😀 Well if you have a CPU faster than an Athlon 1.4ghz then GF4TI4200 is the way to go and cost $120-150. If you have a slower CPU then Rad8500, Rad9000PRO or GF3 are the way to go and cost $80-100.
😉 GF3 have much better AA but Rad8500/9000PRO have much better image quality, TVout, dual display and hw DVD playback. GF4TI over GF3 have better perf (although perf is less significant on slower CPUs), AA, image quality, TVout, dual display and they really get the most out of the faster CPUs (unlike the GF3 or Rad8500/9000).
😀 As for the diff versions of these cards:
GF3TI200 - slowest of the bunch BUT o/c's to GF3TI500 type speeds.
GF3TI500 - fastest except for the GF4TI4200, perf isn't a whole lot better than a Rad8500.
Rad8500LE - 10% slower than Rad8500 but should o/c well.
Rad8500 - Very close to GF3TI500.
Rad9000PRO - Generally slower than Rad8500LE, although not hugely.
Rad9000 - roughly 20% slower than Rad9000PRO but should o/c very well.
GF4TI4200 - fantastic all-round card and really pulls away from them on faster CPUs and tend to beat 4400 cards when o/c'ed.
😉 Most current games don't need 128MB although it is wise as it adds very little to the cost, will certainly prove useful in the future and will help the card sell on much better. Radeons actually gain a good 7% perf from simply having the extra RAM, so a Rad8500LE-128MB is a better idea than a Rad8500-64MB!
😱 As for brand etc it makes virtually no diff for GF4TI4200 cards (just avoid AOpen and EVGA). On GF3 Gainward and Leadtek improve image quality and Gainward esp are known to o/c VERY well. For Rad8500/9000 it means clock speeds often vary (10%ish speed decrease) and on 8500 series cards things like dual display are often compromised. Also look out for Radeon cards which are bulk/oem as these also tend to have lower clocks than the retail versions.
EDIT: Added o/c info.
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