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Requirements for the Sims 3
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.
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Maybe give some free advice about: Computers?
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.
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To me, this sounds like your video card itself needs to be replaced with something more high-quality. I remember when The Sims 3 came out and people were upset because their video cards in their laptops weren't high enough quality to be able to play the game. I am absolutely no computer expert, but, from what I'm aware of, your video card doesn't really have anything to do with what service pack you might have on Windows XP. I could be wrong though, I suppose.
Fortunately, this problem can easily be fixed if it's that your video card is not up to standard for the game.
Here is a list of the video cards that are acceptable to run The Sims 3 with:
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
You should call your local computer shop and ask the technicians about upgrading your video card to run The Sims 3. I'm sure they've handled this problem a few times before.
I'm not entirely sure how much a new video card is going to cost you, but I wouldn't be surprised it was $100 or more (plus the cost of the actual installation service, mind you). You might want to ask the computer shop if they have a used video card that meets the standards for this game and if they'd sell it to you for a wee bit cheaper.
In any way, your computer guys can give you an estimate before you bring it into the shop in regards to costs, may allow you to make payments on the work, or may be able to give you a quick tip or word of advice on getting this problem handled for a lower-cost.
Just, as a reminder:
SIMS 3 REQUIREMENTS FOR WINDOWS XP
* 2.0 GHz P4 processor or equivalent
* 1 GB RAM
* 128 MB Video Card with support for Pixel Shader 2.0
* The latest version of DirectX 9.0c
* Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2
* At least 6.1 GB of hard drive space with at least 1 GB of additional space for custom content and saved games.
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
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