dub@...: > i've been reading the list (well trying to keep up with the > traffic!) and > done some archive searches. i've got a pretty good idea what sort > of spec > i'm after for a new machine. > > the only thing i'm not too sure about is what is a decent video > card to use? does it really matter that much even? > > i don't want to spend silly money. i'm thinking about the order of > 100 quid - hopefully under. i'm only going to be using 1 19" monitor > > cheers > > dub HiHo ! My advice is to go for a Matrox G 450 dual head card. They are selling quite cheap now (because of the newer models,G 550), and you will have the benifit of a second monitor-output for the future use ... If you´re on a budget, try to get a "bulk" version (which comes without a printed manual, without some accessoirs, just with the software/drivers cd). The best : this card has no fan ... !!! no noise added .... ;-) The driver support on the Matrox site is very good, and they also have microsoft certified drivers up ... Greetz Harald