A while back you and I corresponded about your bargain-priced TNT2 M64 based card. I've finally come into enough cash to go get a new card, and so I'm wondering if you're still as happy with your Jaton card as you were then.

Anyone else who'd like to weigh in re: the best PCI video card under $150, I'd welcome the input. Now leaning toward the V3 3000, but I'm still intrigued by the cheap 32meg TNT2 M64 boards.

Objectives: EAW smooth at 12x10, MSFS98 at smooth at high res.

(Current system specs: Compaq PII 400, 128mb RAM, built-in ESS sound, built in RagePro4mb+Diamond Monster V2 12meg, 17" bargain-bin monitor, Suncom HOTAS)

I recently upgraded to a 19" monitor, and the deficiencies of the TNT2 became more apparent to me. Notice how some of the players never used Jay's terrain, but instead preferred EAW's original (crappy-looking, IMO) terrain? That's because the TNT2 does not render terrain as smoothly and beautifully as the Voodoo 3. It looks sort of pixellated and there is lots of alaising.

So, I re-installed my Voodoo 3 over the weekend, and so far, it's looking great on the 19" monitor. I daresay there is more of a slowdown when you approach a large group of B-17's, but overall it runs very smoothly with my AMD K6-2 400mhz/96MB RAM machine @1280 x 1024. I will miss some of those TNT-only skins, but I believe that if you take into account the whole picture, EAW looks and runs smoother on a Voodoo 3 card. (Of course, I am speaking as one who can only use PCI cards.) The Voodoo 3 is available as a 2000 and a 3000. The 3000 has a larger heatsink to cool the card, so it runs a little faster than the 2000. Also, I can run Flying Corps Gold or Red Baron 3D, which run on Glide. My 2¢ worth.

PS-You also need to lose that ESS sound card.

Thanks for the insights. I sorta figured that $66.95 TNT deal might be too good to be true

Based on your feedback, I think I'll probably go for the V3 3000, too. One thing's for sure: this is the last "store bought" computer I'll ever buy. Not being able to consider an AGP card is a real drag.

I know I have to replace the sound card, too. Any recommendations? I'd like to have the full duplex capability necessary to run Game Commander and Roger Wilco.

Thanks again,

PR