5850 and 4850x2

5850 consumes LOT LESS power than 4850x2 and should end up similar performance if not beat it most of the times (I am not sure if 4850x2 was 2x512 or 2x1GB ram).

I would get an equal or better single card over a x2 option every time.

Mactronix

i've just found that i won't be able to have a 5850 because it has it's two pci power connectors on the side. With my case being htpc, dispit me being able to have the longest and widest graphics card in the world, i would not be abe to stick the two power connectors to the graphics card because the drive metal bar is getting in the way. But the case is amazing though. If that card had front power connectors i'd be able to fit it. I can also stick whatever atx psu i want in as well. So i could have stuck a corsair 650 watt.

do you not rekon they will make graphics cards with power connection sockets at the front? The ati 4890, 4850, GTS250(which i currently have), 4870x2 have their power connectors at the front. Is this it then lol, no more gpu upgrade, because the 5850 looks like a very good deal how it only says it requires a 500watt psu and it is the direct x11 card. It is about the same price as the 4850x2. Actually where i found it 10 pounds cheaper.

4850 x2 2gb beats a 5850

No, the 5870 has the PCI-E 6-pins on the side because of the length.
The 5850 has them on the front.

Perhaps tell us what your computer case is, Im all confused as to which is the front or the side.  

The 5850 has both power connectors at the back, it's the 5870 which has them at the side of the card.

Yes the 5850 consumes less power and idle it's a 18W max load is 118.
I love my new 5850. The ATI 5850 1GB is better than the 4850x2 1GB is better because of power used
4850x2 2gb verison is better than the 5850