I have recently bought the new sims 3 game for my daughter but her computer needs a video card upgrade. She has a dell dimension 3000 and I believe it has a Intel(r) 82865g graphics controller. I need to install at least a 128mb video card with shade 2 support. I have googled this topic and it appears this is possible if I use the PCI slot. Can someone advise me what card I need. I just want a fairly cheap one that will allow her to play the game.
Sparkle GeForce 8500 GT Video Card is probably your only choice if you don't want to upgrade. PCI is pretty old now, I don't even see AGP around anymore.
Realistically, any PCI graphics card will still have problems running The Sims 3. I would prescribe a PC upgrade to play that game. PCI was abandoned many years back and cards are only really still made for it to replace faulty components in old machines. Modern games require graphics cards that at least use AGP, which is in itself a 5 year out of date technology.
Thanks for the replies. I have managed to find one in SCAN 512MB PNY 8400 GS, PCI, 64 Bit 1000MHz GDDR2, 567MHz GPU, D-Sub/ Dual Link DVI-I/ S-Video. Its £45 and a little bit more expensive than I would have liked but it will keep my daughter happy and stop her from using my pc. Thanks again!
I think that might work. I'm not certain, you'll have to give it a try. It should at least play, if not very well.
