Ok, let's begin with this, if you have to be at the top of the heap and have the best for your rig, this card is not for you. If you have a budget, common sense, and a big enough case, this card is a "must have".
I bought this card about a year ago and it still gives back whatever I throw at it. There is enough growth potential that this card should be able to handle anything for the next couple years or so, with that being said, let's review the card itself.
This is a pretty big card, I would definitely recommend a full size case for this one, and a mother board that is of decent size also.
The air flow is not a problem for me as my rig has plenty of fans for heat (sounds like a B-29) lol, however the fans do not bother me.
Games, porn, movies, all are good with this card, it displays blu-ray 1080 just fine without a hitch.
Budget: My rule of thumb has been that a graphics card should be where to spend money. Motherboard and CPU is where you should spend the most and graphics should be #3 on the list. I try to stay in the $200.00 range, lower and you're buying yesterdays card that may have a hard time keeping up with todays programs, any higher and you're paying for bells and whistles you probably don't need. That justifies a good card at a good price that should last for years to come.
Common sense: I recommend going to your local pc store and checking the size of this card, be sure it will fit your rig and that it will not obstruct any slots you may want to use. If you have no problems, get it.
I would also like to say that after doing much homework on graphic cards, they are all getting bigger since so much importance is being put on them now.
Big Case: This kind of carries over with common sense, if you're like me, I get a big case that is sturdy enough to stand the test of time. I could gut my case, put all new hardware in it and it would last another 10 years. It has great airflow, and that is the most important thing so as to keep components cool.
ok, back to the card, from the info I have gathered from other reviews and personal use, I think this card is awesome.
I play Bloodstone, COD, Star Trek Legends, and others without any problems. It even makes the older games that I play come alive.
AMD 9850
Saphire 6870
4 GB ram
MSI AM2+ MB
Soundblaster Audegy 2
900 w power supply
Cooler Master case
Good luck!!