video cards

[juanca]

I know this topic is overfloded but thats because a graphics are so important.

I'm thinking of buyin a new PC (i have a laptop) , basically just because i bought FS2004

i'm thinkin of a 256 ram, 2.8mhz;  But i saw some posts that say that didnt smooth things off that well.
so i guess a video card is essential to sim.

please tell me what to consider when buying this cards.

thanks

[Delta_]

You need to look at what goodies you want like do you want anti aliasing, a good resolution, anisotropic filtering, pixel shader.  Also your budget is a major factor in what you can choose from.  At the top of the range there are the Radeon 9700pro for laptops, then they average out at 9200np.  
I am unsure about what Nvidia cards are available for laptops but i am sure someone will post here what are.  I would expect atleast the FX5200 would be available for laptops.
You will need atleast 32MB of Graphics RAM to run this sim decently, i would recommend atleast 64MB though.  Also avoid laptops with onboard graphics cards, they waste system resources and offer no benefit.

[Scottler]

I think what he was looking for was desktop recommendations.

I wouldn't go with any less than 512mb of RAM.  If you can afford more, go with it.  (It's like money, the more you have, the happier you'll be!)

If you blow your cash on RAM, and still want a decent card, I'd recommend the GeForce FX5200.  A lot of guys here will trash that card, but I've been more than happy with it (and gotten my fair share of "oohs" and "aahs" from the screenshots I've provided).

[Delta_]

I think what he was looking for was desktop recommendations.

I just re-read what he said and realised it was desktop not laptop

Yes i second the FX5200 if you are on a budget, look at the 9600np if you can afford a little more, because it will allow you to max out the water setting.  If you want more settings to be maxed out look at something no less than the 9600pro or 5700U.  If you choose the FX5200 check that it is a 128-bit version first, the 64-bit versions are a lot slower.  Also for ATi cards generally avoid any that have "se" on the end of them.

[JBaymore]

juanca,

If you check back thru past threads here you will find a TON of information that will help you make a decision.

best,

..................john

[Iroquois]

Just wait before you get that new PC. Graphics cards are about to undergo a huge price drop with the next generations being released. In fact nVidia's new Geforce 6800 was released today.

If you choose the FX5200 check that it is a 128-bit version first

The FX5200 actually has a 256-bit core. Remeber that FS2004 likes video card memory. I'd recomend at least a 128mb DDR model but a 256mb DDR model is better. I highly recomend the FX5200 for a low end card. I've had it for almost a year now and I've never had a problem.

As for CPUs, I like AMD. They're good for gaming. Don't be fooled by their clock speed. AthlonXP's are cheap right now but a look at the Athlon64 may be worth it as well.

[Jaffa]

I have found that CPU speed and RAM make the sim run faster than a better video card.  The video card does the rendering, so the more you spend, the better the picture quality.

My 700mhz overclock of my CPU(1.6->2.3) made FS run really much better, and upgrading to a 9700pro made the scenery amazing!

[Delta_]

The FX5200 actually has a 256-bit core. Remeber that FS2004 likes video card memory. I'd recomend at least a 128mb DDR model but a 256mb DDR model is better. I highly recomend the FX5200 for a low end card. I've had it for almost a year now and I've never had a problem.

All graphics cards have 256-bit core.  I was referring to memory bandwidth which the fx5200 has 64-bit or 128-bit. 128-bit being the fastest of the two.

Also no games use 256MB of memory right now.  Doom 3 which is the most demanding game to be realised very soon, will use 96MB, so FS2004 is not going to use anything near that.  So buying a 256MB card now will not be a good idea, because by the time programs come out that use 256MB the graphics card will be to weak to run the program.  Also 128MB models are often clocked higher and/or have a better memory time.

[congo]

Video Cards come in all shapes and sizes as you probably know.

Get the most powerful one you can possibly afford.

There is absolutely no substitute for the best graphics card obtainable for FS2004, despite whatever else you are told.

If you have a budget, post it here and we may be able to recommend a card.

If price isn't an issue, get the best one you can lay your hands on, currently (this week) it's the NVIDIA 6800.

The rest of the system should be as high a specification as you can obtain as well, NOBODY has too powerful a computer for FS2004!

[Iroquois]

The 6800 is rumored to have fixed all the problems with the FX series. It's supposed to be twice as powerful as an FX5950. It has 400mhz memory speed and a 1.1ghz core clock.

ATI is also developing a new card. I personally prefer nVidia but they're worth a look at.