Ati Or Nvidia

if you want to use linux ever, go Nvidea.
if you want to play DOOM III go Nvidea
if you want bang for $ in steam games, go ATi

that should just about cover it.

 

I always used Nvidea, not by choice, but it is always included with a bundled pc that i buy.

 

I just bought a x800 xl oem from ebay new for 175 dollars, compared to the 6800 nvidia for around 200-400 depending on the manufacturer. Oh, and the ATI beats it in fromes for farcry and halflife 2, check it, http://reviews.cnet.com/ATI_Radeon_X800_XL...-2.html?tag=nav

 

currently, they are going to release new drivers to make ati cards run opengl better.

Anyways here is the situation -
If you want to play direct x games - ATI
If you want to play open gl games - Nvidia

There are more direct x games than opengl.

 

Yes, I can read. However, you apparently cannot. 660 Australian dollars is under 500 USD. That is what I said.I took the 600 directly from your post.