ATI 3870 with EQ2?

[Raidyen]

<p>Since EQ2 and Geforce 8800GT are not getting along, i ordered an ATI 3870.  I didnt see it listed as supported though, but i might have been looking in the wrong spot.  Will that card work for me?  If so does anyone have an idea of its performance level with EQ2?  Also i just noticed it says directx10.  Newb question, but does that mean i need vista to run this card?  or will it run with 9.0c on windowsXP?</p><p> thanks.</p>

[Ninivee]

The 3870 runs just fine with Dx9.0c.Compared to my 8800 GTS640, the overclocked version of the 3870 i tested gave me about 10fps less in EQ2 and an even a bigger fps loss (up to 30-40) in other games -but also less overall hitching and sudden fps breakdowns in EQ2. So overall fps in EQ2 were a bit lower, but also more steady in critical environments.I've heard that the ATI card is less cpu dependent while on the other hand the 8800s developes more power the bigger the cpu is.I'm running a Intel Quad @3,3Gh, so my 8800 GTS 640 may have a bit of an advantage on my system.I found that a bit strange since in the common reviews, the 3870 usually leaves the GTS 640 behind by a few fps...not in my machine though.

[Raidyen]

<p>I had delt with the 6800gt stuttering issues 3 years ago with EQ2, and i really have no desire to go through that again.  I am actaully surpised to see the 8800gt is having pretty much the same problems.  I think im willing to take a FPS hit if it means i will have system stability and no hitching problems.  </p><p>I have also seen the same thing about the Nvidia cards running better on powerful systems, particularly if you are overclocking components.  I don't plan to do much overclocking anymore,  it has caused me more money and headaches then the added speed is worth.  Guess thats what i get for being a newb messing with it <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>Anyways thx for the reply, that cleared up what i was worried about.</p>