If it´s really an XP then it´s a 32-bit CPU. The "Athlon 64 3400+" would be the 64-bit version. AFAIK an XP3400 doesn´t even exist. The "Athlon 64 3400+" is a good middle-class CPU.

You need an AGP card, not PCI. Like stabiz said, the nVidia 7800GS 256MB is the best AGP card.

I have a Genforce 7600GT 256 meg card, uses PCI express. Good card for the price around $200.00 or less. I've been happy with it so far. Plus I have 2 gigs of memory Ram as well. few if any frame rate slow downs.

Frankly, I would save the money and buy a cheap out-of-date card. I´ve got a 2 year old plain GeForce6600 that came along with a standard PC and SH3 plus GW runs just fine. Considering Direct X 10 and Windows Vista coming your way I would sit and wait a couple of months and buy a DirectX10 card for cheap money then. You all know how fast hardware issues go...so be patient.

My two cents, AS

I just upgraded to a GF 6800XT 256mb 256 bit card from eWiz..... went thru PriceWatch.com. Graphics are great in SHIII, IL2 and FS9. I just found MOHA Pacific Assault and can't believe the graphics in that with this card. Card supports dual minitors and both connections are DVI. For 139.00US and change you can't go wrong. ;)

My old GF FX5600Ultra 256mb card was and is still good but I couldn't pass up a bargain like the 6800XT.

I somewhat disagree, AS. I would get a really good DX9 card now (check out auctions, the must-have-the-best-card-guys are dropping their really good top end cards like crazy these days), and put off Vista and DX10 for at least 6 months. Let the unreasonable prizes for DX10 cards drop, and let MS fix the unavoidable bugs first.

Games will be made for DX9 for a long time yet.

@Stabiz: That´s exactly what I was saying, maybe I expressed myself in a confusing way. :oops: I wouldn´t recommend any expensive D9 card, though, since SH3 is comparatively "old" by today´s PC-standards and doesn´t really benefit from a high-end a-thousand shaders 1600x 1200 resolution card, you follow me? :yep:

So my suggestion is: buy a cheap, "old" GeForce 6600 or similar, save the money, wait a couple of months till prices for D10 cards drop and Vista runs more or less bug-free and THEN look for something really fast to be equipped for future games to come.:rock:

Cheers, AS

Well, i talked to some "guru's" at the local computer-whizz store, and they told me that the 8800 didnt fit my motherboard...:nope:

Here is my board (from MSI webpage):
MS-7025
http://www.msicomputer.com/product/mb_image/MS-7025.jpg

PC-specs:
AMD Athlon 64
3200+
2.01 Ghz, 1.50 GB RAM

As a short term fix coz i really want to get this game working after owning it since release suppose i got the nVidia 7800GS 256MB would this be a sufficient upgrade to play sh3 as far as pixel shading etc goes?

will this card be ok for ship simulator?

More than just sufficient mate :up: Just make sure its AGP so it fits your Mobo.

Question: How do I change my resolution option? I don't like what I have...makes the game look.......ugly...

Look here:
http://www.communitymanuals.com/shii...lay_Resolution

For some reason AF and AA don't work with the res fix. At least for me. I get better visuals with full AA and AF, than with a higher res. Not to mention better performance.

I used AA and AF with the res fix. It looked insane.

Unfortunately fraps and res fix did not match, so it had to go.

Edit: Sorry, AS! We seem to be in perfect harmony, hehe.

I use a GeForce 6200 OC card w/ 256Mb on it and it replaced the GeForce FX 5600 Ultra 128Mb card that came with my Alienware I bought back in 10/03.

Both cards worked fine with this game as well as BF2 / IL2 and Combat Mission.

I didn't know you could run 2 cards at the same time (with only one monitor)? Think I could put this one back in?

Specs.

Intel D875PBZ MB w/ P4 3.0 Ghz 512K L2 Cache 800Mhz FSB
1 Gig RAM

If not then the old card (FX 5600) is up for grabs.

The new rig I'm planning on ordering come the new year is their top of the line model @ a whopping $6500.00:up: :rock: But, I may wait a few more months because Vista will be released on Jan 15th.

Swanson, you can only pair graphics card if they are the same. (And if you have an SLI or Crossfire motherboard)

A 6500$ pc?! :huh: Is it made of gold?