It has been a very long time since the gaming GPU market has been exciting.  Not since the launch of the X800 from ATi and the 6800 series from nVidia have we seen a major launch at the same time from both companies.  This time, things are even more interesting, since ATi is now wholly owned by AMD, and has since made a much heralded exit from the ultra high end GPU market. Instead, AMD and ATi have vowed to fight nVidia in the midrange, staking out claims in performance per dollar instead of performance at all costs.  While this has left many hardcore enthusiasts disappointed, we all know that more money is to be made in the mid-range market anyway.  This tactic has made an interesting impact in the market, most notably in the fact that ultra high end is no longer that appealing for enthusiasts anyway.  With the lack of competition in this segment, nVidia has left us with rather lackluster parts in the high end that has left many enthusiasts cold, most notably the 9000 series re-hash of the G92 core and the high price of the GTX 280. 

So, what does this mean for ATI?  I believe it gives ATI an opening to once again attack not only the midrange market, but also the high end market as well.  So today, Club Overclocker is taking a look at the 4850 video card to see exactly what kind of challenge it will bring.