My ATI Radeon 9800XT decided to give out on me so now I'm in the market for a new video card. My plan is to stay as close to or under $300 if possible, but still upgrde or better performance than what I was getting with the 9800XT. My system specs are: 1GB of ram, 3.2 GHz P4 CPU, Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Sound card and a 20" Dell wide angle monitor. I am realy looking for better performance in FSX if posible in this price range.Thanks

I'd spread the $300 between another 1GB RAM and an X1950ProregardsJim

I suggest the ATI 3870 if you can find one. It increased my FPS almost 50% over my ATI X800XT PE.

if he has a PCIe slot....

I am not sure that the X1950Pro is available in AGP flavour, but the X1950GT is per the following link http://castle.pricewatch.com/s/search.asp?s=x1950+agp&group1=2&sci=37&c=Video+Cards&i=37&srt=t&mi=0&m=&view=Otherwise, I agree with Jim that extra memory and this video card will suit you best for now.Gary

I got an HD3870 from Ncix.com, excellent delivery Friday after ordering Tuesday, only 7000 km away.You like ATI so get an HD3870 although it does have install issues, but can be done manuallyBut you have AGP? well, that is not very upgradable now.allen

Im not a big computer guy, but from what I have seen and read it looks like I have both an AGP slot and a few PCI slots in my XPS.

>I am not sure that the X1950Pro is available in AGP flavour,http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814161071We haven't established wheteher it is or isn't AGP yet. Either way an X1950 is available in both AGP and PCIeA word of warning...Find out the power rating of your PSU first before buying a power-hungry graphics card. You may need to set aside $80 for a new PSU.If you need more help post your System Make/ModelRegardsJim

I did some more reading and it looks like I have 1 AGP slot and 4 PCI slots. I assume that any card that says PCIe will not work in a PCI slot. Is my assumption correct? If so, it looks like I will be looking for an AGP card.

PCI or PCIe slots?Here's a pichttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/comm.../PCIExpress.jpgYou need PCIe, PCI slots WILL NOT workthe bottom slot in that pic is a PCI slot, the top 4 are variations of PCIe slots

Thanks Ryan. I have PCI slots, but no PCIe slots. I am looking for a replacement AGP card at the point, but it does not look like I have many options at this point.

You're right the AGP cards are increasingly harder to come by..legacy stock, no further production.As recommended earlier try to get hold of a Radeon X1950Pro (or GT)failing that you could go nVidia and get one of the 7900 series.First find out your PSU rating!http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814161071http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814150174http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/Se...31181&CatId=318RegardsJim

I've got a really cheap 7600 GT AGP to a good home... only used briefly before upgrading to a new motherboard and PCI-e... :-(