Which card would you get out of the 2? 6850 vs 6870

I don't really want to spend more than $160 for a GPU since I am not a hardcore gamer (full time job n stuff). I am definitely a gamer though. Anywhere from BFBC2, BF3 to Mass Effect 3 to Diablo 3.

I've backed down from most 6870s because they increased the price from $169.99 to $179.99 so they lost a customer here since I need to finish my RIG this month. Price was stable for 3 months.. they must be taking advantage of holiday shoppers.

This is my first rig and I'm wondering which you would choose?

From my understanding the 6870 is only a little bit better because the 6850 overclocks so well and the 6870 doesn't.

I'm looking at

1. Sapphire HD 6850 1 GB PCIE Video Card (100315L) for $144.99 - $15 MIR = $129.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=14-102-...

(For reference, the Sapphire HD 6870 is 179.99 - 20 MIR = 159.99).

2. PowerColor AX6870 Radeon HD 6870 1GB for $159.99 - $20 MIR = $139.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=14-131-...

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Both have MIRs. Both have free Dirt3 game.

Sapphire seems like the safe route. I'm getting very mixed reviews on Powercolor. Some say it's been around forever and very reputable while others compare it to garbage. The powercolor rep said that the newegg fail rate is 5%.

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I plan on buying a 2nd in 3 months for crossfire.

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intel i5 2500k
8 gig ram
750w corsair psu
windows 7 64bit
lian li pc-9f
Asrock p67 extreme4 gen3