Which graphics card to go for?

I'm having a new system build for me, and was wondering which card I should choose.. Originally I was going to go for a EVGA 8800 GTS but now not sure if it is worth spending so much.

I watch a lot of movies (downloaded dvdrips etc..) and with my new PC would hope to also view more HD movies (will probably have a Dell 2007WFP)..

I'm a casual gamer, I have a 360 so don't play that much on PC, but movies are the main thing for me, at same time I'd want games to look pretty good..

I'll be running Vista Home Premium.

Look forward to advice, thanks!

I really was debating between X1950XT but I also heard that some of the mid-range Nvidia cards are actually better than 8800 for movies?

I'm building a new system soon and I have decided on getting the X1950XT

An X1950XT would serve you well - mine runs HD movies and games very well indeed.

http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/119441/rb/0

Dirt cheap!

A lot of the new midrange DX10 cards have a lot of extra features specifically for HD content... maybe worth looking into them if games are not a big deal on the PC

I'd say for causual gaming a 8600GTX might be ok

The problem is that the midrange dx10 cards are getting sub standard games performance atm.

a X1950XT is gfoing be be very good for any DX9 game you care to throw at it and it it can do HD well then I'd say go for it. :)

Preference in order of power is:

1. 8800GTS
2. X1950Pro or XT
3. 8600GTS

No doubt the ATI card is far better than the 8600's.
Gotta be honest though, if you arent gaming on it, then the 8600 will be the cheapest prolly and will do all you need it to.

What games at what resolution would you be playing?

The problem is that at the moment lower end DX10 cards can't run games to save their lives. If you're on a budget and want to play games, have a look at something like the 7600GT. However if you'll not be gaming then nVidia's 8600 range and ATi's 2400's would certainly be worth looking at.

Otherwise, if spending £100 is okay, definitely go for an X1950XT.

Like said before if your gaming at lower resolutions (e.g. 1440x900 or below), something like 2600xt or 8600gt would be a good choice as they would perform good at those resolutions in games and also they have the best video processing abilities out of all the graphics cards (even better than 8800's and 2900's) making your movies will look better.