Friday, April 27, 2012

What to do to upgrade video card on pc?

Ok so I got the sims 3 for pc. I have a Dell Windows XP. I tried running it and it said i had to to support shader module 2 I think. Ok so apparently I have to buy a new on. But I have a few questions about that.

1: Where would I buy one at?

2: Are there a lot of models or kinds? If so, how do I know which kind/size is best for my computer?

3: After purchased, how do I got about installing the new video card?

Please also add any extra info you know about this kinda stuff cause it confuses me. And try to explain it as best as you can. As you can see, computers are not my forte. Pleeeease help me understand what I have to doooo! Thanks a lot :D|||1. Since you don't seem to know what you are doing or what you want; i suggest that you go to a store rather than online. Best Buy is very helpful with this kind of stuff.

2. There aren't too many out there, and they all have the same trend: High Price -> High Performance...Cheap Video Card -> Cheap Graphics. So it comes down how much you want to pay.

3. first unplug everything from the computer. then hold down the power button for about 15 seconds (this makes sure there is no extra power hiding around to shock you!). Take out the old one (just so you know, it is the card that the monitor was plugged into), and remember where it was! NOTE: When ever you are dealing with expensive computer stuff; don't touch the shiny parts; like the gold end that makes contact with you mother board. OK, so once you pushed the new card in, look to see if it needs anything extra; if there are wires on the card that need to be put in. If there are wires, you can plug them in anywhere that fits (because those cords should just be extra power for the card) . Plug everything in and turn on the computer! If you can't see anything, (whenever you mess with the computer's insides, unplug everything and then hold the power button) try pushing the card down more, sometimes it requires a fair amount of force! Once it is working install the drivers. there may be a disk that comes with it, if not go to the card's website and look for your specific drivers.

If you still have problems, post it on yahoo answers and call best buy or what ever.! GL|||Ok, buying one on EBay is normally a good idea.



If you type in Graphics card, and find one with at LEAST 512Mb of memory, that is a good start. Also, Make sure it is a Nvidia 8800GT or better (GTS/GTX are better, as are the 260) So if the number is bigger than 8800 or bigger than 260 but less than 600.



If you want an ATI card, then try a 4850 or better (bigger numbers)



It's probably best to go to a hardware store and get one if you are unsure though. Ask them for the cheapest graphics card better than an 8800GT they have.



Remember it must have more than 512MB of RAM! (on the card).



To install it:



It is probably easier to get a professional to do it, as pushing things in the wrong places/touching the wrong things can cause permanent damage to your computer!



IF you want to do it yourself, follow this guide:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zc81zcpPo…



If you don't have an anti-static bracelet, keep the case plugged in (but turn off the power at the socket, then touch the case before you pick up anything! :)

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