7600/7900 alternative or wait?

[mattdp]

So, I've ordered a new system with a 7600GT card, based on the information in the sticky. Annoyingly the supplier sells out of 7600GTs just before I order, so I look at the sticky again and figure I can just about find the money for a 7900GT instead ... sold out of those as well. The other vital specs are an Athlon X2 4200, 2GB RAM and a 580w PSU.

Now I really can't stretch to anything more expensive, so according to my supplier, the following cards fall in the price range between the two cards:
6800GS
X800
6800GT
X850XT
7800GT

Now I'm guessing here, but I reckon that everything up to the 7800GT isn't any better than the 7600GT, even though they're more expensive. Am I right?

Second question is, how does the 7800GT compare with the 7600GT and 7900GT? I'd be paying around 40% more for the 7800GT over the 7600, will it give me a 40% performance boost? The 7900 (were it in stock) would only be a little more again - should I go with the 7800 or wait for the 7600 or 7900 to come back in stock? Some sort of benchmark guide of all these cards would be dead handy, but most reviews only compare a small selection.

The third option is to buy the system without a video card, try and get a 7600 from somewhere else and fit it myself. I've never done anything more complex than fit new RAM to a motherboard - is it at all difficult to fit a video card?

 

[shabodah]

I don't know where you're tring to order from, but 7600gt's are in stock most places. I have found the new 7600GS's in stock most places two and right now they have a rebate for the EVGA one. You could always get that and use their step-up program to upgrade later. Can't really go wrong for the price and two in SLI are about the same as a 7900gt, the difference? You can use both 7600GS's in hand-me-down computers later, but you'll probably want the money back out of a 7900gt when you get a new card.

 

[cleeve]

Yes, the 7800 GT is the best card on the list you supplied...

The 7600 GT is probably 90% as good as a 7800 GT.

I definitely advise that you hold out for a 7600 GT or 7900 GT, unless the 7800 GT is close to the 7600 GT price.

 

[mationman]

I think 7600gt is the best value for money in terms of cost to performance but a 7900gt is going to last longer
7800gt is better than a 7600gt

Fitting a new Gpu is as easy as fitting ram its no hassle really.

where are you buying it from in the uk?
There are plenty GTs out there both 7900 and 7600.

If youve got the cash go for a 7900 as it will last longer but on a budget go for a 7600.

 

[mattdp]

Fitting a new Gpu is as easy as fitting ram its no hassle really.

Really? Any guides?

where are you buying it from in the uk?
There are plenty GTs out there both 7900 and 7600.

http://www.aria.co.uk/

I can't find a 7900GT online anywhere - Aria say there's a worldwide shortage!

 

[mationman]

Theres usually instructions that come with the card.
You can download the manual for xfx's 7 series at their website and thats got a guide in there. xfx manuals

Overclockers.co.uk
Novatech.co.uk

They should both have some