Main problem is that the memory bandwidth / bus width is elemental to DX10 stuff, which heavily depends on the usage of textures to store data for shaders.
But yes if they are that near to each other, it surely makes sense to buy an 8800GT instead of the 9600GT / 8600GT as the 30 USD nearly get you 100% more stream processors.
Here (Switzerland and most likely mots of the european area) they aren't that near to each other, they are about 100 USD apart with the 8800GT at 250-300 USD. Only the 3850 / 8600GT are in the < 200 USD range here.
But yes if they are that near to each other, it surely makes sense to buy an 8800GT instead of the 9600GT / 8600GT as the 30 USD nearly get you 100% more stream processors.
Here (Switzerland and most likely mots of the european area) they aren't that near to each other, they are about 100 USD apart with the 8800GT at 250-300 USD. Only the 3850 / 8600GT are in the < 200 USD range here.