Hi cheyenne,

Over the past few years I have used both nVidia and ATI products. They are the two major players in this sector of the market, and there really isn't much between them that you would notice. Remember that benchmark tests really only show how good the product is at benchmark tests

You really need "balance" so you have to look at what your monitor can handle as well, or you will just be wasting your money? "bragging rights are not as good value as beer IMHO"

I am no gaming expert, but I have noticed that there are two basic types, the strategy variety, that do not have that sophisticated graphics requirements, but like lots of fast RAM; and the action games that need good graphics. from what I have heard, the 9600 is a pretty good all round card for the money, but so are the GeForces.

A big question is going to be OSes. You have to be careful if you run *nix because of driver issues . Also some games don't like certain cards, and some MoBos are problematic.

I think that both manufacturers host forums, so I would visit them and see what you can find from guys actually using the kit? Might also be worth going to the games websites for the same information?

At the end of the day I would go on price rather than theory and marketing hype.

Cheers & Merry Xmas