Upgrading 8800GTS

[eoniq]

Current Build:

CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400
GPU: BFG Nvidia 8800GTS 512MB
RAM: 4GB DDR2 800
PSU: Corsair 520 watt HX
Monitor: 1680x1050 21"

New system build, including new monitor won't happen until mid or end of next year.

I'm looking to buy new Nvidia card mainly for Skyrim.
I would like to play it on High settings, Ultimate if possible.

Noise level while not playing and reliability are very important for me.

Noise Level:

Should I try to buy video card with clock speed as close to reference card is possible?
Should I buy video card with two fans or one?

Reliability:

Which brand is the most reliable currently?
I narrowed it down to: EVGA, MSI, Asus and Gigabyte.
I like the fact that EVGA AR series cards have lifetime warranty.
Not sure if their one fan design provides enough cooling power though.

Budget is around: $230.
Currently considering: GTX460, GTX 560 or 560 Ti?

Please suggest a video card that would work for my current setup without bottlenecking CPU and using current PSU, as well as match my requirements and last at least 3 years.

 

[clutchc]

Even if the card you choose is slightly 'bottle-necked' by the CPU, I wouldn't let that stop me form getting the card that you can afford. Here's a gaming graphics card hierarchy chart for comparisons.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-graphics-card-gaming-performance,3042-7.html

Here's a PSU calc to double check your wattage requirement:
http://www.thermaltake.outervision.com/

I would get the fastest card in your list that meets your price limit. In the Nvidia line, that would be the 560ti.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007709%204018%20600030348%20600094002%20600107147&IsNodeId=1&name=GeForce%20GTX%20560%20Ti%20%28Fermi%29

If you're not against owning an AMD card, the Radeon HD 6950 is just a tad above that price limit.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007709%204018%20600100181%20600095873&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&Order=PRICE&PageSize=20

Here's one of many X VS. Y Reviews
http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1533/1/

Either way, at 16x10 resolution, you'll be a happy gamer.

 

[DM186]

I agree with clutchc the GTX 560 ti would be the one to get. Also the two fan one is good or you get the cyclone fan on the card if you have the room. I have read a lot of good reviews on that type of cooler. My next upgrade will be with two of them or I am going water cooled. Good luck and good luck with your build next year.