By the time SM3 actually means sh!t, your 6xxx cards won't mean sh!t.
Well that would be the case but if you dont like to upgrade every single time a new generation comes out getting a SM3 enabled card right now is probably your best bet. If you are upgrading first thing next gen ATI probably would be your best bet.
There you go Mr. Rollo. I'd rather have a 300 dollar card that performs equally than a 400 dollar card with a feature not even being used in the majority of current games, not to mention the games that do support it become unplayable, ,so I stand by my statement. and everything bar said.
You are making no sense. Since when does using SM3 render games unplayable. Please show me a link.
And how would you know how much ATI is spending on what? Stop assuming things without evidence.
And how would you know that he is wrong? He didn't say "ATI is spending $32473200 while Nvidia is spending $89580489". It is speculation, and and simple common sense. Stop trying to bash people for every little thing they say.
As for the original question. The X800XL is a very nice card. THe 6800GT still beats it in speed and features. However the X800XL has a better price performance ratio. If you can justify spending an extra $70 for a couple more frames, and some more features, or if you dont plan on upgrading for a while the GT would be a wiser choice. However for the price you cannot beat the X800XL. If you plan on upgrading soon next gen, go for it. THere really is no bad choice here it is merely deciding which is better for you.
-Kevin