I don't know where people get that ATi has a better bang for the buck:
HD4870x2 6% better Performance than the GTX280=23% worse Performance Per $
HD4870 10% worse performance than the 9800GX2=Same Performance Per $
HD4870 same performance as the GTX260=9% worse Performance Per $
HD4850 same performance as the 9800GTX=Same Price Per $
HD4830 1% better Performance than the 9800GT=35% Worse Performance Per $
HD4670 1% worse Performance than the 9600GSO=6% Worse Performance Per $
For every one of ATi's top 5 cards, there is an nVidia card that either:
1.) Give very similar performance at a
much better price.
2.) Gives better performance at the same Performance Per $.
3.) Gives the same performance at a lower price.
or
4.) Give better performance at the same price.
So drop the ATi gives better bang for the buck BS. ATi's numbers are likely to be just as bad, the recession is hurting everyone.