Integrated video card upgrade

[roggie3030]

I'm lost, how can I upgrade my video card on my PC (HP Pavilion a518x) when its has a intergrated video card on the MB? What slot is on that model, or is there a slot for and upgrade at all. I want to play the sims 3 what should I upgrade to and will I be happy

 

[deadjon]

Tell me if its an AGP or PCIe x16 slot and I can help you.

To do this, download a program called "CPUZ", and check the motherboard tab.

 

[outlw6669]

Welcome to the forums!

Your System only has two standard PCI slots free (not PCIe).
The best PCI GPU available would be the lightweight and overpriced 9500GT PCI.
It should allow your system to run Sims 3 decently.

 

[WR2]

You may not be happy but you may be content.

 

[outlw6669]

Just spotted something else.
Sims 3 requires a minimum of 1Gb of RAM and Your System only came with 512Mb.
If you have not already, max out your system with Another Stick Of RAM.

Maybe an even better option would be to save the $100 you will have to spend upgrading for a new build.
You can build a much more powerful system for around $350 if properly budgeted.....

 

[WR2]

Good catch - I was just browsing the game requirements myself.
If he happens to be on Vista....the requirement is 1.5MB of RAM.

Those PCI 9500GTs are really expensive when compared to the PCI-e versions. About double the cost.

 

[outlw6669]

Ugh, I shudder to think how that system would run Vista with a half gig of RAM, single core celly and 'Intel Extreme Graphics' IGP.
No, I think we can safely say the Op is not running Vista, it would just be to painful to do so.