I've always used NVidia, and I've never had a single problem with them. I also know plenty of other people who swear by them. Either way, I wouldn't go with one of the pro cards. Just get an upper end gaming card and you're set.

Maybe the ATI drivers are okay for Maya, but as I also use Lightwave, I wouldn't touch ATI with a 10ft barge pole. Judging from what I've heard of the Lightwave forums, the ATI drivers OpenGL performance with Lightwave is truely dreadful. Some people have had good success with them, but others have not. I'd say it's down to the individual system that the card is in. Maybe that's why you've had problems with NVidia. Me on the other hand, I'll happily stay with my GeForce card, and I'd buy another one with no hesitation.

What does anybody else think?