I want to upgrade my computer to be able to play The Sims 2. When I play it on my computer now the graphics move really choppy and slow, and they look terrible. It took me like an hour just to get it on my computer. I don't know what my graphics card is or what it is thats making my game run so badly. All I know is that I have an Intel Celeron Processor (2.40 GHz) 224 mb of RAM, and a 30 gb hard drive. What makes games run smoothly. If you need more of my PC specs put it in your answer and also tell me how to get to them please. I'll add it to details to help. Also how much will i have to shell out for the upgrade. I know that its a lot of questions in a question but I'd really appreciate your serious answer
2007-02-17 15:12:37 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
It seems that you have an older computer. One question is how much are you willing to spend. It could be cheaper to buy the cheapest PC you can get anywhere and I'm sure the specs on it would run the SIMS just fine. If your stuck on upgrading, change the RAM to at least 512 but 1G is what would be a good standard to have. Your processor should be fine but I'd upgrade it. You can find a Pentium 4 for pretty cheep nowadays or go AMD and get it cheaper. Your Hard Drive shouldn't effect you too much but nowadays its so cheep just pick up 100G and enjoy.
You also might want to see how many programs are running in the background. That could effect the load time. Cut out programs you dont need.
2007-02-17 15:24:17 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I did not look at what the min specs for Sims 2 are but I would recommend starting with installing a new video card at least 256 MB, should cost you around 80 bucks or less. I would also say that you need to upgrade your memory to at least 512, which would mean that you should only need to by another 256MB. The hard part on pricing is not knowing what type of memory it requires, check your manual for that info. Keep in mind that even with these upgrades if you processor is not at least min for the game then you will not really improve. Also a celeron is not what I would recommend for gaming. If you can afford it I would by a new PC that is at least a core duo or an amd 64
2007-02-17 15:25:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're playing online, the slowness may depend on your internet connection...
If you're just playing off the CD... Before you start pouring money into your current computer your might want to look around for a new one. An e-machine with a Pentium D (1st generation dual core) 820 is about $500 with the new Windows Vista Premium.
If you really want to upgrade it'll need a graphics card (depending on if your computer has a PCI-E or AGP slot), more RAM, Larger Hard drive, etc. Eventually, you'll probably "need" a dual layer DVD burner, etc. A graphics card should be about $100-$150, RAM about $100, Hard drive $75-$150. Check out the prices on http://www.tigerdirect.com (for parts), OR http://www.bestbuy.com (for a new desktop package).
2007-02-17 15:27:43 · answer #3 · answered by Hahn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, your computer has a PCIe x16 expansion slot, which means that any modern graphics card you can buy will fit into your computer, porviding it's not (Physically) too big. So basically, decide on a budget, and read review online about cards within that price range. Then look up a tutorial on how to install a graphics card! It's really not that hard!
2016-05-24 00:34:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have 256MB Ram and 32MB is being used for video. So you obviously have onboard video. Buy a cheapo videocard either PCI or AGP whatever port you have open. Buy at least 64MB video card. cheap on EBAY or Newegg.com . Also try upgradind the ram you need at least 256MB free so get another stick of 256MB. I built a computer for my lil sis and she has 2.4GHZ P4, 512MB Ram and onboard video. Sims 2 runs smooth but it drags to load and save. It should not be more that $100 for the upgrades.
2007-02-17 15:20:10 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
half ur problem is the amount of ram that u have......if ur running XP.....get atleast 1/2 a gig of ram (512 megs)..( 1 gig of ram would be the best but u can get by w/ 512)..this lets u run Xp and other processes a lil more freely......the other half of ur problem is ur video card....if it has a video card......u might be running on board video that really stinks.......ur runing a 2.4 gig Processor which is plenty fast for a game like "The Sims"...no doubt about it.......defrag ur comp....run a program like "Ccleaner"
http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner/
get a video card that has atleast 128 megs and get another 256 stick of ram ( a 512 and a 256 would be better) and add it to ur comp........sims will run like a champ..gl enjoy :)
2007-02-17 15:15:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check your graphic card by going to control panel,then display, then hit your setting tab. Under display it will state what graphic card you have. Could be you need to get it upgraded by downloading files for it. If you do then make sure you go to the site that makes that graphic card. Be CAREFUL. You do NOT want to get the wrong one. Also go to the sims2 site and get all upgrades there too cause they have them.
2007-02-17 15:19:21 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
One of the best things you can do is to upgrade you video card. The first step you need to do is to find what kind of port you have on you motherboard, you can do this usually by googling "model of your pc + "specs"". After you know that, you can find a new card sutable for you.
email me if you need more help.
2007-02-17 15:19:06 · answer #8 · answered by stadic_man 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get a new video card atleast256mb-512mb of video memory is good, may I suggest you get the geforce 7 serries any of them will do 7600-7900 GT will do fine. also you may wanna get yourself a spare harddrive 30GB isn't good enough really get a 120GB-200GB harddrive you can mark them as slaves and just install sims2 on that or whatever and get maybe upgrade your memory too for sims2 to run decent get maybe 512MB-1024MB(1GB) of RAM heres a site for ya to shop for them my good friend
http://www.tigerdirect.com
http://www.newegg.com
http://www.compusa.com
http://www.bestbuy.com
http://www.pcclub.com
http://www.frys.com
after upgrading your pc like this you'll start to noticce a big improvement and your pc will run smoother and much faster it's either upgrade your PC or you can always buy a new one you can get a nice one witha 64-X2 prcessor for about $500+
2007-02-17 16:32:22 · answer #9 · answered by M|7-T3C|-| 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
u need more RAM for one...like a Gig...and secondly u most likely need a higher end graphics card. Go to the computer store.....
2007-02-17 15:16:44 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋