I'd nearly decided on a 5870 Vapor-X but the one thing bothering me (apart from current prices) is the minimum frame rates. Nvidia cards seem more consistent in this area and while the ATI cards appear to be better value for performance in general, frame rates dropping (say below 20 - 25 FPS) - even if only briefly - is the main thing that bothers me when gaming. I think it sometimes happens with my 4890 although in general it is fine.
Do 5xxx users ever notice this in graphically intensive games? I didn't think it would be a problem at 1680 x 1050 anyway but I am soon hoping to upgrade my monitor also to 1920 x 1200.
Also, is this something that might be likely to be improved upon with driver updates, or is it likely just due to hardware differences between ATI and Nvidia?
Do 5xxx users ever notice this in graphically intensive games? I didn't think it would be a problem at 1680 x 1050 anyway but I am soon hoping to upgrade my monitor also to 1920 x 1200.
Also, is this something that might be likely to be improved upon with driver updates, or is it likely just due to hardware differences between ATI and Nvidia?