How to avoid nVidia GeForce 8800 GT ???

[Brutus2]

<p>Well, I'm in the market for a new computer and since I play EQ2 every day, I am most concerned with getting a system that will play nice with EQ2.  I have seen many people here still reporting major probelms with 8800 GT cards.</p><p> I currently use an ATI Raedon 9800 Pro and it has always been very good in every game I play but if I'm getting a new computer for the future I figure I should go with Vista for the DX10 and a video card with shader 3.0 or better.</p><p>The problem is, both Dell and Gateway only use nVidia 8800 cards in their gaming rigs.  I can't afford Ailenware or anything super expensive like that so where should I be looking for a good computer that uses ATI cards?</p>

[Tebos]

<p><a href="http://www.falcon-nw.com/config/build.asp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.falcon-nw.com/config/build.asp</a></p>

[Kaliguwra]

Build your own?Going through companies are nice and everything, but building your own gives you what you want and how you want it. Build a decent system using ATI hard-ware. Anyway, building it yourself will save you around 500 dollars. And if you go through dell, you get proprietary parts that you have to go back through the company to upgrade. If you need help, send a message to someone or myself, its not really hard and it's almost full proof on building a system.

[Brutus2]

<cite>Tebos wrote:</cite><blockquote><p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.falcon-nw.com/config/build.asp" target="_blank">http://www.falcon-nw.com/config/build.asp</a></p></blockquote><p>Falcon also only uses nVidia cards and besides, I would group them with Alienware in the "can't afford that" category <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p> I would love to build my own machine, I just dont know enough to do it.  I wouldn't know how to buy components that will be compatable and while physicaly assembling everything doesn't seem too difficult, it's installing the software, drivers, and getting everything to work that worries me.</p><p>Is there no major computer company that allows ATI cards??  That's just crazy.  I have been using an ATI Raedon 9800 Pro for a few years now.  It's getting to be outdated now as I can't play games like BioShock or Assassian's Creed but it has been very good to me over the years.  Never had probelms with any games I have ever played including eq2 while people with "high end" machines and cards seem to have much more problems.</p>

[Tebos]

<cite>Brutus2 wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Tebos wrote:</cite><blockquote><p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.falcon-nw.com/config/build.asp" target="_blank">http://www.falcon-nw.com/config/build.asp</a></p></blockquote><p>Falcon also only uses nVidia cards and besides, I would group them with Alienware in the "can't afford that" category <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />" width="15" height="15" /></p><p> I would love to build my own machine, I just dont know enough to do it.  I wouldn't know how to buy components that will be compatable and while physicaly assembling everything doesn't seem too difficult, it's installing the software, drivers, and getting everything to work that worries me.</p><p>Is there no major computer company that allows ATI cards??  That's just crazy.  I have been using an ATI Raedon 9800 Pro for a few years now.  It's getting to be outdated now as I can't play games like BioShock or Assassian's Creed but it has been very good to me over the years.  Never had probelms with any games I have ever played including eq2 while people with "high end" machines and cards seem to have much more problems.</p></blockquote><p>Why don't you look at the choices Falcon Northwest offers for video.  You will notice they have an ATI 3870 x2.  Please review before making comment!</p><p>thanks</p>

[Brutus2]

<cite>Tebos wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Brutus2 wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Tebos wrote:</cite><blockquote><p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.falcon-nw.com/config/build.asp" target="_blank">http://www.falcon-nw.com/config/build.asp</a></p></blockquote><p>Falcon also only uses nVidia cards and besides, I would group them with Alienware in the "can't afford that" category <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img src=" width="15" height="15" />" width="15" height="15"></p><p> I would love to build my own machine, I just dont know enough to do it.  I wouldn't know how to buy components that will be compatable and while physicaly assembling everything doesn't seem too difficult, it's installing the software, drivers, and getting everything to work that worries me.</p><p>Is there no major computer company that allows ATI cards??  That's just crazy.  I have been using an ATI Raedon 9800 Pro for a few years now.  It's getting to be outdated now as I can't play games like BioShock or Assassian's Creed but it has been very good to me over the years.  Never had probelms with any games I have ever played including eq2 while people with "high end" machines and cards seem to have much more problems.</p></blockquote><p>Why don't you look at the choices Falcon Northwest offers for video.  You will notice they have an ATI 3870 x2.  Please review before making comment!</p><p>thanks</p></blockquote><p>Why don't you stop making assumtions because that only makes you look like a real jerk.</p><p> I did try out a build on the falcon website and the computer I put together did not have any ATI cards listed as options for video cards.  Now, did I try every machine configuration they have... no.  If I missed something you could have politely pointed out what I missed, in which case I would have thanked you.  But sadly you decided to take the jerk approach.</p><p>Still... I thank you for taking the time to try and help.  That much is appreciated.</p>

[Tebos]

<cite>Brutus2 wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Tebos wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Brutus2 wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Tebos wrote:</cite><blockquote><p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.falcon-nw.com/config/build.asp" target="_blank">http://www.falcon-nw.com/config/build.asp</a></p></blockquote><p>Falcon also only uses nVidia cards and besides, I would group them with Alienware in the "can't afford that" category <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img src=" width="15" height="15" />" width="15" height="15"></p><p> I would love to build my own machine, I just dont know enough to do it.  I wouldn't know how to buy components that will be compatable and while physicaly assembling everything doesn't seem too difficult, it's installing the software, drivers, and getting everything to work that worries me.</p><p>Is there no major computer company that allows ATI cards??  That's just crazy.  I have been using an ATI Raedon 9800 Pro for a few years now.  It's getting to be outdated now as I can't play games like BioShock or Assassian's Creed but it has been very good to me over the years.  Never had probelms with any games I have ever played including eq2 while people with "high end" machines and cards seem to have much more problems.</p></blockquote><p>Why don't you look at the choices Falcon Northwest offers for video.  You will notice they have an ATI 3870 x2.  Please review before making comment!</p><p>thanks</p></blockquote><p>Why don't you stop making assumtions because that only makes you look like a real jerk.</p><p> I did try out a build on the falcon website and the computer I put together did not have any ATI cards listed as options for video cards.  Now, did I try every machine configuration they have... no.  If I missed something you could have politely pointed out what I missed, in which case I would have thanked you.  But sadly you decided to take the jerk approach.</p><p>Still... I thank you for taking the time to try and help.  That much is appreciated.</p></blockquote><p>Your the one who made the assumption that Falcon Northwest did not have an ATI based video card for offering, which I pointed out was incorrect.  If you clicked on the link that I supplied it would of took you to the custom build section of selecting your components! </p><p>I corrected your statement on the matter by stating they in fact have an ATI video card for desktop computers in the video drop down list.  Obviously you were not thorough enough, otherwise I would of not presumed! Now...quit reporting inaccurate information to people, particularly on Falcon Northwest behalf.  I am almost certain that they would not appreciate the mis-information given to us on your part, and too such a wide audience.</p><p>Also, I don't recall calling you any names..so who's being a j***</p><p>How about pot meet kettle!</p><p>Good Day! </p>

[Kir]

I don't think english is Tebors first language... or he is just really pretentious on purpose.

[Brutus2]

<cite>Tebos wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Brutus2 wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Tebos wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Brutus2 wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Tebos wrote:</cite><blockquote><p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.falcon-nw.com/config/build.asp" target="_blank">http://www.falcon-nw.com/config/build.asp</a></p></blockquote><p>Falcon also only uses nVidia cards and besides, I would group them with Alienware in the "can't afford that" category <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img src=" width="15" height="15" />" width="15" height="15"></p><p> I would love to build my own machine, I just dont know enough to do it.  I wouldn't know how to buy components that will be compatable and while physicaly assembling everything doesn't seem too difficult, it's installing the software, drivers, and getting everything to work that worries me.</p><p>Is there no major computer company that allows ATI cards??  That's just crazy.  I have been using an ATI Raedon 9800 Pro for a few years now.  It's getting to be outdated now as I can't play games like BioShock or Assassian's Creed but it has been very good to me over the years.  Never had probelms with any games I have ever played including eq2 while people with "high end" machines and cards seem to have much more problems.</p></blockquote><p>Why don't you look at the choices Falcon Northwest offers for video.  You will notice they have an ATI 3870 x2.  Please review before making comment!</p><p>thanks</p></blockquote><p>Why don't you stop making assumtions because that only makes you look like a real jerk.</p><p> I did try out a build on the falcon website and the computer I put together did not have any ATI cards listed as options for video cards.  Now, did I try every machine configuration they have... no.  If I missed something you could have politely pointed out what I missed, in which case I would have thanked you.  But sadly you decided to take the jerk approach.</p><p>Still... I thank you for taking the time to try and help.  That much is appreciated.</p></blockquote><p>Your the one who made the assumption that Falcon Northwest did not have an ATI based video card for offering, which I pointed out was incorrect.  If you clicked on the link that I supplied it would of took you to the custom build section of selecting your components! </p><p>I corrected your statement on the matter by stating they in fact have an ATI video card for desktop computers in the video drop down list.  Obviously you were not thorough enough, otherwise I would of not presumed! Now...quit reporting inaccurate information to people, particularly on Falcon Northwest behalf.  I am almost certain that they would not appreciate the mis-information given to us on your part, and too such a wide audience.</p><p>Also, I don't recall calling you any names..so who's being a j***</p><p>How about pot meet kettle!</p><p>Good Day! </p></blockquote><p>If you read my last post you will see I did not make assumtions.  As I said before, I DID click on the link and I DID try to customize a few systems and none of them had ATI cards as an option.  I also acknowledged that maybe I was not thorough enough and my only point was that you could have corrected me without the "please review before making comment" shot.</p><p> Again...  thank you for trying to help.</p>

[Shabard]

<p>hi all....</p><p>i recently had a custom pc built by AllPCZone in Ohio; found them while trolling ebay, then talked with them at legths about the changes to the rig they were offering there to make it my own <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>they were very helpful and the 3 years they give on parts alone is most excellent and worth the $50 more than if i had bought all the parts seperately and put the system together, which of course would of only have given me the standard oem warranty; they also give a lifetime tech. support, but that of course is only as good as long as they are around... as any!</p><p>you might want to have an idea of the parts you want and their best prices before contacting them or anyone for that matter; plus, do your homework, know what mother boards support which cpu's and video cards.</p><p>anyway, just a plug for them, good people willing to help, P.</p>

[BobbyTheRobot]

Not sure if it's down your route or not, but you could always buy a system that fits your need and replace the 8800 card thats inside.

[Elmoras]

I built my own as well and I am very happy with it.  I bought the 8600 GTS and it runs flawlessly.  You can get one cheap on newegg.com.  Use it until they fix the issues with the 8800's and then get one.  Thats my suggestion.

[Vendolyn]

<cite>Brutus2 wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite></cite><p>I would love to build my own machine, I just dont know enough to do it.  I wouldn't know how to buy components that will be compatable and while physicaly assembling everything doesn't seem too difficult, it's installing the software, drivers, and getting everything to work that worries me.</p></blockquote>Hey there, I can't help with everything in your post outside of this one point!  I've been building machines since 1999, when I decided I was hooked on EQ1 and needed to keep up with the system demands.  I'll admit, I'm not the best with the knowledge and I don't stay on top of things with what's hot now, but I can get a rig built that'll play the game pretty good!I highly recommend visiting the <a href="http://www.techreport.com/system/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Tech Report</a>.  They have a new system guide out, but if you look lower to their Winter 07 guide, I have something similar to "The Grand Experiment."  There are also guides on how to put these things together.  Even if you don't end up building your own system, it might prove to be a good read for you in the future.Hope that helps some!

[Openedge]

<cite> Tebos wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Brutus2 wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Tebos wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Brutus2 wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Tebos wrote:</cite><blockquote><p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.falcon-nw.com/config/build.asp" target="_blank">http://www.falcon-nw.com/config/build.asp</a></p></blockquote><p>Falcon also only uses nVidia cards and besides, I would group them with Alienware in the "can't afford that" category <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img mce_tsrc=" width="15" height="15" />" width="15" height="15"></p><p> I would love to build my own machine, I just dont know enough to do it.  I wouldn't know how to buy components that will be compatable and while physicaly assembling everything doesn't seem too difficult, it's installing the software, drivers, and getting everything to work that worries me.</p><p>Is there no major computer company that allows ATI cards??  That's just crazy.  I have been using an ATI Raedon 9800 Pro for a few years now.  It's getting to be outdated now as I can't play games like BioShock or Assassian's Creed but it has been very good to me over the years.  Never had probelms with any games I have ever played including eq2 while people with "high end" machines and cards seem to have much more problems.</p></blockquote><p>Why don't you look at the choices Falcon Northwest offers for video.  You will notice they have an ATI 3870 x2.  Please review before making comment!</p><p>thanks</p></blockquote><p>Why don't you stop making assumtions because that only makes you look like a real jerk.</p><p> I did try out a build on the falcon website and the computer I put together did not have any ATI cards listed as options for video cards.  Now, did I try every machine configuration they have... no.  If I missed something you could have politely pointed out what I missed, in which case I would have thanked you.  But sadly you decided to take the jerk approach.</p><p>Still... I thank you for taking the time to try and help.  That much is appreciated.</p></blockquote><p>Your the one who made the assumption that Falcon Northwest did not have an ATI based video card for offering, which I pointed out was incorrect.  If you clicked on the link that I supplied it would of took you to the custom build section of selecting your components! </p><p>I corrected your statement on the matter by stating they in fact have an ATI video card for desktop computers in the video drop down list.  Obviously you were not thorough enough, otherwise I would of not presumed! Now...quit reporting inaccurate information to people, particularly on Falcon Northwest behalf.  I am almost certain that they would not appreciate the mis-information given to us on your part, and too such a wide audience.</p><p>Also, I don't recall calling you any names..so who's being a j***</p><p>How about pot meet kettle!</p><p>Good Day! </p></blockquote>To find a system with an ATI card I had to1. Leave the page you linked2. Go to main page.3. Look at various options...picked Desktop4. See various styles of Desktops...5. Picked Budget Box for the first desktop.6. Hit config PC7. Got a blocked popup window...not cool8. Allow their popup, and start to configure...9. Did not see an ATI card10. Quit back to system choices11. Picked bragging rights PC12. Finally found ATI hereThe starting price for the bragging PC was14,000 bucks!!!!YEAAaaaaaThanks for the help though! 

[Tebos]

<cite>Openedge wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Tebos wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Brutus2 wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Tebos wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Brutus2 wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>Tebos wrote:</cite><blockquote><p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.falcon-nw.com/config/build.asp" target="_blank">http://www.falcon-nw.com/config/build.asp</a></p></blockquote><p>Falcon also only uses nVidia cards and besides, I would group them with Alienware in the "can't afford that" category <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY<img mce_tsrc=" width="15" height="15" />" width="15" height="15"></p><p> I would love to build my own machine, I just dont know enough to do it.  I wouldn't know how to buy components that will be compatable and while physicaly assembling everything doesn't seem too difficult, it's installing the software, drivers, and getting everything to work that worries me.</p><p>Is there no major computer company that allows ATI cards??  That's just crazy.  I have been using an ATI Raedon 9800 Pro for a few years now.  It's getting to be outdated now as I can't play games like BioShock or Assassian's Creed but it has been very good to me over the years.  Never had probelms with any games I have ever played including eq2 while people with "high end" machines and cards seem to have much more problems.</p></blockquote><p>Why don't you look at the choices Falcon Northwest offers for video.  You will notice they have an ATI 3870 x2.  Please review before making comment!</p><p>thanks</p></blockquote><p>Why don't you stop making assumtions because that only makes you look like a real jerk.</p><p> I did try out a build on the falcon website and the computer I put together did not have any ATI cards listed as options for video cards.  Now, did I try every machine configuration they have... no.  If I missed something you could have politely pointed out what I missed, in which case I would have thanked you.  But sadly you decided to take the jerk approach.</p><p>Still... I thank you for taking the time to try and help.  That much is appreciated.</p></blockquote><p>Your the one who made the assumption that Falcon Northwest did not have an ATI based video card for offering, which I pointed out was incorrect.  If you clicked on the link that I supplied it would of took you to the custom build section of selecting your components! </p><p>I corrected your statement on the matter by stating they in fact have an ATI video card for desktop computers in the video drop down list.  Obviously you were not thorough enough, otherwise I would of not presumed! Now...quit reporting inaccurate information to people, particularly on Falcon Northwest behalf.  I am almost certain that they would not appreciate the mis-information given to us on your part, and too such a wide audience.</p><p>Also, I don't recall calling you any names..so who's being a j***</p><p>How about pot meet kettle!</p><p>Good Day! </p></blockquote>To find a system with an ATI card I had to1. Leave the page you linked2. Go to main page.3. Look at various options...picked Desktop4. See various styles of Desktops...5. Picked Budget Box for the first desktop.6. Hit config PC7. Got a blocked popup window...not cool8. Allow their popup, and start to configure...9. Did not see an ATI card10. Quit back to system choices11. Picked bragging rights PC12. Finally found ATI hereThe starting price for the bragging PC was14,000 bucks!!!!YEAAaaaaaThanks for the help though! </blockquote><p>Your welcome! I did choose a Mach V (believe that is what it's called) and chose HD 3870 X2! Price was 4k! </p><p>That link I supplied timed-out and no longer had a processor or video choice! Oh well...</p><p>Also, contacting them about having an ATI card instead of a GeForce card for the budget PC is NO PROBLEM! Budget PC with an ATI card is less then 2k</p>