@ironslice, your first and second paragraphs are perfect but the last sentence doesn't make any sense, HD 7850 is less powerful but it is more effiecient better cooling, good overclockable, if you OC the HD 7850 i'm pretty sure it will beat the GTX 570.
Both are good picks if same price. 7850 tendis to be cheaper tho. If same price it would come down to drivers and games you play to help tip the balance. I do like the gpu ram of 7850 tho and it would get my vote due to that. Current games don't need more than what a 570 has but they may.
I would agree with recon but i would go for a gtx570.
I would avoid reference gtx570 due to the cheap quality vrms.And in my opinion you should pick performance over all other aspects as a priority otherwise you wouldnt buy a gtx570 as a gpu would you?
But there is a problem with the supply chain of gtx570s currently.Unless your liquid to quickly buy another for SLI or just want one gpu to fulfil your gaming needs then your better off with a HD7850 then go for a CF setup around the road.
why the HELL are you people suggesting the old card over the newer and better one.
HD 7850 is better at all in aspect of all the features, when the 7850 get overclocked then see it's performance it would tie itself with the gtx 580 even. also HD 7850 has more efficiency.
@recon-uk, have you ever thought about your GPU lifespan why are you overclock it extremely high. i guess your GPU will never pass up more than 1 year.
the 7850 performs on par with the 570, uses less power and produces less heat, and is also $30-50 cheaper ($240 for the sapphire 7850 on newegg, $290 for an evga 570).