Mid range PCI-E Graphic Cards – ATI or Nvidia?

I’m replacing a ATI Radeon X600 Graphics Card and don’t want (read can’t afford) to go top of the line X1900/FX7800 cards. I mostly play FPS (Half Life 2 & EP1, Doom 3, Quake 4, Far Cry Prey and when they’re available Stalker, Crysis & UT2007) but also render video from my DV camcorder. I’m thinking along the lines of a X1600 or FX7300/FX7600 preferably with 512Mb Ram. Certain benchmarks and reviews suggest that the X1600 sucks and doesn’t run any better than the X800/X850 (which is another possible choice).One more thing – what’s with all this GT & PRO crap that they add after the card’s description. Is it just there to confuse or does it mean one is better than the other (well like, duh!) but how and by how much?

I,m in the exact same boat as you. and play the exact games as well. and I’m also looking for a card with vivo. i have read many reviews and I’m having a tough time deciding. i have noticed through different benchmarks that nvidia out performs ati in these types of games. i also have an ati card right now its an x600 pro but i have had nothing but problems with it and ati’s customer support really really sucks. so, i think I’m gonna go with either the evga or bfg 7800 series which also has vivo.
they do cost a little more but they are guaranteed for life and i heard there tech support was really good.
good luck.

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