CompuServe Thread

Should work great, but I would get more Ram, 128MB or 64Mb's would be good and more Hd space a 2GB hd Should be a Min. I personaly don't care for Soundblaster cards I use a Pro Audio Studio, you can hear the difference in sound quality. I don't use a Matrox card so I can't tell you if it is supported or not, I have enough of a time keeping up with all the drivers and things for my hardware. Thats about all I can think of, I have never had a "big" problem with 3ds running right so others may be more help.

The system sounds good, but I'm no expert. My advice: ask the dealer, "if it doesn't work with 3DS, can I return it for a refund?" They should say YES, which will save you the sweaty palms. I did this when I bought my laptop. The first one I brought home did not work with 3DS so I returned it. (I didn't get color and the Materials Editor requires it.) When I originally bought it I explained to the dealer that 3DS is sometimes picky about what it will work with. Just say "it's as picky as AutoCAD" and most of them will nod with understanding. Notice I said "Refund" not "Credit". Make sure you can get a refund. This is the ONLY way to be absolutely sure you're not wasting your money. It'll probably be fine though. But at least asking for a refund option will save you from an ulcer. Michele

Since I'm a dreamer.. I'll add some things. <g> Pentim 90's are only around $200 more, and faster.. (but some have had compatability problems- I don't know why.) 64MB If you have someone elses' $$, don't get less. I know it sounds extreme, but you will probably use it. (many here do everyday.) Get a MGA Impression PCI card if you can. The PCI version should (hopefully) be out sometime soon. The Impression line has 3D acceleration built into it, and Pavel K. will be coming out with an IPAS (plug in) that will allow for some really zippy previews. The MGA2+/4MB sounds good though. (probably $1200-$1500 or so with IPAS') Get a 4X CD-ROM drive. There are some coming out that will be around $400. Also, Pioneer has a 6-CD changer that's a 4X. It's about $1200, I believe. That would be nice, so you can get some cool CD-ROM's with texture maps, ect. on them, and not have to swap out the CD'S all the time. Lazy, but dreamy..<g> Don't get a Soundblaster pro, Get the SB-16 at least.. Much better. Don't settle for anything less than 16-bit audio. The Multisound Monterey by Turtle beach is an even better card, but more $. 2GB DAT BACKUP. For archival stuff, animations, etc. Consider an Exabyte dat (and ASDG Driver-$)drive if you are interested in doing high end broadcast work. You can dump your animations to the DAT, and send it to a Video Post house, and they'll be able to transfer them to D-1 or so. ($1000?) Personal Animator Recorder with 1GB drive, and TBC IV. This lets you record, and output Betacam SP type video in *realtime*. No Targa/Diaquest boards needed. Great for animations. (starting @$3500 or so) I know that Greg Pyros sells them. He's on the forum, and should be able to send you more info if you need it. All in all, I looks a good system for 3DS, and could possibly be all you could ever need.. today! <g> JNJ