Computer/Hardware Questions.

[Aelith]

I've been playing this game for a while (have a mid 60's whm) and love it a ton. But recently my computer died on me, and I'm probably going to have to pick up a new one. Apart from typing/music, I don't really use my computer for anything but this game, so I was wondering what thing I needed to play the game well?

Specifically, what about graphics cards? Is there a noticible difference between the 256 ones and the 128s, or do they both work almost just as well for the purposes of this game?

Would you guys get an nVidia graphics card, or an ATI card? (or something else?) Do the newer versions of either of those not work with ffxi for some reason? Please let me know what graphics card I should go after. I'll cry if I get one that won't let me playy ffxi .

What processor speed to I need to play ffxi smoothly? I think the game recomended 1.5 or some such. Everything now seems to come 2k and up, so any decent processor would be able to handle the game fluidly, right? Any noticble difference between 2.4 and 3.4, or is the extra power just useless for this purpose? How much RAM will I need also? I think my last pc had 512 (although I could be completely off), and that handled the game quite well. Should that be good, or would I want to go for one gig? Would anything less than 512 hurt my performance significantly? Any particular brand of computers you guys think would be a good call (I was thinking dell unless you can give me a better choice)?

I'm going for the cheapest thing possible that will get the job done as well as possible (or close to it at least).

Anyhow, thanks a ton if you can give me some help or suggestions. I already posted this on another forum in the site before finding this one. Sorry if any of you have been subjected to my double postings.

[Ihsotik]

The cheapest way to get back to FFXI is to get the PS2 version. I think Circuit City has it with the HD for $40. Then you'd need a $40 network adaptor, long enough cable to reach the PS2 to modem, and CoP expansion. When it comes to a new computer tho, I don't really know what'll handle it well. Most mainstream comps should do the job.

System Requirements:
Microsoft Windows 98/98SE/Me/2000/XP; Intel PentiumIII 800Mhz or faster processor; 128 MB RAM; NVIDIA GeForce series graphics processing unit with 32MB or ATI RADEON 9000 series graphics card; DirectX 8.1 compatible sound card; 6 GB free hard disk space; 4x CD-ROM drive (required only at installation); 56kbps modem or better; Keyboard, mouse;Internet connection and monthly fee required

Min requi's.