I can get a GeForce FX 5500 256MB, 128-Bit card for $90.00 plus shipping, or I can get a Radeon 9800 Pro 256MB, 256-Bit card for $229.99 plus tax. This is a difference of roughly $140. Would you do it?

Let's compare some of the stats:

nVIDIA clock speed: 270MHz
Radeon clock speed: 380MHz

nVIDIA memory speed: 400MHz
Radeon memory speed: 680MHz

DirectX 9 support with nVIDIA: Yes
DirectX 9 support with Radeon: Yes

OpenGL 2.0 support with nVIDIA: No (1.4 instead)
OpenGL 2.0 support with Radeon: Yes

My inclination is to say yes just looking at the speeds, but I do not have any real-world performance data to draw on. I also figure the Radeon would stay in my rig longer before needing to be replaced.

So what say you?

how 'bout something in between?

$140.00 is a big jump. Whats in between these two?

After much looking and much pain, I went with a BFG GeForce FX6800 OC. $280 shipped at Outpost. A little more than I wanted to spend but I figure I'm set for quite a while.