Best value evga 7950gt or an ati x1950pro last gasp!

I have tried both the evga 8600gts superclocked and the pricier 320m 8800gts superclocked. Directx 10 gaming is far from being viable and I do no want to be beta tester. I was offrered a brand new evga 7950gt 512 KO for $140.cdn. (.95 cdn to $1 U.S.) This is a private sale the unit is a new replacement for a failed one. I am interested in the SM 3.0 aspect of the deal and to extend directx 9.0 gaming another year or two. An ati 1950pro 256m could be had for $175. plus @ 15 % in taxes. My current card is an ati x800xt pe 256m with only S.M. 2.0 support. The 8600gts goes for $199 plus Taxes an the 8800gts goes for $349. plus taxes. I may like the prospect of an 8800gts but my wallet rules. On face the 7950gt looks like the best bang for the buck, Any comments or any major oversight on my part ? Thanks in advance.

well in some games the x1950 pro is better (like oblivion) in others the 7950 is better (like dark messiah). However, I dont think the 1950pro would be that big a difference for the extra $35. They are pretty neck and neck to be honest. At least that's what iv seen any way.

try this site: http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/grap [...] &chart=296