rec.autos.simulators

I'm going to be in the market for a new system soon and would appreciate
any input on the matter from my fellow "simmers".
 I wish I could say that price is not a factor...but. I'm a "working class"
individual who, it just so happens, lives for racing sims. I thought about
going the upgrade route but just about everything on my aging P75 needs
replacing. I purchased a "Screamin 3D" video card about a year ago and it
did extend(quite dramatically, I might say)  the life of my system. But,
even with that awsome piece of hardware, my system just doesn't "cut the
mustard" anymore. Also, my monitor is showing the tell-tale signs that it's
days are numbered. So basically, I'm needing a new system all-together.
 Should I stay with an Intel based system or maybe try an AMD K6. Cyrix is
a compelling alternative but I'm worried about compatibility issues going
that route. Also, what vendors should I be considering. I checked out the
"big 3"-Dell, Gateway, and Micron but they all seemed a bit "pricy" to me
for what I was looking for. Or maybe I'm worse off than I thought as far as
what I can afford :-(. Again, I'm looking for the most bang for the buck
here. I would like a system that will still be able to handle most of the
eye-candy in the games coming out in...say...a year from now and yet won't
require that I live at Ft Knox in order to afford it ;)

 Thanks in advance and I'm looking forward to racing you guys on the NROS.

P.S. sorry for the long post
--
Derwin A Bird
aka (Bud)
aka (Budnes) during my brief but "wallet draining"
experience on "Hawaii"

ooops-advise should be (advice) in subject line. sorry

Derwin:

I was too, was in that same boat with you as recently as three weeks
ago. I had a PBell P75, etc, that would prove too costly to mess with
upgrading.  So, I begin to ask and learn.  I have just completed
building my own "open archetecture" computer myself with input from this
newsgroup.  I now have a P233MMX w/32 Meg of SDram, 3D card, Sound
Blaster 64, faster modem, new case, etc, etc.  To say I'm delighted with
the results would be an understatement.  Price?  Well, I built it for
about $850.  So, this may be an option for you.

If you're going to buy the "next one" with the idea of it being able to
be easily/cost-effectively upgraded, make sure the brand you decide on
is not a "propreitory system".  That is, you must use the mfg's parts,
or grief will follow.  This is why I built my own.  I can now use
various mfg's components as price/wants dictates.  Do your homework, it
will pay off.  Good Luck!

God Bless,

Andre

Derwin, I was in the same boat as you a couple of months ago. Your right,
you really need a new system. Try going to both Dell and Micron's websites,
and try custom configuring the system you would like. Then, if too pricey,
start downsizing the items that you can live without, or do with less of. I
found both of these companies to be pretty reasonable in price, and I
suspect by now you could pick up a 166 or 200 mmx system fairly reasonable.
I went with a Dell 233 mmx, and have been very satisfied with it, their
customer support is excellent as well. I hear the same thing about Micron
also.
--
Don Burnette

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