upgrade time, i could use some input. (plz)

[Zach]

Hi. I have a voodoo5 5500 right now. My card has faithfully served me ever since it came out. However, it is getting to that time when a new one is needed. I can run UT2003 decent enough to paly but at all settings minimum. Some things wont run at all and some run with problems. Anyhow, I want to upgrade. I would like to go with DX9 support which seems to limit me to ATI 9500 or 9700. I don't really want to spend the money for the 9700. The 9500 sounds like a good buy from what i've read. I know the GeforceFX is coming soon and it would be so nice to have it but that is months away and about 2x the price of the 9500 which i could go buy tomorrow. Sounds like i've made up my mind, doesnt it? Well i sort of have but i'm always open to suggestions. Please comment.
I don't have 8x agp support, but ive read on posts here that its not really necessary since my resolution never exceeds 1600x1200. Can anyone give me additional input on that agp issue?

I am currently running:
1.60A P4 on a Soyo PS4 Dragon Ultra (2x/4x AGP PRO)
voodoo5 5500 agp
512mb DDR Corsair 333mhz
SBLive! X-Gamer


Thanks for reading this and another thanks if you decide to comment!
-Zach

[smokealotapotimus]

There is a PowerColor Radeon 9500 Pro at newegg.com for around $170.

[Furius92]

That card is $189 at Newegg. I just ordered it today. Seems like a great card, up to spec with the built by ATI cards too. From most reviews, there is absolutely nothing wrong with buying a powered by ATI card from Powercolor. Free shipping from Newegg is a plus too.

[smokealotapotimus]

Oh, ok.