I'll second the hd2600xt but not the 1950pro. I had a 1950xt and it was very noisy. Looks like the pro in the link is called a "vacuum cleaner" by one reviewer so I suspect it is one loud beast as well. I know Newegg reviews are not the final word but 2 out of 4 people who actually have those cards don't like em. Of course the other 2 love the 1950pro and give it 5 stars. Still, not good odds in my book.
As far as the 7900gs vs the hd2600xt goes it really depends on the game/benchmark, doesn't it?
http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum/hardware-canucks-reviews/1778-ati-hd2600xt-performance-preview.html
Or am I crazy and linked to a review that used old ATI drivers? If you have a better link please post it, I'd hate to give bad advice.
As far as the 7900gs vs the hd2600xt goes it really depends on the game/benchmark, doesn't it?
http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum/hardware-canucks-reviews/1778-ati-hd2600xt-performance-preview.html
Or am I crazy and linked to a review that used old ATI drivers? If you have a better link please post it, I'd hate to give bad advice.