Nvidia GTX-260 Core 216 VS ATI 4870 1GB 5 Game Shootout

CONCLUSION

Since we are in a 5 Game shootout for the perfect GPU for the season's hottest titles we need to treat our conclusion a little differently. We're going to go by game individually, rather than lump it into one generic conclusion.

In FarCry 2, at both resolutions we tested, the BFG GTX-260 came out ahead for an average percentage total of 19.5% better for FarCry2 than the 4870 1GB edition. While both GPU's did pretty well in the game, that would tend to indicate that as far as usability over an extended period of time the, GTX-260 Core 216 is probably the better choice. At the highest resolution tested ,the ATI GPU failed to maintain the required 30 FPS that makes game play smooth and enjoyable. For this game in particular, the GTX-260 Core 216 the best choice. Score 1 Nvidia ATI 0.

In Fallout 3 the GTX-260 Core 216 came out an average of 12.5% percent better than the ATI 4870 1 GB edition. Again both GPU's did pretty well but given they are at the same price point, why settle for less performance for the same money? Score Nvidia 2 ATI 0.

Dead Space liked the Nvidia GTX-260 Core 216 23.5% better than the ATI 4870 1GB GPU, and it showed in this game. The GTX-260 Core 216 ran without so much as a stutter, game play was smooth, and it never skipped a beat. Score Nvidia 3 ATI 0.

Call of Duty World At War really liked the GTX-260 Core 216 and it performed 31.5% on average better than the ATI 4870 1 GB edition. We guess it all boils down to the ultimate beer question, "More Taste, Less Filling?" The Nvidia GPU had more taste and the ATI GPU was less filling. To make matters worse, the ATI GPU dipped below the magical 30 FPS level that makes grapics look rock solid to the eye. Score Nvidia 4 ATI 0.

In our last test in Left 4 Dead, the Nvidia GTX-260 Core 216 came in with a 15.5% overall advantage over the ATI 4870 1GB and we were slightly awed and amazed. The Nvidia GTX-260 Core 216 came out ahead in every test, making it a clean sweep in our Holiday 5 game Shootout for the perfect GPU for the season's hottest game. Score Nvidia 5 ATI 0.

One Generic Lump Conclusion

We weren't expecting it, but the Nvidia BFG GTX-260 Core 216 (MaxCore) made it a clean sweep. With every game at every resolution, it took the lead and kept it. If this were a Shootout at the OK Corral the ATI GPU would be sprawled in a pool of blood with five holes in its core and the Nvidia GPU would be left standing unscathed.

You can't get much clearer than that.  "The perfect GPU for the 2008 Christmas seasons hottest games, in the $300 dollar price range, is the GTX-260 Core 216." Be sure when you set on Santa's lap you tell him no GTX-260 Core 216 or don't slide down my chimney!