Need help with old computer/upgrading graphics card

[spartan611]

Ok guys I am new here but I have been on forums for a long time. Anyways I have a Sony Rx550 (PCV-7732). I know it is an old computer. It was my first pc and my dad got it for me in 2001. Now he will not let me get a new computer for 9 months. So he said I can upgrade my graphics card on this computer though. It is a Pentium 4 1700 MHZ 1.69 GHZ with 512mb Ram. Anyways I have a AGP 2x/4x slot. And based on research on other websites I have also come to the conclusion that I have a 250 watt power supply. So first thing is first I need someone to confirm that I do indeed have a 250 watt power supply. Next I want to play Battlefield 2 so I want to get a graphics card cus right now I have a Geforce 4 MX4000(I upgraded in the past once). This card is really not supported by any games so I want to get an Radeon 9600. What is the best Radeon 9600(like XT, SE, 256 mb, 128mb) that I can get for $100 or under? And which company should I get it by? Also will this card work on a 250 watt power supply and in an AGP 2x/4x slot? I know the card says AGP 4x/8x, but will it work? Thanks guys. I really appreciate it.

 

[Sevoma]

You cannot play BF2 with that computer...

 

[spartan611]

What why? I meet the minimum system requirements. I mean I have a 1.69 ghz processor and a 1.7 ghz is required. I think that will work. But why cant i run it?

 

[macdude425]

Yeah, but do you realize how bad it will lag? It'll be virtually unplayable.

 

[spartan611]

why will it lag? What is the specific reason?

 

[macdude425]

1. Weac proc

2. The 9600 won't play it on high, anyways.

 

[spartan611]

Is there any way around it without buying a new processor?

 

[spartan611]

What about a higher end video card? Can I get a better one without upgrading the processor?

 

[Kitire]

MAYBE some more ram, and a way better graphics card.
Never played it so i wouldnt know.

 

[spartan611]

My system can take 512 max I think, but what about a Nvidia 6600 or a Radeon X700? Would that make it much better? Would I be able tp play it really well without upgrading my processor?