Another Video Card Question :)

**pgjeff** · 08-03-2003, 08:47 PM

Ok...I've got a P4 1.8 OC'd to 2.1. Thus, not the fastest chip, but sufficient. 512Mb of PC2100 DDR. Again, pretty adequate I think.

My problem (I think), is that I'm running a Radeon 8500 LE 64Mb card. I'm itching to upgrade but don't wanna spend a ton of money on a VC if FS2004 is the only thing I'd really ever use it for...so, question is:

What are your thoughts on the best bang for the buck when going from my current card to a new card?

Would I notice big difference with an FX5200 128Meg? I'm leaning that direction cause its the most affordable DX 9 card.

How about a 9600 Pro. Thats not out of the question price wise...

Really just looking for a prety significant improvement over what I got...I'm thinking that just about anything with 128 Meg and newer technology would do me some good.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
Jeff

**bigal1977uk** · 08-03-2003, 09:31 PM

Best bang for the buck card----a GForce4 Ti4200 128mb 8X AGP.

Massively overclockable and Better than the FX5200 IMHO, and it works just fine in FS2004.

But a 9600pro is better than both of these put together if it's within your budget.
Or maybe wait a month or two and get the 9700pro instead, you won't be dissapointed.

**pgjeff** · 08-03-2003, 09:37 PM

Good advice...actually to get a decent brand's Ti4200 is not a whole lot cheaper than a 9600pro. Good to know that Ti4200 is better than FX5200 in your opinion...what about DirectX compatibility though...obviously FS2004 runs fine with DX8 card, but will i be helped by using a DX9 card??

Thanks!

**bigal1977uk** · 08-03-2003, 10:10 PM

hhhmmmmm..... not sure just yet if there is ANY advantage AT ALL in getting a DX9 card and using it with FS2004.

My Ti4200 works just fine and everything does what it should do in the sim.

DX9 card would be a better option for the future though, the new windows O/S Longhorn will have to have a DX9 compatible card, but that ain't due to be finished untill about 2005 and we'll proberbly be on DX11-12 by then anyway.

My advice is, get the best card you can afford at the present time.
If you've got the cash for a 9600pro then go for it, like you said, the 9600pro is not that much more than the Ti4200 but the 9600pro is a lot more powerful.

Me personally am waiting and saving for a 9700pro.

Happy simming my friend.

**pgjeff** · 08-03-2003, 11:18 PM

Thanks! I appreciate the advice!

I'd love to save for a 9700 pro myself, but you know that as soon as I save up the money...the 10000 pro or whatever is gonna be out and then I'm gonna want to save for that and end up in this vicious loop where i'm still stuck with my 8500! :-)