Radeon X1950 XT
Codename: R580+, 90-nm technology
48 pixel shaders, eight vertex shaders, 16 texture units, 16 raster operations
256-bit external memory bus (512-bit internal ring bus)
625 MHz core, 900 MHz DDR (1800 MHz effective) memory

The X1950 XT is an amazing deal at the $250 price point.

Its core runs a mere 25 MHz slower than that of the X1950 XTX, and its memory runs a full 250 MHz (effective) faster than the X1900 XTX. Translated into plain English, this is a blazing fast card for the price - faster than the previous X1900 XTX champ, and fast enough to run at high resolutions with nice eye candy. It will handily beat a 7950 GT, and even best a 7900 GTO or 7900 GTX at most things. You simply can't buy anything better at this price point right now.

Best PCI-E Card For ~$350

None

For a time, a dual X1950 PRO or 7900 GS setup was worthy of consideration at this price point. But now with the new GeForce 8800 GTS being found for as little as $400, it's difficult to recommend a dual-card solution any longer. Even though it's more expensive, a single GeForce 8800 GTS does not have the extra costs associated with SLI or Crossfire, and will deliver better performance than two X1950 PROs or 7900 GS cards.

Even the Radeon X1900 XTX can be had for about $350 now, but since the 8800 GTS is only $50 more, it's a hard sell.

Best PCI-E Card For ~$400

GeForce 8800 GTS
Codename: G80, 90-nm technology
96 universal shader units, 54 texture units, 20 raster operator units
320-bit memory bus
500 MHz core, 800 MHz DDR (1600 MHz effective) memory

The GeForce 8800 GTS is the little brother of the 8800 GTX, and both are based on the same Nvidia next-generation DirectX 10 GPU. The 8800 GTS is slightly crippled compared to the GTX, but it will still beat powerhouse cards like the dual-GPU 7950 GX2 in many cases. This is an excellent card and for those of you who can afford it and play your games at high resolutions, it won't disappoint.

Best PCI-E Card For ~$550

GeForce 8800 GTX
Codename: G80, 90-nm technology
128 universal shader units, 64 texture units, 24 raster operator units
384-bit memory bus
575 MHz core, 900 MHz DDR (1800 MHz effective) memory

The fastest graphics card in the world - that's exactly what the GeForce 8800 GTX is. It's also the most expensive, but it's no surprise that ultimate performance comes with a price, is it?

In all honesty, the $170 cheaper 8800 GTS would probably serve anyone well, but if you've got money to burn, and you will only settle for the best of the best, this is the card for you.