The late summer 256bit models should offer what most people hoped for in these cards.
Have you got any sources or are just speculating? Im not attacking you or anything Im just wondering because Im about to sell my current system and get a new one with a 86XX or 26XX and the last thing I want to do is buy a 128bit bus card a week or 2 before the 256bit cards are announced. But the longer I wait then the more value my current pc loses.
Well it's rumours from places like The Inquirer and Fudzilla and the usual suspects. But they are attractive sounding and logical steps similar to the X1800GTO and later X1900GT and X1950 Pro.
So while they won't just be tack on 256bit memory onto the GF8600/HD2600 like originally thought, but actual balanced upper mid-range solutions on 65nm, they should be perfect for the 'efficient gamer'.
Here's some of the stories;
http://www.vr-zone.com/?i=4188
http://www.fudzilla.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=672&Itemid=1
http://www.fudzilla.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1188&Itemid=34
Now VR-Zone is reporting a revised schedule, but it's not being suported by other info out there;
http://www.vr-zone.com/index.php?i=5044
IMO look and see if the HD2600 offers you what yu need, because the GF8600 series is definitely not a good long-term solution, it's underpowered, and not attractive compared to an X1950XT. The HD2600 may be equally unattractive, in which case look for agood GTS-320 deal or maybe wait and see what the end of the summer brings.
A 65nm X2900XL or GF8800GS style card with few shader than the GF8800/HD2900, but more than the GF8600/HD2600, plus 256bit memory would be the nice option for those who like X1950PRO/GF7900GS type values.