Running FFXI on PC

[MontyXI]

I've never been a PC gamer so I have no clue what to look for in terms of figuring out how to run a game that's out today.

I'd like to quit playing Final Fantasy XI on the PS2 and move to the PC, so I'd like to figure out how much it's going to cost to upgrade my PC (a lowly eMachine) to be able to run it smoothly. I don't even know what to buy yet.

Anyway, I thought I'd post the specs of my eMachine and then those of FFXI and hopefully get some insight from some of you on what I'll have to do.

First: My PC's specs (taken right off the main website, so there is probably some unessesary stuff in here).

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Specifications
CPU: Intel® Celeron® 2.50 GHz Processor
128KB L2 cache & 400 MHz FSB

Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition 1

Chipset: Intel 845GV Chipset

Memory: 256 MB DDR (PC 2100)

Hard Drive: 40 GB HDD 2

Optical Drives: 48x Max. CD-RW Drive; 3.5" 1.44MB FDD

Video: Intel Extreme Graphics 3D
64 MB Shared Memory

Sound: AC '97 Audio

Modem: 56K ITU v.92 ready Fax/Modem

Network: 10/100Mbps built-in Ethernet

Ports/Other: 6 USB 2.0 ports (2 on front), 1 Serial, 1 Parallel, 2 PS/2, Audio-In & Out
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And here are the specs for FFXI for the PC (from www.ebgames.com):

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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
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If anyone could let me know what I'll need to be able to play it smoothly, as well as a general price range, that'd be great.

Thanks.

[Aimes]

ok well first off make sure u have updated service packs for windows xp and security drivers ect.
ur memory seems ok for running it and ur processor is fine. onboard sound shouldnt be a problem..
ur gonna need to buy a graphics card tho, the game wont run on what you have.
40gb of hdd is low.. but it should be alright long as u have enough space.

[Dominion]

If you have a bit of money to spend, you might want to think about a computer upgrade all together. You could build a great AMD XP system that will run it for under 300-400 bucks.

a7n8x-e deluxe
2500+ Barton
512 (or a gig of memory)
FX 5700


Onboard audio and network throught the a7n8x-e dlx

Case and other such you can get for under 100, the most you'd be looking to spend if you went with nice name brand parts is 500-600. You can skimp in a few areas and save some money but I wouldn't recommend it.

I don't know if that emachines will support a higher end graphics card. You would need to call them and find out, but theyll probably give you the runaround, most OEM people don't like upgrades.