VisionTek X2600XT AGP?

After alot of thought I've decided to keep my very old P4 computer going for the time being while waiting for the newest flightsims to come out. At that point I'll then work to build a computer around those specs. Until then I just want to play my current sims that don't require a powerful system overall and I've got a few questions.

After checking through Tom's Hardware it seems the X2600XT (512MB) is a pretty good card for the money and a substantial boost over my current Radeon 9800 Pro (obviously as old as the 9800 is). I just want a cheap card that will be much faster over the old one. After posting some questions in the past it seems this card may be a decent one to last me the expected 6 months to a year I want without having to build a new computer around it.

My questions are basically:
1) Is this card now reliable with the latest drivers as I've read? I know there were big problems early on.

2) Since I don't play anything with DirectX10 should I look at an X1950 Pro. Is an X1950 Pro faster than a X2600XT using DirectX9/9c?

3) I've also been told a 7600GS might be a good choice in terms of reliability but it appears to be much slower than the X2600XT. Thoughts?

I know ultimately my system itself will be the limiting factor and I don't want to fry anything. This is why I'm looking to more midrange vice the X3850 or something comparable unless these would work with the current setup (with new PSU). I know these questions are beat to death but I can find the answers after looking around a bit. Thanks in advance.

Stretch

Museum Specs:
P4 2.53 GHZ Processor
Radeon 9800 Pro 128MB Card
1 Gig RAM
XP Home+SP2
250 Watt PSU (going to get a 450 Watt as part of the upgrade plan)

Thanks for the input. Yeah, my computer is laughably old I know but it runs so nice and I've never (knock on wood) had any problems in the 6 years or so I've owned it.

I really don't mind picking up a new PSU so maybe for $20 more I should look at the X1950 if my computer can run it? I run 1024x768 resolution and play older flight simulators that don't require all the 3d intensive capabilities of the top end cards. Really, I just want to be able to turn the graphics way up and maxed out on these sims and play them until the newer ones come out (app 6 months to a year). My real problem is with all the latest patches/updates to the sims (IL2/Pacific Fighters, Lockon and Wings Over Vietnam) my computer has begun to drag. It use to play these games no problems and at max graphics (except Lockon which it still played pretty good). I'm just trying to get back to that point. So really, the fastest card I can get for these sims without frying/rebuilding my computer is where I'm trying to go.

Thanks Again,

Stretch