Graphic Cards and Sims 3

[jeanamariex3]

I'm thinking about replacing my G33/G31 Chipset with Intel HD Graphics Series. My computer is fairly new still. It's a Windows Vista Dell Inspiration. I would like to know if replacing my Chipset with a Graphics card will help improve my game performance, to where I can play Sims 3 on higher settings without any lag.

I'm sorry if this sounds frivolous or if the question has already been asked on this thread. I tried getting answers from the official Sims 3 forum, but no one had any helpful replies. I have been able to play Sims 3 up until the Pets Demo, and I'm still able to play Sims 2 beautifully.

Will a new graphics card stop my Sims 3 games from crashing? Also, while I'm on this subject, how do I check my Wattage. I'm on a Desktop if that matters.

[Ricalynn]

I think crashing tends to have more to do with memory than graphics.   Also, your current chipset seems to be one of the ones that has the biggest problem with Pets.  It makes them distorted like Esther's.

[jeanamariex3]

Yes, I got distorted pets in the Demo. I won't be getting it for Christmas though, so I'm thinking a new graphics card and a physical cleaning is in order, along with memory increasing.

Congratulations on Legendary Status.

[KrispyNickyB]

I'd double check and make sure the card you are buying is still compatible.

[jeanamariex3]

Thank you guys for the advice! Can someone give me a list of compatible graphics cards please? 

I would also like to know what graphics cards you guys use to play Sims 3, and how it impacts on your gameplay.  I don't need something to run Battlefield or any other graphic intensive game. Just something to run Sims 3 with proper rendering, and higher quality graphics.

I am not relying on anyone to to my legwork, I would be happy to hear what graphic card you are using with your pets, and the impact on your game (Sims 3+EP's/SP's+Store/Premium Content). The more answers the better I can conduct my research.