I created a spreadsheet based on Anandtech's test results of the new HD 6850, HD 6870 and all the current mid-range graphics cards they tested. I plugged in the Crysis frames per second (achieved at 1680x1050) and the load and idle power consumptions. I then went to Newegg to find the least expensive card in each model, ignoring mail-in rebates. After running a few ratios I got a good look at how each card performs in terms of performance per dollar, performance per idle watt, and performance per load watt (Crysis load). I could then rank each card on how well it does in each category and get a total rating for each one. Here is a snippet of the spreadsheet (download the full spreadsheet here):



The HD 6850, HD 6870, and HD 5870 all tie for the lead. The 5870 has the best performance per watt, but the new 6850 and 6870 both beat it in performance per dollar. Keep in mind the new 6850 and 6870 are breaking slightly from AMD/ATI's 5000-series naming scheme. The 6870 is on par with the 5850, not the 5870, and the 6850 is below the 5850. Thankfully the prices are very good for their performance. I am eye-balling a 6850 for myself; this 8800GT is showing its age.

Tags	newegg   graphics card