Hello all,I have some questions about PC hardware and I think this is the right forum to ask them.Right now I have a Dell Dimension 4500 with:Pentium 4 2.4 Ghz.512 MB RAM20 GB 7200Rmp HDDNvidia Geforce 3 TI200 (64MB)The overal performance is not to good. Having 8 - 15 Fps with complex addons. And +/- 5 Fps on the ground with AI aicraft.But I'am thinking of buying myself a nice Christmas Present.I do not want to buy a new Computer. I was thinking about a new Video card. I know the ATI card's are verry popular lately. Will an ATI 9800 PRO make much diference?? I've seen the new XT version also, but that's a bit to expensive.... Does the 9600 XT comare to the 9800 pro? Or the 128MB version versus the 256MB version? And what about Nvidia? Please write down you recommendations.One last think.... Will a new HDD change some effects?Thank in advantage!Stefan wittenberg

Go with a 128mb version 9800pro. Changing the HDD will increase load times. You will see a significant increase in performance going from a Ti200 to either a 9600 or 9800pro.MikeP4 2.4C @3.44 285FSBAsus P4C800 Deluxe1gb Corsair XMS PC3500 Asus V9950 FX5900 Ultra 256mb 500/950SB Audigy2 Platinum ExWatercooled baby!!!Pics: http://community.webshots.com/user/chksix2002

Thanks for the reply!OK, so a new Video card will increase, that's good!The 9800PRO is still a bit expensive. Does it take much effect between an 9800PRO or an 9600??IF I choose an 9600, should I coose then a 9600PRO 128 MB, or with 256 MB or is the 9600XT a better option.And is the company inportand.... Like Sapphire, 3dClub or Asus. Wich one is the best?You didn't mentioned the 9700, is that because of a specific reason?Thanks you verry much!Stefan

You would do well with a 9700 if you were on a budget and didn't have the extra cash lying around. In fact you would even do well with a 128mb 9600 or 9600XT. I don't know the differences bewteen the cards to be quite honest, but you can do the research at www.ati.com Keep in mind that whatever you purchase today will be obsolete when the new PCI Xpress standard comes out by summer. If I were you, I'd buy a 128mb 9600 or 9700 and wait for the next batch PCI Express cards before making any 'serious' buys.A lot of new things heading our way in the coming year.MikeP4 2.4C @3.44 285FSBAsus P4C800 Deluxe1gb Corsair XMS PC3500 Asus V9950 FX5900 Ultra 256mb 500/950SB Audigy2 Platinum ExWatercooled baby!!!Pics: http://community.webshots.com/user/chksix2002

Thanks again for your help!Stefan

Hey,sorry to disturb again :-)I haven't bought one yet. I could chooce bewteen a ATI 9600 PRO / XTOr a Nvidia FX5900XTWich one is the best for FS2004??Here are some comperisions between the cards: 9600PRO Chipklock 400 Memoryclock 600 Buswidth 128-bit Pipes 4x19600XT Chipklock 500 Memoryclock 600 Buswidth 128-bit Pipes 4x15900XT Chipklock 300 Memoryclock 700 Buswidth 256-bit Pipes 8x1I don't know what this all means (got if from hardwareguide.com) I personaly think the 5900XT is better because of the buswith and the double pipes. Is that right?Please give me your oppinion.Stefan