best mid range PCI-E card for <$150 US

[novice]

Looking for input as to what the best performing inexpensive PCI-E video card for less than $150 US might be. I am thinking hard about an Nvidia 7600GT, as they seem to offer pretty good performance and can be had for as little as $130 or so after rebate. Not sure what would be a comparable ATI card, as I have been an Nvidia fan since my first Geforce 2 MX.
Just upgraded my system (yeah, it was a cheap upgrade, too) from a Shuttle AN35N Nvidia N Force 2 with XP 1700 T-Bred @ 2.00 Ghz with a Ti-4200 to
Biostar T-Force 6100
AMD Athlon 64 3700 San Diego
2x512 Kingston Value Ram PC-3200
Thermaltake 430W PSU
Have tried the onboard Geforce 6100 video, and don't care for the slide show in FEAR.
Only looking for new cards, since I have had a couple die on me over the years, and some of you guys are harder on them than I am.
Thanks for any replies.

 

[BernardP]

You are right to think hard about the 7600GT, especially since you have NVidia integrated graphics, and going with an NVidia card would mean only one set of video drivers on your system. The IG might have to be used in case of trouble with the discrete videocard.

The equivalent ATI model is the X1650XT. I like the HIS IceQ because of its efficient and quiet cooler, but it is dual slot. You will lose one of the two PCI slots on your mobo.

Of course many will tell you to spend a little more money and go with the 7900GS or a X1950 Pro. These cards are a noticeable step above the 7600GT/X1650XT and are currently the sweet spot in terms of bang for the buck. Your PSU is strong enough for them. You just have to make sure they fit in your case, especially the longish ATI 1950 Pro.

 

[Cookie Monster]

XFX 7900GS $144 AR

X1900GT $159

EVGA 7800GT recertified $149 core 460/ memory 1100

Or X1650XT/7600GT. (the X1650XT is faster than the 7600GT by 10~20%)