Video Card Upgrade

[catacon]

Hey all,
Currently I have a Sapphire X1650PRO PCI Express x16 video card. It works fine, but I really just got it as a temporary solution until I could upgrade the card later. I am having trouble deciding on what card to get. however.

I have been looking at the newer HD 3850 and 3870 cards, but I can't tell if they are that phenomenal. I think the 3870 is out of my price range, but I would consider the 3850. I have also been considering an older 7950GT. I'm in a dilemma about DX10. I won't get Vista for a while (probably not until my next build), so I don't think it will be worth it. Is there any reason to get it if I can't use it in XP?

Are there any options besides the 3850 and 7950GT I should consider? My price range is about $150-200.

Thanks!

[catacon]

Would this be worth my money. It ranked pretty well with Tom's Hardware. Or should I go with something newer?

Thanks!

[pam123]

If you're willing to pay $185 for that card get the 3850 instead.
But frankly, I'd just wait it out for a few more months till the prices on the 3870 come back down.

[Alfie]

I was holding off on getting a new video card,but quickly jumped on the 3850(being shipped now)
Here is a review comparing it to the 8600gts.
http://www.legionhardware.com/document.php?id=704

[Alfie]

I dug up another set of benchmarks showing the 7950gt compared to the 8000 series and saw the 7950gt edging out the 8600gts,but only slightly,now compare the benchmarks of the 3850 compared to the 8600gts and saying the 7950gt is about equal ,we see the 3850 mopping the floor with both of them.
http://www.bjorn3d.com/read.php?cID=1086