Need video card recommendation

[no_control]

I need some recommendations for a new GPU I would prefer ATI as I have an X38 board. Nor am I opposed to xfire

I'm considering either

4850 x1
4850 x2 <xfire no the actual X2
4870
GTX260

My budget is under $250 but less is even better. Which is why i'm fine with a single 4850 if it will work. I will not participate in MIR so please don't quote them.

This setup will be for medium gaming (E8400, X38, 4gb) and some HTPC use. It will be attached to 2 screens.

Dell 24" ultrasharp (1920x1200) and a samsung 50" plasma (1920x1080)

Please provide why you think your suggestion is a good option. thanks

 

[HardwareGuru]

HD 4870 512MB man. Why? Because it has sound over HDMI, Built in 8 channel audio controller with HD support and fully fledged hardware HD video decoding.

 

[silent-circuit]

GTX 260 or HD 4870 1GB. Nothing less at 1920x1200.

 

[ganesh21]

GTX 260 or HD 4870 1GB. Nothing less at 1920x1200.

1+ Agree.

 

[CaptainSoble]

Agreed, at that resolution and price range...I'd lean more towards the GTX260 Core 192. You can OC the hell out of that card as well if you need a little bit more performance. The MSI OC model is currently selling for $209. 48701gb just as good...if not a little better. I do believe the IQ is better overrall on 4800 series cards, but some would disagree.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=40000048&Description=gtx260&bop=And&Depa=0&Order=PRICE

 

[HardwareGuru]

Hehe. I was gonna say GTX 260 (216) but, he mentioned medium gaming.

 

[Jeffredo]

If you don't mind spending up to your limit:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130398

If you do:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130370

Nice overclockers, great company, more VRAM for eye-candy, pretty solid drivers, cool and quiet.

If you wanted to stick with ATI for a CF setup in the near future this one looks pretty nice:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161244

Like that quieter third party cooling solution that exhausts out of the case.