Insimenator.org

Okey. I have finally realized that I need a new video card. So since I am no computer-genius, I ask you for help.

I need a card that will continue to be good enough for the sims and all the ep's that will be coming for quite a long time (i don't want to have to wish for a new card for christmas, you know...), but it can't cost a fortune, because I don't have that.

Any recommendations, anyone?

I second that. I have a Pentium IV, 512 ram

XFX GeForce 7600 GS is available in AGP or PCI-E and can be had for less than $150 US. I own 3, one in AGP and two in PCI-E running in SLI mode. I did a lot of research on it and with XFX's lifetime warranty the card has the most bang for the buck.

Ouch, that's epensive... But what's one to do, when you're a sim-addict?

Thanks, Micco. Next thing to figure out: How the h*ll to change the videocard on a laptop.

Not sure that you can. There are some laptops that are roomy enough to actually have a real video card but that is usually not the case. You may find yourself wishing for a new laptop for Christmas.

Laptops are a whole different issue. They require Mobile video cards, and the majority are integrated and cannot be upgraded. It depends on your laptop and how much you want to spend.

Oh, crap! Typical. I can't wish for a new laptop already, I jsut got this one a year ago...

heh, Im looking at one thats probably triple that price :shh:
Now thats addicted!

My question is, once I buy it, I put it in myself?  How in the world do I do that? LOL I'll be purchasing a new one too.

If you ask yourself that question, the answer is no. Best to take it to a qualified service or a good friend who knows what they are doing.

:sign5:I agree :D

I wouldn't dare to try.... I would become barbecue...

 
Which is exactly the plan.  I talked to the Geek Squad (tekkies in the states) who told me which kind to get and that they would put it in for me for a cool $40.00 USD which sucks because the card itself is $150.00 USD..
 
But I suppose its worth it eh? :p

i put my graphics card in by myself. its pretty easy. i wouldnt spend an extra 40bucks to have someone put it in.

Geek Squad - what an overpriced joke. It's a 10 minute job; I charge half that if someone brings the computer to me.

Micco are you in the upper midwest? :p LOL I actually thought 40 bucks was entirely too much but hey, i'm good at following directions, Im a do-it-yourselfer.. I bet if I had step by steps I could do it.
 
Buffy 10 minutes?  I would so love to save 40 bucks LOL the card itself is 150.00!

Nope, Floriduh so unless you are going to take a Disney vacation you're stuck with the geeks.

:rofl:  Darn the luck!

....but Im still wondering what I should do with my laptop? :P

You could always use it as a doorstop :D  Sorry, couldn't help myself ;)

Load it up with as much RAM as it will take and/or a faster CPU if possible. Short of a newer/more powerful machine that's really about all you can do.

*cracks up* See, I'm a little nuttier...I put my own video card in and didn't have any problems...but I couldn't get the side off the computer. My roommate had to open it for me. Very sad... :P

I need a new one too.

I have the minimum requirements to play Sims2 Seasons, but not pass recommendation.

And I need to fix my game....

 
I had a friend help, and I sat for 20 minutes trying to figure out how to take the side off while he was eating pizza... so he's done eating, washes his hands, drys them and pops the side right off.  Moron moment #8498 for me :pottytra:

How do you know if your laptop's video card is integrated or not? and if it isn't can you update it?

I have updated my card's driver several times. The problem is, the brand of the card isn't supported by the game.

Micco, how do I get more ram and a faster CPU?

Buy it (making sure the CPU socket matches and the ram is compatible), take the thing apart, install it and reassemble.

...i need to call my mates who know these things... Is stuff like that expensive?

If you're asking, I'm going to have to say yes.

I installed a Radeon 9250 PCI card with 256MB in my wife's computer when she was having issues, and she hasn't had a problem since. She's currently running every EP/SP up through Seasons, and still running smooth.

You can get the card pretty cheap at http://www.newegg.com