Help with video card selection

[kimro]

hi, i wanted to ask everyone here for your advise on my graphic card selection.

i currently have:
AMD Athlon64 3000+
1GB Corsair DDR400 Dual Channel
MSI Neo4 board
MSI Nvidia 6600gt 128mb (PCI-E)

the ONLY game i really play & care about are CS:S and DOD:S
i recently got this 6600gt used for my birthday and am now able to play CS:S and DOD:S at high settings 1280x1024. however, after looking at my brother's 6600gt 256mb (which handles DOD:S much better), i want to upgarde to a video card that can better handle source engine.

i was thinking about getting 7900gt until i found out a shop by my house is selling ati x800xl 256mb for $140 (CAD). been doing some research and it seems like x800xl does a great job with source engine.

i know this is an unfair comparison but the source engine is the constant in this question.
any input on how x800xl would do compared to 7900gt for source engine considering the price difference (7900gt is more less double x800xl) would be appreciated!!!

thanks!

 

[Ulfhednar]

The 7900GT will kick the crap out of an X800XL, don't hesitate, but if you can find an X1800XT cheaper than the 7900GT then buy one of those instead.