AMD pairing?

Ok so, as I start this i don't want to start a flame thread or any kind of fanboy crap or anything of the sort, i'm just looking for some advise from people who are hopefully smarter than I am.

So, with the above in mind...

If I am running an AMD processor (at the moment AM2, but in the future AM3) would it be within my best interest to pair that processor with an ATI card?

Now, I have always used Nvidia, not because i'm a specific fan of them, but because they are what was used in my first PC's built by other people in the past and they worked great.r

From what i've read, i think Win 7 will have it's own crossing of GPU and CPU for tasks, so i don't need to specifically rely on ATI or Nvida to do it for me.

Cost is not an issue here, i just want a generic, YES i should pair AMD with ATI or NO it doesn't matter.

I suppose I should include in here that mainly what i do with the machine is gaming, some programing, some website stuff, and a little CADD or Rhino (obviously the video card is a mute point with programing and websites, but you get the idea) so again, 95% game, and game hard.

Yep, no real difference. I guess you could put a Dragon Logo on your case though if you did pair.

No really an issue although some do seem quite taken with the AMD Dragon system.

Mactronix

Well I would have to say yes, there are reasons to go all AMD/ATI.
It is nothing that would stop me from using nvid if I could get a better deal, but advantages none the less.

1. Fusion does work. It isn't the 2nd coming but it does help (if you us older hardware like I do, probably more so, see reason #2 )

2. The support. By being able to have one place for support that can go over the entire "platform" it simplifies and speeds things up.
ex.
About a month ago I had a problem with my moldy oldie gaming rig (socket 939 Ath 3500+, on a crossfire 200 NB with a pair of x1600 pros in crossfire)
My crossfire stopped working so for giggles I start a problem ticket on the AMD website. I figured hey it is all 4yr old hardware, no way they will help I'l get the canned Out of Warranty response.

surprise , surprise

I had a week long email exchange w/ 3 different levels of customer support.

sure it did come down to your stuff is old and broke and that is why you can't crossfire anymore but they had me pulling info and testing every part of the platform.

Either tbh. Although the 4870 is a faster card, the 4850 has really seen it's price drop because of the 4770 and might be better value.

If your mobo supports xfire then it's a pretty easy choice of course.