Final Thoughts

I do have to say that it's surprising to see just how close the GTX 260 performs to the GTX 280 in resolutions up to 2560 x 1600. Only at 2560 x 1600 does the GTX 280 begin to show clear signs of a performance increase. Considering the price of the GTX 260 compared to the GTX 280, it could be considered quite the bargain.

There are a few things we have to wonder though; the HD 4870 is just around the corner which is going to come in cheaper again, and the 9800 GTX+ should also begin to show up in the next few weeks. While the GTX 260 looks like an attractive buy at the moment, NVIDIA could be making a mistake by releasing the GTX+ at a cheaper price which may offer extremely similar performance once again.

XFX has done a good job with the card; the price is alright, availability is growing, performance is attractive and the bundle is pretty good with a full version copy of Assassin's Creed in the package.

As of this second, the GTX 260 does look like quite the card to buy. The thing is though, will the next 24 - 48 hours change this as we get samples of the HD 4870? - Well, we can't see into the future so we won't know 'till tomorrow.

For the most part though, the XFX does seem like a very good value card with some good performance to boot. For that reason we will give it the "Value" Editor's Choice Award because compared to the GTX 280 it does offer very good value.