This is a chart of the current graphic cards that are out as of January 11, 2010. Only recent cards will be listed. I hope this helps some people who are considering a new computer or an upgrade.
Shared rankings are cards that are nearly identical in performance. The best one, though, will be listed first.
Dual-core GPUs will be marked with a *.
1. Radeon HD 5970* ($650-700)
2. GTX 295* ($520-770), Radeon HD 4870 X2* ($400)
3. Radeon HD 5870 ($405)
4. Radeon HD 4850 X2* ($220), Radeon HD 5850 ($300-360)
5. GTX 285 ($380-400)
6. GTX 275 ($250-370), Radeon HD 4890 ($196-210)
7. GTX 260 - Core 216 ($215-225), Radeon HD 4870 ($175)
8. GTX 260 ($185-210)
9. GTS 250 ($127-160), Radeon HD 4850 ($100-130)
There are others, of course. Older models and cheaper cards, but the ones listed are the ones worth buying.
Recommendation: Based on my research, the Radeon HD 4850 X2 is the best value of any other graphic card out there right now. It provides awesome performance at an affordable price. If you're like most people and can't afford to spend $400-700 on a single graphic card, it's your best bet.