It's $20 at CompUSA.I'm awfully tempted to purchase it - but my system is a PIII 1.2, 384 megs ram, and my video card is an old Diamond Viper 770 Ultra 32.I was planning on upgrading my vid card soon anyway; I'm wondering, though, if I'm going to get simply -terrible- performance. I know that's a relative term - any clue as to what I can expect performance wise, as compared to 2002, which runs pretty well on my system?Is anyone else running a relatively low-end system with 2k4?If for no other reason, I may just get it to enable me to run USA Roads! (Looking for that workaround...)thanks,Andrew

Dude just get it. Even if you dont have the computer to run it, just grab it anyways...for that price its a steal! Just keep it and then when u get a new comp u are sorted :)

I am running on a PIII 933, 512 ram, FX5700 vid card with 128mb (old card burned up, got this one at a heck of a discount at a local shop), Celeron mobo with 4X AGP and it runs just fine. FPS locked at 24, smooth as silk. Normally get around 15-20FPS, lower end at the higher intensity graphic airports, and runnning two monitors off the vid card, wiht GPS, radio stack and throttle quad on the second. Of course, you will need to tweak your settings, trial and error, but well worth the time. FS2002 left my system about a year ago, and I have not looked back.HTHPaul

Sounds good guys.I should mention I'm running 98SE.I found this vid card too:http://www.compusa.com/products/product_in...2575&pfp=BROWSEAnd wondering if it'll do for now.[edit: I notice a whole bunch of seeming cheap video cards, like around $40-$60 also. I'd rather spend less, of course, because there's no need to put a Porsche engine in a Le Car... I'm looking on the CompUSA site. If anyone has recommendations, they're greatly appreciated!]Andrew

OK, and two other questions while this $20 is burning a hole in my pocket...1) How improved is ATC over 2002, and does it work? ;)2) By running on 98SE am I missing out on anything fundamental, including being able to design/build additional content? I can run GMAX without trouble.Thanks againAndrew

I'm running under 98SE--rest of my specs are below. Some of the new aircraft add-ons are dropping support for 98SE, so watch out there. I do have to warn you your video card could be a weak link in the mix. FS2004 is more video card influenced than FS2002. I'm running with a 4200 TI/128 Megs. It's probably the minimum I'd suggest for FS2004. You could be opening yourself up for plenty of frustration with the video card you have.With the 4200 TI and full autogen (with the xml patch applied), I average 20fps anywhere except a major airport like LAX. Since I often fly with Autogen off, that performance jumps to around 25fps. Only place I normally use autogen is for bush flights. I keep meaning to modify my autogen so it displays trees only... At some point I'll get around to that, then I'll fly with it on all the time :)Expect about the same performance hit with AI as you'd find with AI in 2k2.As already discussed in the lengthy patch thread, you'd have to apply a couple of fixes to FS2004--one for the Autogen, and one for the seasonal CTD.

MS actually paid me $5 to purchase it.Got it at Walmart for $14.99, inside the metal box was $20 rebate, mailed it in and got the check about 2 weeks later.since I already owned it, I gave it to my neighbor.

I use a P111, 1.0 Ghz, with 512 Mb of memory and a (gulp) Radeon 7000 32 Mb PCI card.Needless to say, I drool over some of the screenshots I see posted here, but I still enjoy FS9 immensely. I like to think that landing at 8fps makes me a better pilot ;-)

Thanks John - That vid card is a bit pricey for me to justify... yowch.I'm wondering if I can get away with a Radeon 9200SE 128... I'm just starting to read about video cards, so I don't know too much yet.Also, I did a search for the thread you mention but get WAY too many hits - any leads for those patches?ThanksAndrew

Why not just wait for FS2002 to get patched?:-lol Dick( sorry, I couldn't resist ).

Just go and get it - you won't be disappointed . I kmow a couple of people running systems similar(or slower) than yours and they both reckon its worthwhile.Dave

Yes! I think that Radeon9200 could be a budget solution for your system.. I have 9600 and running quite well, but I've been installing and testing 9200's ( as a part of my job) to various computers and generally they present very good value for money right now... I couldn't see any sense you buying Radeon 9800Pro for your present system.PetteriFinland

Hi again all - Got it, $20 plus it has the $10 rebate. So, for $10, at the very least I can buy USA Roads and use it in 2002 ;)Thanks for the info on the video cards, I may check out the 9200. It's returnable, so I can always upgrade.Andrew

Any videocard with the SE after it is not worth it in my opinion. Others might differ though. I can only concour with the others, get the FS9 no matter what ;)

>Why not just wait for FS2002 to get patched?I agree! Boycot FS2k2 for a patch!or isn't he getting a patch for $20? :-)sorry, sorry....going back to my hole.....