No graphics card?

Question

Is it possible that my PC has no graphics card? My kids want to play Sims 2 but graphics seem to be an issue. If I add a graphics card how do I decide which one I need (not looking to spend loads as only for Sims.
Please help

Answer 1

Looks like your PC has an on-board graphics card which uses some of the main memory. Usually this memory is restricted and may not be enough for the application's resolution. You can sometimes adjust this, so it's wise to check your mobo's manual. Otherwise, buy a good graphics card with at least 128MB of RAM. Check with the game first, but a NVIDIA card is usually supported. Buy as fast as you can afford. Before installing, disable the on-board graphics from the BIOS.

Answer 2

1) First, you must know what type of slots you have on your motherboard: PCI, PCI-E or AGP.

Most PCs nowadays come with at least 2 PCI slots, and either 1 PCI-E or 1 AGP. Check via internet (google) or ask an expert.

2) The Sims 2 was sold in 2004, so I would recommend a PCI card for your kids.

Reasons:

a) PCI cards are much cheaper than PCIe or AGP.
b) Most PCs come factory ready with a few vacant PCI slots.
c) A 256MB PCi card should be sufficient for a 2004 game.

3) Assuming you do go with a PCI card, here are some pointers:

a) Most PCI cards are priced under $100 USD.
b) If not available at local shop, check www.tigerdirect.com.
c) Most video cards require a lot of power; make sure you have at least a 250W power supply unit in PC for PCI type card.
d) Although not necessary for PCI cards, cooling fans could be upgraded in case the computer gets too hot from too much power.
e) Make sure your system can handle the card: ie. have enough RAM, processing power, etc. (read the product box)

Recommendations:

Sub $100:

1) Geforce FX 5500 PCI 256MB
2) Radeon 9250 PCI 256MB

Slightly over $100:

2) Radeon X1550 PCI 256MB (Supports HDTV)


Hope this helps you!

Answer 3

A lot of graphics are integrated into the motherboard. You need to find out if your motherboard has AGP or PCI or PCI express slots. You can find a lot of graphics cards at--Pricewatch.com--There you can get an idea of price--you will probably need about 256MB.

Answer 4

hi mike,the best way to initially discover if you have a graphics slot is to open the case by unscrewing the 4 screws at the back of your p.c and checking to see if you have a graphics interface
for your guidance this will help,if your motherboard has a slot like this....http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=265397,then i you have a pci-express slot,however if your slots like this....http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=111916,then you have a agp slot
finally if your p.c just has this...http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=377772(3 at the top),then you just have a pci slot or also known as a pci-bus slot
whichever slot you have the good news is that thers a graphic card that will play the "sims" avalible on each type of interface
here is my list of the cheapest and most appropriate graphics card on each type of interface
for pci-express the 128/512 Asus 7300TC TurboCache(http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=442876)is a budget card but has some great specifications such as a core clock speed of 450mhz and a memory clock speed of 500mhz(1ghz effective),this is easy capable of playing the sims with pretty well all detail settings on high and high resolution(1280x1024),this is a excellent card and for £28 i think this is a bargain for anyone who like yourself isnt a avid gamer but likes the odd game
next for the a.g.p interface the 256MB XFX 6200A AGP 4x/8x (http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=635029)is a great graphics card and has some amazing specs for its price
it has pixel and shader model 3.0,this enables the card to produce better vertex and shader visuals,basically smoke looks more like smoke and water flows and waves like real water,also the 6200 has a capable clock speed of 350mhz,this is well good enough for running the sims
one of the best soecs about this card is the fanless heatsink,this makes this near silent and also saves on the p.c,s resources as it dosent require a extra power connector
finally if you have just a pci(or pci-bus )slot,then the range is not as big as pci-express or agp,never the less theres still a few to choose from,the best in my opinion is the 128MB Gainward FX5200 PCI (http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=504136),this considering its a older pci type card has some acceptable specifications such as pixel and shader model 2.0 and a core clock speed of 250mhz,this is down on the other clock speeds but its more than capable of running the "sims" game
this card also has 128mb of video memory and a fanless heatsink,making it less noisy
all the cards are less than £50 which is one of your requirements however if you want me to give you a more specific recomendation then find out your graphic interface and also your maximum budget and i will find you the most appropriate card for your p.c,also your p.c,s make and model would also be a help
i hope this helped mike
good luck mate!

Answer 5

of course its got one or you woulnt be able to see the screen try this link this gives you a good program that tells you every thing about your pc http://www.lavalys.com/products/download.php?ps=UE&lang=en