Sims 3: Video Card Upgrade?
Ok, my boyfriend brought me the Sims 3.
I installed it and I was so excited to play until it said that I can't play it.
It said this:
"Unable to start game
Device 0 cannot run this title.
Your video card does not appear to support at least Shader Model 2. Please upgrade your card."
I've seen many other people ask this same question but I just need my own answer. I have a Windows XP, i'm not that much of a computer wiz but I know my computer is really old. lol
Do I have to buy a whole new card? If so, what kind?
Is there a way to not have to spend money at all?
Also, what is a video card exactly anyways? lol
Update:I have a Desktop.
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Answers & Comments
Verified answer
Do you have a laptop or a desktop? Laptops can't be upgraded.
A video card is the physical part of your computer that connects to your monitor. A cheap and simple one works for basic functions; for gaming on the level of Sims 3 you need a pretty good one.
I suggest getting an ATI Raedon card; I have good personal and professional experience with those. Nvidia cards have had some compatibility problems with Sims 2, so I don't quite trust them with Sims 3 either.
Make sure the rest of your computer is up to running the game. You don't want to spend money on a new video card only to discover you don't have a fast enough CPU, or too little RAM. All the requirements are printed on the game case. Bring your computer to a computer/electronics and ask them for advice.
I believe that your computer (dell dimension 8200) has a AGP slot for a video card. If it is true, then you can go for a better video card such as: POWERCOLOR AG3850 512MD3 Radeon HD 3850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 AGP 4X/8X HDCP Ready Video Card ($70.99) ASUS AH3650 SILENT/HTDI/512M Radeon HD 3650 512MB 128-bit GDDR2 AGP 4X/8X HDCP Ready Video Card ($62.99) ASUS AH3450/DI/512MD2(LP) Radeon HD 3450 512MB 64-bit DDR AGP 8X HDCP Ready Low Profile Ready Video Card ($33.99) Getting a Stealth S60 Radeon 7000 64MB DDR SDRAM PCI Graphics Card will not allow you to play the Sims 3. My advise would be to get the HD 3850 or at least a HD 3650. If you prefer nvidia, you may go for ECS N6200A-256DZ GeForce 6200 256MB 64-bit DDR2 AGP 4X/8X Low Profile Ready Video Card - Retail ( $35.99) If not, you may want to buy a new PC.