Thoughts on cards between $200-$250

[UNCbassbone]

So I'm building my first computer, and I have everything except the GPU and the optical drive. I have $200 -$250 to spend on a graphics card. I have been looking at everything from factory overclocked GTX-460s to GTX-470s. I am not against an AMD solution though, like a 6850/6870. My question is which you guys would suggest?

 

[Fluffy]

I would go for the ATi 6870 but thats just my preference.

 

[Solarstarshines]

well im useing a hd6870 also have a hd5770 no problems good cards run really smooth and cool

but tottal cost of a 6870 is round 285.00 with all taxes included

 

[UNCbassbone]

I'm basing my budget on retail price, sorry that I didn't make that clear. That being said, there are plenty of 6870's on Newegg.com at $230-250.

 

[SlackerITGuy]

Two weeks ago I would have said GTX 470 hands down, but after seeing some HD 6870s all the way down to ~$230, I've changed my mind completely.

This one would be my choice:

Newegg.com - XFX HD-687A-ZNFC Radeon HD 6870 1GB 256-bit DDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity

 

[josef613]

I would go with the 6870. their performance is great at this time, and prices are cheap.

 

[UNCbassbone]

Do any of you guys have experience with 3D on either Nvidia or AMD cards? If so, which is better or more user friendly?