Are you running ATI 5870, 6870 or Nvidia 460?

You're on the mark about adopting a first production card from a new series. I usually try and get the follow-up in the series since most of the bugs (if any) are ironed out with the next card. With today's technology and programs they can pretty much find an issue with a card before they even make it (circuit sims and such) so a first of the series "lemon" is hardly likely these days.

As far as driver issues go, ATI earned that bad reputation about 11-13 years ago and it seems it will never lose it despite stellar work from 2000 onwards. I've had about 10 ATI cards and 6 Nvidia cards since 1998 (and two 3DFX cards) and for the most part I've had nearly as many driver issues with Nvidia as ATI (given the number of ATI cards I've had compared to Nvidia it's expected).

The 460 is a nice card, and the price isn't bad, but you can get more for less with ATI at this point in time.

[mr71mb0]

I am running with a 5870. No specific issues at all. It's plenty fast, nice and quiet and coming down in price so excellent value.

All cards have driver issues here and there and are usually corrected pretty quickly in driver updates. I have never noticed any specific issues with the 5870.

Previously to owning this card I always had Nvidia. I'm brand agnostic and always go for the best performing card I can afford be it AMD (ATI) or nvidia.

[mr71mb0]

one thing I would add though is that with the GTX580's just hitting and the ATI 6970's just around the corner. This is bound to depress the prices on the 460, and 5870 even further so hanging on might get you one cheaper.

If you are thinking of buying for SOW then I'd say hold on till it's nearer release. You'll get more bang for your buck.