So this thread is in 2 parts:

1. Should i pre-order? Bring me up to date on Aion so far. Is it just another MMORPG failure, or is it actually a very good game? Is it refreshing or does it feel like your playing a different version of the same game.

2. Just built a new PC this week (my first built pc.. and im 14 :D) and i need suggestions for graphics cards. I would like to buy from ATI because i am 14. So i dont have alot of cash to throw around, anything from $100-150 is fine, i just want to be able to play in MAX settings.

Thanks everyone :] Also, for the sake of ease ill create a poll for the first part.

Edit: Dont worry guys i have a 700W power supply, dont under-estimate my computer building skills just because im 14 ;D

You should get an ATI HD RADEON 4870

www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp

About 140 dollars, you can play Crysis on MAX settings. It is a freakin deal!!!! So, AIon, you can play it on MAX settings with 8X antialasing and still get great FPS.

Originally posted by luckypotato

So this thread is in 2 parts:

1. Should i pre-order? Bring me up to date on Aion so far. Is it just another MMORPG failure, or is it actually a very good game? Is it refreshing or does it feel like your playing a different version of the same game.

- try to get in the next beta weekend and try it out yourself. I have pre-ordered after playing the 3rd beta weekend, but I do not hold any illusions that this will be the greatest MMO ever. However, it will be much needed diversion for me from other titles that currently bore me to death. Whether this MMO will hold my interest after the first month remains to be seen.

 

If you pre-order, make sure it's from a seller that will allow you to cancel if you change your mind. Also make sure it's a retailer offering beta codes, bonus items and the head start on retail as part of the pre-order offer.

For video cards, one thing you need to consider is whether or not your current power supply is sufficient for the new card. It's not uncommon for current generation cards to require a 450W or higher PS with two PCI-E power connectors. They aren't super expensive and they aren't too hard to install, but you need to figure it into your plans.

Just find out the wattage on your current Power Supply, what connectors it offers (if it's a store bought PC, check the manual or the support site for the manufacturer for details on your model number). Then make sure to check the recommended power supply specs for any cards you consider.

Originally posted by fiontar

If you pre-order, make sure it's from a seller that will allow you to cancel if you change your mind. Also make sure it's a retailer offering beta codes, bonus items and the head start on retail as part of the pre-order offer.

For video cards, one thing you need to consider is whether or not your current power supply is sufficient for the new card. It's not uncommon for current generation cards to require a 450W or higher PS with two PCI-E power connectors. They aren't super expensive and they aren't too hard to install, but you need to figure it into your plans.

Just find out the wattage on your current Power Supply, what connectors it offers (if it's a store bought PC, check the manual or the support site for the manufacturer for details on your model number). Then make sure to check the recommended power supply specs for any cards you consider.

You obviously didnt read the whole thing. I built my pc. lol.. who actually buys store bought pc's that knows how to build one?

and i can run any graphics card i like :] 700W power supply.. got it just for that reason.. big headroom

Like the other guy said, ATI 4870. Totally worth it, even tho i dont have one my mate does and at lans i only just out-perform his (Nvidia 260 GTX).

On Aion, I'd say wait until you can try it out for free somehow (buddy key or trial of which i hope they have) then its no biggy if u dont like it.

 I was thinking about updating my graphics card aswell i have a Nivida Geforce 8800 gtx , hmm no idea what to look for !

if your down with Lineage like leveling and pvp then you will definatly like this game. You don't need that great of a graphics card to play this but if you wanna play with everything on high i suggest buying an above average card.

Yes, ATI 4870

I say yes because personally I love the game however it depends on how different you are looking for. Aion doesnt reinvent the wheel but makes a very very nice wheel. As far as video card I run a GTX 260 and the only ATI I ever owned was trash so really cannot give adive there.

Here is a chart for the GFX cards: www.tomshardware.co.uk/charts/gaming-graphics-charts-2009/Sum-of-FPS-Benchmarks-1920x1200,1199.html

Have a look on it and decide for yourself.

I am not sure if Aion have any problem with one card or another however, some games work better with Nvidia, others don't.

I run a 280 GTX myself, great card but probably a bit over your budget.

You might consider waiting a few months with the card also since ATI and Nvidia are releasing new cards this autumn and the old cards will fall a lot in price then.

Personal preference..  Just read the info available and pre order or don't.  Listening to people on a forum, especially this one, is never a good idea.

As for video cards this game runs on some crappy NVidia 135 quadro laptop graphics cards so any of the newer GeForce 8800 gts+ cards should be good.  I have a GeForce 8800 ultra 640mb that runs Crysis with max settings just fine.  It was like 350$ when I got it, but probably cheap as hell now.  If you go to www.tigerdirect.com and look at video cards, sort by price low to high, go to your price range and look at the 5-6 cards within it then you can make a decision based on the reviews they have.  Good luck.