About 2 years ago, I built an AMD XP2400 based machine with 512 meg RAM and a Geforce4 TI4200. I does OK for me right now and I won't build a new one for another couple of years. I have always known that the TI4200 based on the Nvidia chip doesn't like AA and you can see at this website http://graphics.tomshardware.com/graphic/2..._charts-03.html the way in which it suffers compared with many other video cards.However, my local computer shop has some ATI cards selling very cheaply for only $99 AUD . This is called an Xtreama ATI RADEON 9800 PRO-SE 128meg DDR TV / DVI. I can't really understand how it isdescribed as a "PRO-SE" model -- but anyway, it is obviously a cheaper brand card but at $99, it would be worth trying out. The Toms Hardware graph shows a significant increase in FPS for this card compared to a TI4200 -- using a Pentium 3200 CPU which is faster than mine.What do you all think?Thanks Barry

i have an XP3000 and went from a ti4600 to a 6600GT and did not notice any boost in FS, but i did get some improvment in other games. you should see improvment though as i went from a top end card to a mid range from 2 generations on, whereas you are going from a mid range to a top end card of the next generation, and for the money it would seem quite a bargin.

With ATI, SE = `Sucky Edition` It's the equivalent of the LE editions in Nvidia cards. Stripped down, weaker, consumer not enthusiast use only. You should be able to get a full 9800 Pro for that money these days. FPS may increase, but the significant difference will be in AA image quality. It's not better, just different and if you like it you become an ATI fan, if you don't you stay with Nvidia.Two things to remember:1: You must remove all traces of the Nvidia drivers if you install an ATI card - use Driver Cleaner Pro to remove all traces of Nvidia card remnants before plugging the new card in.2: Certain ATI cards have a real problem rendering some textures in FS9 without `shimmering`. This is a real problem on some rigs, but just like Nvidia, what is a problem on some computers is no issue on others.Hope this helps.Allcott