The ATI HD 3870 doesn't match up to the 8800GT's performance, no, but its RRP is cheaper. Due to the desirability of the 8800GT and the lack of supply, prices have skyrocketed and you're being forced to pay a premium for the card. A 8800GT 512MB costs well over the recommended $250 set by NVIDIA, plus ludicrous shipping fees. (Source:
Anandtech) ATI can sell more if they can maintain a steady supply of HD 3870s to the consumer. The revised 8800GTS with the G92 core is on its way, so I'd like to see how that performs before spending on an overinflated card.
Now that everyone's stoned Vista to death, I like how suddenly XP is now seen as "stable and mature". Vista is rock solid, albeit finicky with drivers, and it would be unfair to compare it with XP with two service packs and countless updates.
Jam it back in, in the dark.
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