The FX5200 and FX5600 is pretty equal to TI4200 64MB so I understand your disappointment.
I bought myself a gf5900 ultra card with the NV35 core. Havent gotten around to test them that much yet though. This card is pretty equal to the ATI Radeon 9800 pro. About the same price and it runs on Linux aswell.
I have a couple of friends not satisfied with the radeon performance and it seems like its harder to get drivers to work well even on windows. They said they experience choppy 3D graphics. Could be they are complete retards when it comes to tweaking drivers but still. It seems like ATI Radeon 9800 pro is better than GF5900 ultra with one or two percent in tests Ive read, but I do not think it makes a difference in reallife.
I choose the gf5900 ultra because of its Linux drivers and the fact that the windows drivers seems more stable aswell. I have 1 linux machine and 1 windows machine (since my gf is stubborn
) on gf5900 ultra at home.
FX5200 and FX5600 are equal to older cards. 5800 are better but some brands can be damn hot and with that comes a loud fan. 5900 has the new NV35 core. The gf fx ultras are like the ati pro I reckon. About the same performance gain percentage.
The FX5800 prices are dropping and perhaps that is an option for you if the ati9800 and fx5900 are too much.
Dunno if it helped ya at all
but as a conclusion:
Windows only? I recommend ati 9700 or so. Nice performance when it comes to the money spent.
Otherwise go for a FX5800 or higher.
GL with your choice!
