ask DangerNerd

Reason is my language.
If you want to avoid the point, simply take offense. -Intuit

I came here to answer computer questions. (This used to say "...and nothing more.")

What I meant was, I don't know how much help I would be with other things... NOT that I would be upset if you asked a non computer question!

No matter the subject, Ask Away! (I'll do my best.)

DangerNerd.

I am not a doctor, lawyer, etc. All opinions expressed are my own, and are for entertainment purposes only. Use at your own risk. ;-)

'non passus sum stultus ubi spīritusum valeō'

(Thanks for the Latin, Fern!)

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I got the Sims 3 today and I took the time to download it and when I went to go run it, it said that I didn't have the right video card and to check my hardware system. I have Service Pack 3 so it shouldn't have anything to do with that because the Sims 3 requires Service Pack 2. I also have plenty of space on my computer to download it. Does anyone know what could be wrong with this? I spent $50 and I would hate to not be able to use it. _(link)

Just to add a couple things to Peeps' excellent answer:

The video card is indeed a piece of hardware (a physical part) and has nothing at all to do with what software (service pack) you are running.

There are video cards out there that will run less than $100, but if you are going to use the computer for more graphically demanding games than The Sims 3, you might want to invest in the best card you can afford.

For the future: ALWAYS check the requirements for any new game you are going to purchase before you spend the money. If you are in doubt, post a question with the requirements and your computer hardware listed and someone here will sort it out for you.

Peeps covered everything else excellently.

Thanks DN!

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