Pros: I've been playing AoC since launch and had been looking for a upgrade over my old 8800GTS-640MB. A few weeks back I picked up a 9800GTX which was an improvement but not really enough to allow smooth game play in all situations. Then I saw Nvidia had released the GTX260/280 and thought - ok, that's the way to go. As I'm doing my research I see ATI is making waves with the 4850... and then I read early reviews of the 4870!!! So I hit the 'EGG and sure enough, they have a 4870 in stock - click buy!!! If any of you remember the launch of the 9700PRO, this is that kind of value - this is your chance to jump back into the RED with ATI. I've raided in AoC the past two nights with the 4870 and saw smooth gameplay at high settings. I am really glad I went with this card over the much higher priced Nvidia offerings.

Cons: The fan noise is high at max setting - but 90% of the time it is fairly quite. I'll be pickin' up the water block for this card soon so it will not be an issue... FYI - the 9800GTX fan noise is similar for those looking for a reference.

Overall Review: My setup; FX60 - 2.8ghz (overclocked 2.6 stock) 4GB - Corsair PC3200 EVGA NForce4 (I know.. ) Audigy Plat 24" @ 1920x1200 AOC @ "High" settings /3.0 shader 8800GTS - 15-20 FPS 9800GTX - 25-30 FPS 4870- 35-55 FPS With the 4870 some scenes/areas in AoC I can see my processor pegging 100% CPU utilization, so yeah... it's time to upgrade mobo and proc to really let this GPU fly. GoGo ATI!!!