Video Card

[MWL]

Greetings,

  I am considering upgrading my video card - I am starting to notice some seriously low frame rates when using scenario terrain near the ground and in the tower when looking at trees/folage.  What are y'alls recommendations?  System specs:

P4 2.66 GHz
512 DDR
120GB Hard Drive
CD ROM
CD RW
OP Sys - XP (Home Edition)

Radeon 9700 Series (128 MB) Video Card
Creative SB LIve Sound Card

  And while we are at it, time for a new monitor - I currently use a 21 in Samsung Sync Master 955DF.  I also use TrackIR.  Recommendations on model DPI and refresh rate?


Regards,

[kilz]

Originally posted by MWL
Greetings,

  I am considering upgrading my video card - I am starting to notice some seriously low frame rates when using scenario terrain near the ground and in the tower when looking at trees/folage.  What are y'alls recommendations?  System specs:

P4 2.66 GHz
512 DDR
120GB Hard Drive
CD ROM
CD RW
OP Sys - XP (Home Edition)

Radeon 9700 Series (128 MB) Video Card
Creative SB LIve Sound Card

  And while we are at it, time for a new monitor - I currently use a 21 in Samsung Sync Master 955DF.  I also use TrackIR.  Recommendations on model DPI and refresh rate?


Regards,

is it a AGP slot or PCI Slot if AGP slot you can upgrade to the Radeon 9800 Pro with more MB the best upgrade for a video card will be the amount of memory the card can store on it and not have to use your computer.

monitor i had a samsung 22" flat widescreen and now i use a 24" flat widescreen by samsung. cant get enough of the 24" not sure about the trackIR but i think it would look great with the 24' screen

[The Fugitive]

I use an ATI X850 XT (an AGP card). While its no "mega card" it was a big step up from my Radeon 9800 Pro.

I would look into getting more ram for your computer too, 512 is barely enough to run XP

[llama]

I still use my P4 with an AGP mainboard for gaming, and can suggest the following:

1. Get more RAM. 1 GB total, at least. I'd suggest http://www.crucial.com and either enter your motherboard manf. and get a suggestion, or download and run their memory scanner, which will tell you EXACTLY what you have and what you need. Crucial RAM is priced well, is shipped promptly, and has a lifetime warranty.

2. New Video Card: I used to have a 9800XT card, and it was OK. I now use an nVidia 7600GT card which runs AH much better. XFX sells two different versions (one clocked higher than the other) at NewEgg, along with another good brand that escapes me at the moment. Expect to spend around $120 to $150 depending on the clock speed. As a bonus, the 760GT makes less heat and uses less electricity than the ATI 9800.

-Llama

[MWL]

Greetings,

  Thanks all!

  I appreciate all the comments and will move forward with the RAM and recommended card.

Regards,