I am in the market for a new pc now. When i get one within a month, i will be getting eathier the ATI X800Pro or the NVidia 6800GT, both the 256MB versions. I have been working with a tech at HP and was told, even though PCI-E cards are the next big thing and are the card being put in most new systems now, AGP cards will be just as good as the PCI-E.He explained the reason they will be just as good, is that even though PCI-E is the next big thing, it is a new card that they arent as experienced with designing as they are with the AGP. He gave me a long explination about it, and what he said made plenty sence. Since money is tight right now, so is my budget. What he reccomeded was to purchase a Athlon 64 3200+ or higher512MB RAM80GB HD. ( i currently am on a 40 and have 1/2 of it free. unless you save huge files or something similar, a 80GB is better if you are on a tight budget. And it is a smarter decision since most computer users store only around 20GB or so on their HD. If you have a HD now that you have 50% left, why go out and buy something 3 or 4 times bigger? was a way the tech reccomended to save money)And Dual Drive DVD R/RW and DVD Drive.And a integrated vid card.He explained getting a low end system, with a Hard Drive that fits you best, a Processor that will be good for you. Then simply go get a card off the shelf and a stick of RAM and upgrade it at the store or when you get home.The system he helped me find wasAthlon 64 3400+512MB RAM PC2700DVD R/RW and a DVD Drive.for about 750, i can get a pc with a speed processor and a HD that is best for my use.Then i can simply grab a stick of RAM, and a vid card and walk out with a system running around 70FPS for under 1100.As far as the vid cards goHe reccomended for FS, since it is a DirectX Game, the ATI X800PRO 256MB. And the NVidia 6800GT 256MB is better for OpenGL games.What i wanted to know, what users of both cards i can have, run of on fs (frame rate wise) and with what settings.The tech explained that the AGP 8X runs extremly fast and the PCI-E 16X is faster, but with the speed of both being so high, that the difference betweem the two arent noticible.If you would drop me a line with what card you run and with what settings, i would really appreciate it.I was told that with the X800Pro 256MB AGP 8X, i could run around 60 to 90 or so frames, with Sliders maxed out.Just wanted opinions to help me decide on what card i should purchase.If you could just drop me a line or 2 by email, i would really appreciate it.Chase BarnettTransload Airlines Director of Human ResourcesTransload Connect CEO~Admin and Staff Team, Transload Airlines~email: [email protected]

I have the ATI X800 Pro AGP card not the right choice. Get the NVidia 6800GT 256MB orNVidia 6800 Ultra 256MB But if money is an issue get the NVidia 6800GT 256MB.

Chase what is your budget???If you where to build a computer yourself and had $1600-$1700 (even less depending on your needs) for a complete system...I have a few suggestions using a brand new technology called SLI. This technology should be available on AMD PCI-E motherboards in the next 2 weeks using 2 video cards instead of 1 and should be faster then buying X800Pro or 6800GT alone.Motherboard: Asus A8N-SLI-Deluxe (Suggested...others also available)Link: http://usa.asus.com/products/mb/socket939/...-d/overview.htmVideocards:GIGABYTE nVIDIA GeForce 6600GT (Note: This technology uses only NVidia videocards)Link to suggested retailer: http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc....-125-156&depa=1Note: 2x6600GT ($184x2=$368) vs 1 6800GT ($432)If requested, I will suggest a new system (by individual components)Sorry not to e-mail you but I wanted to publicly share this info.

I just ordered an X800 Pro. Can you tell me why this is not a good choice? I am upgrading from a ATI 9600 and have been a big fan of ATI bec of the pic quality etc. I would really like to know about this choice because I can change it even now.Shez

Well I know it's not my system. Only the best in the rig.Well I know the 256 X800 pro only has 12 pipelines and the X800 XT 256 has 16 pipelines but it's a hundred more dollars then the X800 pro.But the NVidia 6800GT 256MB has 16 pipelines which means faster than the 256 X800 pro. And the NVidia 6800GT 256MB is the same price as the x800 pro. Here's a link you should look at that has a bookmark on the FS 2004. http://graphics.tomshardware.com/graphic/2..._charts-09.htmlBesides I should have listened to the experts when they said NVidia cards are recommened for flight sim. I would get the NVidia 6800GT 256MB. If money is no object get the NVidia 6800 Ultra 256MB.P.S. If you get the NVidia 6800 Ultra 256MB make sure you have the proper system for this card. Which is cpu,memory,power supply,sound card etc.

This begs the question, are we only talking the upper end of fps difference? i.e.with my AMD64 XP3000 1GB 9600SE I am on 26fps except in dense clouds and this will make me go to 30s even in clouds?Shez

Following on to my previous question, is imag quality in the GT super?Shez

Yes