ur ATi alternative:
gecube x1950pro 256mb $150 also comes with 30 dollar MIR.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814241041
This card > 7900GS
yup, 1950pro is a better card, better video playback ability and can HDR in Aniso,
but the only 1950pro AGP avaible here is Power Color
which i am very doubt with the card Quality n QC
since 1950pro is very hot card, & the VRM not cooled properly
so i need attach ram sink @ VRM and blow some fan to VRM
then the Power Color quality n after sales service which i doubt,
so i skip this Power Color 1950 Pro AGP
7900GS overclock more, and XFX usually good overclocker
and X1950 Pro not as good overclocker as 7900GS, Power Color not as good overclocker as XFX too
my heart want 1950Pro, but with situation i got, i my mind choose XFX 7900GS, i know 7900GS is slower card, with overclock ability i hope the gap is not that far , i have to make reasonable decision here
i am prefer ATI, since situation not condusive, so my mind choose this slower card then X1950 pro, hopefully can overclock good to compensate the slower abilty