I'm not certain and would be surprised if AGP( which is still quite widely utilized)would not be available with DX10 compatibility. I believe there will be some. There are many computers out there still running it. And the graphoics card manufactureres have already "updated" their projections and introduced a number of AGP format cards based on the newer GPU's.
I'd ask, does the computer do what you require of it now? And what leads you to believe the present 9800 is failing? Usually it works...or doesnt. Might be overheating due to fan slowdown/dustbunny buildup.
If it still performs well, and the ATI is going south, a used AGP can be obtained for under $100(NV 6800 oc/GT , ATI800 etc) and will give you some improvements. And adding 2-512 ddr3200 is cheap enough, although your situation may be facing diminishing returns with 2gb memory.
I used to have to stay on the bleeding-edge curve, but now have changed somewhat, and upgrade only when the computer either needs major expensive replacemnt parts, no longer performs acceptably, or the new ones provide some other must-have capability.
I'd ask, does the computer do what you require of it now? And what leads you to believe the present 9800 is failing? Usually it works...or doesnt. Might be overheating due to fan slowdown/dustbunny buildup.
If it still performs well, and the ATI is going south, a used AGP can be obtained for under $100(NV 6800 oc/GT , ATI800 etc) and will give you some improvements. And adding 2-512 ddr3200 is cheap enough, although your situation may be facing diminishing returns with 2gb memory.
I used to have to stay on the bleeding-edge curve, but now have changed somewhat, and upgrade only when the computer either needs major expensive replacemnt parts, no longer performs acceptably, or the new ones provide some other must-have capability.