I've been looking at the 4870 for a few months now and since the prices have just plumeted, now is the time.
I was planning on buying a branded ATI version for the extra £10 or £20, but I've found a MSI 1gb 4870 for half the price. £70 compared to about £120 for the ATI card.
Are MSI cards any good?
Generally, what are the advantages of a branded version compared to a 3rd party manufacturer?
I see a few there. Prices look about in line with most other vendors. Even cheaper than many of them. WTF? Some of those brands are selling cards way, way above the price of the exact same card from the exact same brand.