Need Help with Graphic Card Selection for Gaming (Sims 3/Skyrim)

[pixelparty]

Hi. This is my current computer (Link). I give you that link because I can't bring up specs since I am away at college. When I first bought it, the guy at the store told me it was a decent computer for gaming. The only game I play on my computer is Sims 3. It runs really well and I can play with all my settings enabled and on high without a problem, no lag whatsoever. But, some things I do not have a good enough graphic card for, such as seeing the "fluff" on pets. Here's an example (Image Link) I see what's on the left. Basically, I want a graphic card that will give me fluff.

Also, anytime I attempt to play an MMORPG, I have to play with my settings on low. My graphic card (ATI Radeon HD 3200) sucks for them. Someone told me I would have to get an external graphic card, as I cannot update my current one since it's integrated. Based on the type of computer I have, does anyone have any recommendations for an external? I know the absolute "best" graphic cards and gaming computers are ridiculously expensive, but my price range is $350-400.

I would also love to run Skyrim on my computer with decent graphics, too. If anyone knows of the perfect external graphic card for both games, I would be ecstatic. But, if I cannot have the best of both worlds, that's fine. Being able to play Skyrim on my computer (instead of xbox) would just be like, an added bonus! :lol:

Lastly, if anyone knows of a decent gaming computer for under $400 that I could just go and purchase instead, I would also love that option as well. I'm not even sure if I'm better off going the external graphic card route, or new computer route! Thanks in advance.

 

[maxalge]

Hi. This is my current computer (Link). I give you that link because I can't bring up specs since I am away at college. When I first bought it, the guy at the store told me it was a decent computer for gaming. The only game I play on my computer is Sims 3. It runs really well and I can play with all my settings enabled and on high without a problem, no lag whatsoever. But, some things I do not have a good enough graphic card for, such as seeing the "fluff" on pets. Here's an example (Image Link) I see what's on the left. Basically, I want a graphic card that will give me fluff.

Also, anytime I attempt to play an MMORPG, I have to play with my settings on low. My graphic card (ATI Radeon HD 3200) sucks for them. Someone told me I would have to get an external graphic card, as I cannot update my current one since it's integrated. Based on the type of computer I have, does anyone have any recommendations for an external? I know the absolute "best" graphic cards and gaming computers are ridiculously expensive, but my price range is $350-400.

I would also love to run Skyrim on my computer with decent graphics, too. If anyone knows of the perfect external graphic card for both games, I would be ecstatic. But, if I cannot have the best of both worlds, that's fine. Being able to play Skyrim on my computer (instead of xbox) would just be like, an added bonus! :lol:

Lastly, if anyone knows of a decent gaming computer for under $400 that I could just go and purchase instead, I would also love that option as well. I'm not even sure if I'm better off going the external graphic card route, or new computer route! Thanks in advance.

For now, you could buy a 6670 as you do indeed have a PCIE x16 slot.



Save the rest of your money towards a new PC build.

 

[jimbopops]

For now, you could buy a 6670 as you do indeed have a PCIE x16 slot.



Save the rest of your money towards a new PC build.

The card you suggested has a minimum PSU requirement of 400w while his PC only has a 300w.

http://www.amd.com/us/products/desktop/graphics/amd-radeon-hd-6000/hd-6670/Pages/amd-radeon-hd-6670-overview.aspx#3

Im not one to trust HP PSUs so If you have that kind of budget I would consider getting the "stepping stones" toward a new computer. The CPU you have may hinder you from experiencing the "best quality" you can have but with a 7870 you can get pretty damn close

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150606

and also a new PSU to run it

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027

Im concerned that the CPU may give you some trouble (not an amd cpu kinda guy) but in the future you can use these parts I suggested and put it towards a new build.