Hello fellow simmers,My system is as follows P4 2.4 533FSB, Soyo 4XAGP MB, Radeon 9500 128mb, PC 2700 512mb, 160G HD.On anticipation of the release of FS 2004, and the new PMDG 737NG.Buy 737NG!!:) I'm looking at up grading the video card to the Radeon 9800 pro 256mb or 9800 pro 128mb. What should the differences be with regard to FS. The price gap is widening 128mb can be bought for as low as $280, while the 256 is dropping to $475. Also I only have 4X AGP, I have heard 4 X is same as 8X is this true or should I get an ASUS MB with 8X AGP.Should I upgrad to 1gig ram?Any advice would be appreciatedRegards,BillyBooob

The 256mb version is not worh that much extra, unless you really have money to burn.It is conceivable that FS2004 will use more than 128mb of video textures, if you have high resolutions, texture settings and aa/af, but I don't think it is worth paying almost double.I would say the 128mb 9800 will be fine. Regards,Bob.

You may want to read my responce in the just opened FS2004 performance thread. I really suggest you wait on upgrading, and find out whether FS2004 performs for you with your system "as is". The other advice given is fairly sound. Even with a 64 meg card and full clouds, I am getting good texture performance in FS2004. I don't know that 256 megs would offer any real improvement vs. the 128 you already have...-John

The reviews of the 9800/256 all state that very few programs make use of the extra headroom. The 9700 pro (essentially a 9800) is probably the best value right now, and can be had on e-bay for between $250 and $300. Colin

Collin all stores have it available for $300 go to best buy or circuit city. I have found 9800 pro for less than $300 frequently on ebay and pricewatch.com