video card for FFXIVFollow

What do you think would be the minimum video card you would need to play FFXIV on max settings with a smooth framerate? I'm debating on getting a radeon 5870 on newegg that has a $40 off promo code, but I'm not sure if it's overkill and I could get a smooth playing experience on max settings with a cheaper card. For those interested, the promo is until 8/15 only:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150490&cm_re=radeon_5870-_-14-150-490-_-Product

I dunno if I should bite the bullet now or wait for a bigger price drop after the game comes out. Or if I shouldn't even go for the top of the line card.

Wait until the game comes out. It's not that far off, but you never know. You'll nearly always get more performance for less money by waiting, so if FFXIV is the purpose for a new card, wait n' see. The benchmark doesn't exactly have a lot of stuff to toggle, or even support certain configs.