Getting a system that's fast enough to run FS2000 smoothly is a headache. I'm about £700 over budget!
Anyway back to the point. I'm not an expert (not even close)but the people I've talked to have stressed the difference between a TNT2 32MB 3D card and a GeeForce. Apparently there's no comparing the two. GeeForce is superior without doubt (so they say).
With regard to RAM: there are at least two types out there. PC100 mhz and PC133 mhz. The 133 mhz is newer I'm told, and faster. No point taking the 100mhz type if you plan to upgrade your RAM since the two are not compatible.
I don't know how much RAM you really NEED to have. I thought that 128MB would do it. If you cut from 256MB to 128MB PC133 you'll save a few bob.
Cosmo