Which cheap card for Sims 3?  | | | 
June 5th, 2009, 11:15 AM
|
#1 (permalink)
| | Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 5
| Which cheap card for Sims 3?
Hello
I've just started playing The Sims 3 and I think my game is running slowly because I have on board graphics. There is no difference between any of the game speeds, they are all really slow. I'd like to upgrade, but I'm on a budget and only have around 50 pounds to spend.
All I want this card to do is to make The Sims 3 run faster and look good.
Thanks in advance, this stuff is really confusing when you don't know what you are doing.
My system specs are as follows, sorry if I've given the wrong info:
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System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 6/5/2009, 16:11:00
Machine name: BOX-A509125E24D
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.090206-1234)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: BIOSTAR Group
System Model: GF7050V-M7 SE
BIOS: Default System BIOS
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) D CPU 3.40GHz (2 CPUs)
Memory: 3200MB RAM
Page File: 1265MB used, 3819MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.5512 32bit Unicode
------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
DirectX Files Tab: No problems found.
Display Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
Music Tab: No problems found.
Input Tab: No problems found.
Network Tab: No problems found.
--------------------
DirectX Debug Levels
--------------------
Direct3D: 0/4 (n/a)
DirectDraw: 0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectPlay: 0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow: 0/6 (retail)
---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 7100 / NVIDIA nForce 630i
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce 7100 / nForce 630i
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_07E1&SUBSYS_14071565&REV_A2
Display Memory: 512.0 MB
Current Mode: 800 x 600 (32 bit) (75Hz)
Monitor: Dell M990
Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0011.8585 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 4/30/2009 22:02:00, 5896320 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
VDD: n/a
Mini VDD: nv4_mini.sys
Mini VDD Date: 4/30/2009 22:02:00, 8055584 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B71E3E-44A1-11CF-5C57-0C3403C2CB35}
Vendor ID: 0x10DE
Device ID: 0x07E1
SubSys ID: 0x14071565
Revision ID: 0x00A2
Revision ID: 0x00A2
Video Accel:
Deinterlace Caps: {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
Registry: OK
DDraw Status: Enabled
D3D Status: Enabled
AGP Status: Enabled
DDraw Test Result: Not run
D3D7 Test Result: Not run
D3D8 Test Result: Not run
D3D9 Test Result: Not run
-------------
Sound Devices
-------------
Description: Realtek HD Audio output
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_10EC&DEV_0662&SUBSYS_15650000& REV_1001
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Type: WDM
Driver Name: RtkHDAud.sys
Driver Version: 5.10.0000.5735 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
Date and Size: 11/11/2008 17:21:52, 4946944 bytes
Other Files:
Driver Provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
HW Accel Level: Full
Cap Flags: 0xF5F
Min/Max Sample Rate: 8000, 192000
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 33, 31
Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 33, 31
HW Memory: 0
Voice Management: No
EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: Yes, Yes
I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: Yes, Yes
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No
Registry: OK
Sound Test Result: Not run
---------------------
Sound Capture Devices
---------------------
Description: Realtek HD Audio Input
Default Sound Capture: Yes
Default Voice Capture: Yes
Driver Name: RtkHDAud.sys
Driver Version: 5.10.0000.5735 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Date and Size: 11/11/2008 17:21:52, 4946944 bytes
Cap Flags: 0x41
Format Flags: 0xFFF
-----------
DirectMusic
-----------
DLS Path: C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\drivers\GM.DLS
DLS Version: 1.00.0016.0002
Acceleration: n/a
Ports: Microsoft Synthesizer, Software (Not Kernel Mode), Output, DLS, Internal, Default Port
Microsoft MIDI Mapper [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal
Microsoft GS Wavetable SW Synth [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal
Registry: OK
Test Result: Not run
-------------------
DirectInput Devices
-------------------
Device Name: Mouse
Attached: 1
Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
FF Driver: n/a
Device Name: Keyboard
Attached: 1
Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
FF Driver: n/a
Poll w/ Interrupt: No
Registry: OK
-----------
USB Devices
-----------
+ USB Root Hub
| Vendor/Product ID: 0x10DE, 0x07FE
| Matching Device ID: usb\root_hub
| Service: usbhub
| Driver: usbhub.sys, 4/13/2008 19:45:37, 59520 bytes
| Driver: usbd.sys, 8/4/2004 11:00:00, 4736 bytes
|
+-+ USB Human Interface Device
| | Vendor/Product ID: 0x093A, 0x2510
| | Location: USB OPTICAL MOUSE
| | Matching Device ID: usb\vid_093a&pid_2510&rev_0100
| | Lower Filters: KMWDFILTER
| | Service: HidUsb
| | Driver: hidusb.sys, 4/13/2008 19:45:28, 10368 bytes
| | Driver: hidclass.sys, 4/13/2008 19:45:26, 36864 bytes
| | Driver: hidparse.sys, 4/13/2008 19:45:22, 24960 bytes
| | Driver: hid.dll, 4/14/2008 01:11:54, 20992 bytes
| | Driver: KMWDFILTER.sys, 10/9/2008 15:42:42, 17408 bytes
| |
| +-+ HID-compliant mouse
| | | Vendor/Product ID: 0x093A, 0x2510
| | | Matching Device ID: hid_device_system_mouse
| | | Service: mouhid
| | | Driver: mouclass.sys, 4/13/2008 19:39:47, 23040 bytes
| | | Driver: mouhid.sys, 8/4/2004 11:00:00, 12160 bytes
----------------
Gameport Devices
----------------
------------
PS/2 Devices
------------
+ Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural PS/2 Keyboard
| Matching Device ID: *pnp0303
| Service: i8042prt
| Driver: i8042prt.sys, 4/13/2008 20:18:00, 52480 bytes
| Driver: kbdclass.sys, 4/13/2008 19:39:47, 24576 bytes
|
+ Terminal Server Keyboard Driver
| Matching Device ID: root\rdp_kbd
| Upper Filters: kbdclass
| Service: TermDD
| Driver: termdd.sys, 4/14/2008 01:13:20, 40840 bytes
| Driver: kbdclass.sys, 4/13/2008 19:39:47, 24576 bytes
|
+ Terminal Server Mouse Driver
| Matching Device ID: root\rdp_mou
| Upper Filters: mouclass
| Service: TermDD
| Driver: termdd.sys, 4/14/2008 01:13:20, 40840 bytes
| Driver: mouclass.sys, 4/13/2008 19:39:47, 23040 bytes | 
|  | |
June 5th, 2009, 11:25 AM
|
#2 (permalink)
| | voids warrantys
Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: In my room
Posts: 12,979
| | |
| | |
June 5th, 2009, 02:50 PM
|
#3 (permalink)
| | Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 5
| Quote:
Originally Posted by KarmaKiller  | Thankyou.
I should have said in my original post that the game supports these cards. If I use a different card that isn't on this list, would it likely to cause problems?
Windows Supported Video Cards
-----------------------------
NVIDIA GeForce series
FX 5900, FX 5950
6200, 6500, 6600, 6800
7200, 7300, 7600, 7800, 7900, 7950
8400, 8500, 8600, 8800
9300, 9400, 9500, 9600, 9800
G100, GT 120, GT 130, GTS 150
GTS 250, GTX 260, GTX 280, GTX 285, GTX 295
ATI Radeon™ series
9500, 9600, 9800
X300, X600, X700, X800, X850
X1300, X1600, X1800, X1900, X1950
2400, 2600, 2900
3450, 3650, 3850, 3870
4850, 4870 | |
| | |
June 5th, 2009, 02:56 PM
|
#4 (permalink)
| | Super Duper Member
Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Singapore
Posts: 4,334
|
All the cards Karma picked out for you will work fine. If you have the money, go for the HD4670.
What PSU do you currently run? Those cards should all run on most PSUs, but just to be safe. State the brand and wattage. The amps on the 12V rails are not necessary since none of those cards require an extra power cord from the 12V rail.
PS: PSU = power supply unit if you didnt already know.
__________________ PII 720BE X3 @ 3.7Ghz | Gigabyte 790GX | HD4850 | 4gigs OCZ Reper | WDC 640gb Black Athlon II 250 X2 @ 3.80Ghz | Gigabyte 770 | HD4670 | 4 gigs OCZ Reper | 
| | |
June 5th, 2009, 03:07 PM
|
#5 (permalink)
| | Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 5
| | |
| | |
June 5th, 2009, 03:08 PM
|
#6 (permalink)
| | voids warrantys
Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: In my room
Posts: 12,979
|
EDIT:
OOPS. your faster. 
The 4770 is slightly faster then the 4670 yes. 
And I think your PSU will handle it fine also.
Enjoy | |
| | |
June 5th, 2009, 03:14 PM
|
#7 (permalink)
| | Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 5
|
Just one last question - How difficult are graphics cards to install? I have put in new hard drives and ram etc, but not a graphics card. Is it fairly straightforward? | |
| | |
June 5th, 2009, 03:21 PM
|
#8 (permalink)
| | It's the cheese guy! ¬_¬;
Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Gateshead U.K.
Posts: 9,171
|
Very easy. It just plugs into a slot, then you fix it with one screw. Plug in the video cable and you are done.
Sometimes, you might have to change a BIOS setting to make the onboard video give priority to the new card before you swap the video cable.
Install the drivers and play the Sims.
__________________  TechIMO Folding@home Team #111 - Crunching for the cure! | |
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June 5th, 2009, 03:33 PM
|
#9 (permalink)
| | Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 5
|
Thankyou for all your help. | |
| | |
June 5th, 2009, 11:17 PM
|
#10 (permalink)
| | Super Duper Member
Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Singapore
Posts: 4,334
|
The HD 4770 is quite a bit faster than the HD4670 actually. Its a whole performance tier up (15-30% maybe?) | |
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