I'm currently obsessed with Sims 2... and it freezes up too much... I have changed the graphic settings on the game to as minimal as possible and it STILL acts up. My husband said I needed a graphics card, would that really help my game? And if so, would you recommend one that Dell would sell? (I have an account with them). Also, what is the difference between a graphics card and a video card (the sims website recommends a video card)? Thanks!
2007-04-10 03:04:37 · 5 answers · asked by nsupanda82 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Add-ons
They are the same thing. I would also recommend that you have at least 1 GB of memory if you don't already.
Need to know if you have a PCI express or an AGP slot for the video/graphics card. If you have PCI express, this is a good card. http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A0687741
I recomend a 7600 GT of better for moderate gaming.
Also ask about your power supply while talking to DELL about this card, it requires a 350 watt supply.
If you have an AGP, the same goes 7600 GT or better.
2007-04-10 04:49:12 · answer #1 · answered by Jester 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A 'graphics card' is the same thing as a 'video card.'
The freezing might also be due to not enough memory, or bad audio or video drivers.
Get the latest version of DirectX from Microsoft's website and download the newest drivers for your sound card & video card from their manufacturer's web sites. If you don't know the make & model of your sound card & video card, then click the Start button and type in 'dxdiag' (without the quotes) and press the Enter key. The program that pops up can test your sound & video cards, as well as provide information on them.
Of course, all this is moot if you plan on updating your computer system anyway.
I don't know what kind of system you have.
Unless your system is really old, then you might just be able to update certain parts of the computer (such as the video card and RAM) without buying a whole new computer system.
Post another question and specify what hardware (CPU, CPU speed, amount of RAM, hard drive size, video card, etc.) you have and roughly the amount of money you're willing to spend on a new system. Then just ask for suggestions on a new system in your price range.
Specify what you're using the computer for too. If you're into a lot of 3D games, then you would want a fast computer system.
2007-04-10 10:20:00 · answer #2 · answered by Balk 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Graphic card and video card are different names for the same thing (like car and automobile). You already have a graphic card in your PC, or you would not have anywhere to attach the monitor and no picture. What you might need is a BETTER graphic card. Unfortunately, you did not tell us what kind of card or system you currently have.
As the Sims is not a very graphic intensive programs, I would suspect that the card you currently have is not the issue. You are more likely to need additional RAM memory. (Unfortunately, you did not list your current system...)
Before sending money for either, I would recommend that you do a complete virus scan and a spyware scanner (with two different spyware scanners) to be sure that the hang ups are not being caused by a rogue program grabbing your PC.
After that, repost with information (PC make/model, amount fo memory, size of hard drive and how much free, and current graphic card) and it will be easier to make recommendation (Sorry if that sounds like a broken record)
2007-04-10 10:13:32 · answer #3 · answered by dewcoons 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No difference between a graphics card and a video card: just two words for the same thing.
If your current card is so bad that you can't even run the Sims without freezing, then pretty much any card (including a dell one) would be an improvement.
While your at it check your RAM, that could also be a factor in the lockups.
2007-04-10 10:08:48 · answer #4 · answered by Chip 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
yes graphic card will help to improve your game play graphic card and video card are the same things.
2007-04-10 13:56:10 · answer #5 · answered by GoLd E 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋