Just to bring you up to date on my issues.  I received a new card (RMA) and it is working much better.  The old card crashed under any kind of 3D load - not just Sims, so something was wrong.  The new card is much better.  It's not glitch free, but I'm to the point now where I can test different drivers.  Has anyone used the Omega Drivers with this card?

I'm NOT running Vista (sorry for the confusion)   I'm running XP Pro SP2   (on a desktop)    I will try the drivers and ccc you mentioned ZiggyDoodle.

I'm also having HUGE ATI driver problems.  Just got a new system  and it has the  ATI  x1950 PRO.   I'm going to give the Omega drivers a shot, but if anyone is running this card and can post what is working for them - the specific driver and whether or now you're running Catalyst Control Center  (and which version of that)  would be greatly appreciated.

- To be more specific about my problem - The game crashes during the video at the start.  The screen freezes, the audio continues for a few, the screen goes black, the audio jams, and the system requires reset/reboot.

I'm currently running 7.2  from 2/21/2007