I've always been an Nividia user.. Top Nvidia cards now are only 15-20% (if not, less. need to verify this) faster than the top ATi cards. A few FPS difference isn't gonna kill your game. Besides, as long as you are getting 45FPS in all your games at your desire settings, you're good. Who really needs 16x AA, Anisotropic filtering. I can't tell the difference between 4x AA and 8x AA. The human eye can't see pass 45FPS anyway.. Haven't checked on the ATi prices, but i am sure they are also 15-20% cheaper than Nvidia cards too.
Either one would be fine....... I use to pay top $$$ for top cards just to play all my games at 60 FPS..
Doesn't make a difference at 45 FPS.. Besides, the prices on electronic stufff usually drops quite a bit when a new one comes out. I've been following the graphic card companies for a long time and it seems a new card or 2 comes out every 6 months..
my 8800GT i pay almost $400 for a few years ago is only like $100 now... could be less too.
don't think that getting the top Nvidia card will get you 45-60FPS in games like crysis and other graphic demanding games with max graphics settings...