ATI isn't garbage, but they aren't as good as Nvidia. I agree, they really screwed up with this X800 series. It is shameful that the 6800GT actually beats out the X800 Pro at its own game. Both the 6800GT and the X800 Pro put out silky smooth framerates in HL2 though. The 3-4 fps lead that the 6800GT has isn't even worth arguing about.
There have been many generations of graphics cards made, Ati just may not have won this one. We were all singing praises to Ati 6 months ago when the 9800's were killin the.. what as it again?? the 5900 and 5950 ultra?? oh... some people dont remember that far back. Ati's are not garbage.