[sgdude]

the GTS 260 core 216. I have it, everything is maxed! I had a 8800gt, it was a pretty good upgrade. And they are priced well I got mine for $190 AR. If you dont like rebates and you dont care for life time warranties, this is a good card for you:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814187050
$215 shipped is pretty nice.
$20 more gets you a XFX one with a double life time warranty, if thats your thing.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150329

 

[sgdude]

Quote:

Originally Posted by XiKeiyaZI See, I'm reluctant because I've only owned a lower end ATI and it was crap on wheels. =/ So I'll just have to look into that..

just get a gtx 260 core 216. And $1000? you mean for a whole rig right? thats alot of $ for just graphics

but if you got it GTX 295 quad sli is $1000 and uber pwnage. I still reccomend getting the 260 216 though.

 

[sgdude]

260 CORE 216s overclocked can come close to 285 performance, maybe even equal em if u got some good overclockers. they can beat GTX 280s. sli gtx 260 216 will still kick but, 285s really arent that much better.
BE SURE TO GET A CORE 216 AND READ REVIEWS OF THE CORE 216!!!!

It is worth $30 more for the 216 vs the 192. FOR SURE! it has 24 extra shading processors, which really closes the gap between the 260 and the 280.
you could do a $1000 i7 build easily maybe even with a 260. You arent gonna be getting a OS or any fancy peripherals, but it can be done.