rec.autos.simulators

planning on a new computer    need some input on what features would be best
while running n2003   all your opinions and comments of expertise are
appreciated

geforce4 128 mb  Ti4600  or jaton geforce4 128mb Ti4200  or something else???

how does n2003 run under the microsoft xp home operating system???

computer system comes with sound blaster live 5.1,  good??? better???

thanks for all who help    don

Hey Dan,

         N2003 runs fine with XP , I have a soundblaster audigy which
works fine also with N2003 so I can't comment about the sb 5.1. Had a
GeForce4 4600 which was good ,now have the Radeon 9700 which is
better. More frames per second with better picture quality using D3D.
With the release of the Radeon 9800 the 9700 should be dropping in
price soon I would think. If you go with the GF4 Ithink the 4200 would
be fine for less money  What CPU MB combo are you buying ? Steve

I'm not sure what kind of money you are spending, or what your limits are,
but if it were me, I would get the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 sound card, and
either the 9700 Pro or 9800 video card from ATI, or possibly the new card
from Nvidia.  I really would not get the 5.1 Live sound card.  While it is a
good card, it is simply old technology.  And if you are getting a new
computer, why not get the new technology?

Glen

I was looking over some PC specs for a future computer, and noticed the
Sound Blaster Audigy 2. What's the pro's using it instead of a SB Live card?

-Will

I think the quality of sound would be better using the Audigy 2.  Although
there probably isn't much difference to the human ear.   My personal belief
is that the newer cards will be supported in future games, where the older
cards may also work, but the games will not be designed around their
capabilities.  I use a Hercules Game Theater XP myself, and have owned a SB
Live 5.1 card.  I can't say that I can tell any difference except for the
static issues that I had with the SB card when Windows XP first came out.
It was cured for most people with drivers, but I believe there are some
people still having the issues.  Turning down hardware acceleration fixes it
also, but that seems to be a bandage instead of a fix IMO.

The main reason I chose the Hercules is due to the headphone port which is
turned on or off via software, so I leave the headphones connected at all
times.  Before, I had to unplug my speakers and connect the headphones to
switch.

Bottom line, if you have a SB Live and are happy with it, there probably is
no need to change.  If you have neither, I would suggest the Audigy 2 card.

Glen