rec.autos.simulators

OK, here goes:

It's my understanding (am I correct?) that the Diamond Monster 3D
graphics card requires a 2D graphics card to be present as well. I have
a Shuttle Spacewalker mainboard (PCI) with a Pentium P-166 (not a II).
Assuming for the moment (again, correct me if I'm wrong) that the
Diamond Monster 3D card is currently a very good choice for sims that
support 3D, what would be a good 2D card to mate with it?

Sims I run are ICR II, GP II, N2, RAC Rally, GP Mangler, Silent Thunder
and the odd space shoot-em-up. I have seen the Monster 3D w/4Mb as low
as $139, which seems pretty good. Are there other card combos better?
One thing I'd like to incorporate is video capture.

Any help would be most appreciated.

TIA

Bart brown

Yes, the Diamond 3D will not do your 2D duties, you do need another card.

Which one depends on how much you can spend, and what you want it for.

I play N2 and ICR2 alot.  So a rendition card is important.  I got a cheap 3D
Blaster (Intense 3D and Screamin'3D are hard to find in UK - I couldn't find
one at all!).  The 2D on this card is not the best, but is certainly adequate.
It runs fine with my Righteous 3D

HOWEVER, there are new boards out with the new Rendition 2200 chips.  From what
I see on the newsgroup they will run N2 and a (patched) ICR2. I believe these
cards have fast 2d chipsets as well.  If you have lots of money you could get
one of these and a 3DFX card for best of both worls.  Or one of these and wait
for the Voodoo2 cards.  

If you have less money you could get just the New rendition 2200 cards, or a 3D
Blaster and 3dfx card combo.  I think canopus do a combined special on their
two (one old rendition and one 3dfx) cards together.

Brian

--
remove 'bye' from address to reply