the 480 seems to be a fairly decent performer generally it comes in around the middle of the 5870 and 5970 in performance not bad at all and the price isnt too bad at 450 either. although power consumption is absurd it uses more power at load then a 5970... that's just not right at what point does it become too much? 480s in sli and god forbid tri sli is just mindblowing !