If you had 2,200 dollars...

[Damian79]

what? the x800's DESTROY the 9600's and put quite a whuppin on the 9800's. unless by "wait for their next card" you meant the x800.....but they're out already. don't know where you've been.

I meant the one after that. I know it "destroys" the 9600, but I meant using it as a stop gap between now and the next series of cards. The X800 is not even compliant with the new DX standards(though it will do for the next couple of years). In terms of architecture, this is pretty much a minor upgrade to the 9700 series. The next card however is supposedly going to have a ton of new things implemented according to ati's roadmap and be compliant with the new DX standards.

It really depends on how often you upgrade your PC though. If you are looking for it to last quite a while, this series of cards is not IMO the best choice.

[Dyne]

how much longer until the ones after the x800/6500? its not anytime soon is it?

[Damian79]

IIRC 6 months or so.