Video or memory?

[mapguy]

I want to be able to use the higer graphics of the game. I am currently using medium low for terrain and medium high for the aircraft. I would like to 'kick it up a notch' on both. I am currently running a P4 2.4 hyperthreaded with 512 PC2700 DDR ram with a Intel video card that came standard with the machine. I beleive that it is 8MB. Now, I have approximately $60 to spend (b-day present) so what should I get? Best Buy has a deal on 512 DDR ram or should I get a better video card?

[asda_price]

Mapguy, I would say definitely get the video card. But you're gonna have to spend more than $60 to get a decent one. Do you have an AGP slot? If so, get an AGP card. You'll be able to find some bargains on ebay.

Cheers,

Rob

[mapguy]

Well, I found that CompUSA has an ATI 128 DDR for $49 that I might be able to convince (beg) the CFO (wife) to bump up the funds a little bit.  

[the_autopilot]

Could you please tell the exact model number of the ATI card.
If it has the letters SE after the number, AVOID it.

Since you have a 8mb gfx integrated solution. Intel "cards" are integrated solutions meaning its on the mobo. Your best bet is to disable that and buy a AGP vid card. If your mobo does not support AGP, your stuck with PCI. However, even a decent PCI card will set you back about 100 bucks.

[mapguy]

Could you please tell the exact model number of the ATI card.
If it has the letters SE after the number, AVOID it.

Since you have a 8mb gfx integrated solution. Intel "cards" are integrated solutions meaning its on the mobo. Your best bet is to disable that and buy a AGP vid card. If your mobo does not support AGP, your stuck with PCI. However, even a decent PCI card will set you back about 100 bucks.

Thanks for the heads up.  I went there yesterday and I found out that there were none left.  So I went back today to see if there was another shipment.  There wasn't so the salesperson asked if I wanted to have one put aside for me.  I declined.  After reading your post I am glad that I did!