Anyone had experience with Fire Gl 8700's?

[batmanuel]

I have just put together a new computer for 3D modeling and rendering, with a 2000+ AXP and an A7N8X motherboard. I am still using my old video card, a GF2MX which actually does pretty well with Maya and 3DS MAX, all things considered. I am going to be upgrading soon, and am looking at vid cards optimized for open GL graphics work, mainly the Quadros and Fire GLs. The Fire GL 8700 is looking especially good because of the price (about 130 USD), but I am not sure of how stable the drivers are and how much of an improvement I will get with the extra features (such as hardware overlay plane support). Has anyone here used this card, and can they give any feedback on the pros and cons. I am especially interested in knowing how well it works on an NForce 2 based platform.

 

[batmanuel]

Also any feedback that anyone could give on Quadro 4 series would be highly apprciated, especially the 380XGL and 280NVS.