs to be asked.

i would get the gtx260 because even at the med range resolution if you enable aa/af that card would have trouble keeping up, but if you don't plan to have all the eye candy 4850 would suffice.