MSI 660ti $229 vs. Sapphire HD 7870 $194?

The 660 Ti is $240 after rebate, not $230, and it's $270 out of pocket up front.
The 7870 is only $210 out of pocket up front.

I never buy based on rebate.

Both cards are about equal but I'd give the slight edge to the 660 TI. It's up to you on if the price difference is worth it. I decided not to buy anything for now and wait for the next gen of cards.

Oops, you're right. The 660 ti is $240 after the rebate. I wish I could wait for the next gen, but I need a GPU in the next two weeks so I think one of these is the best way to go. I would go with the 7870 for the lower price, but now that I've read the mixed Newegg customer reviews I am worried that the Sapphire 7870 has some sort of design flaw. Has anyone experienced that?

I was in the exact same position you were in. I even sold my 560 Ti on e-bay for $120 intending to buy a 660 Ti or 7950. In the end I went on Craig's List and bought a used 5870 for $80 and decided to wait it out 'till the next gen. Tom's has the 5870 ranked as about equal to the 560 Ti I sold but I can tell you the 560 Ti is the nicer card. Granted my used 5870 may be iffy from the previous owner but that doesn't seem to be the case. My 5870 is also a Sapphire.
So, based on my current experience, although it doesn't exactly translate, I would say the 660 Ti is probably better and Sapphire is OK but I liked my HIS IceQ 5770 and my ASUS 560 Ti more as far as brand goes.