Debating a computer build

[HookahRoo]

Hey, I've been looking into getting a new computer for some time but I recently started thinking about just upgrading my own. Its  older, a Dell Optiplex 745, but I think I might be able to get it sims 3 worthy. Right now I can play every expansion up to pets. They sure arent pretty and its kind of slow but it works. So I've picked out a few things I think may help, let me know what you think.

I figured Id have to use this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814162061
Or this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500130
Over this one
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131441
Because my memory is DDR2, not DDR3. If that is incorrect let me know :x
(How do I know if it supports Pixel shader 2.0?)

I currently am running 2GB of RAM, So I think 4GB would be a worthy upgrade
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148111

And this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148711

Would this work out, or should I just save and get a new computer? :x

[Flynn Arrowstarr]

Hi, HookahRoo. Welcome to the forum.

I would look at the stickied thread here on video cards (Graphics Card). It has some advice on choosing a graphics card for The Sims 3.

I would caution about spending too much to upgrade the Optiplex 745 into a "gaming" system however. We have several Op 745 systems where I work and from my experience trying to make a "business" class PC into a "gaming" PC is more expensive than it's worth. The reason is you'll end up needing to replace the graphics card and the power supply at the very least. The only way to update the processor and the memory (beyond 4 GB) is to replace the motherboard. Depending on the case you have (Small Form Factor, Desktop, Mini-Tower) you may have to find half-height cards which are generally harder to find and a little more expensive.

My suggestion is to budget for a replacement system. You can get a decent desktop system in the $600 - $1,000 (US) range, and you won't have to spend a lot for extra parts. The closer you get to $1,000 the less "extras" you'll need to get to make it run Sims 3 well.

Hope this helps.

Flynn

[HookahRoo]

Well does anyone know if these parts would make it play the sims atleast? Because the parts I picked out, if they will work, total less than $300 which is much more appealing than $1000 for a whole new desktop :x

[Flynn Arrowstarr]

I would shop around for a better graphics card, but otherwise it should play the game. With the cards you have linked to, you may get low or medium settings. Definitely up the memory to 4 GB, even if you don't end up playing Sims on it.

Flynn

[HookahRoo]

well i just bought a refurbished computer for $300 that i hope will work xD it has a AMD Radeon HD 6410D in it, but i could upgrade it i suppose if need be. Is this one good enough for the later expansions?

[Flynn Arrowstarr]

Hi, HookahRoo.

Depending on the processor, it should work okay. From what I've been able to find out about the graphics card is it's similar to the Intel HD graphics - it's built into the processor. This usually means less functionality, but it mostly depends on how much memory it includes. I've seen specs on one that had 512 MB, which exceeds the minimum needed for The Sims 3.

If I had to guess (and again depending on the actual processor and how much memory you have), you should be able to get decent performance out of it with the game running medium settings and possible a mixture of medium and high settings.

Hope this helps.

Flynn

[HookahRoo]

Well thanks so much for your help (: Sorry if i seemed grumpy or anything, i was just getting antsy from not playing sims in a million years xD and i bought this computer http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883203771 if it means anything I know its not the BEST, but it was $300 and its better than mine xD

[Flynn Arrowstarr]

Well thanks so much for your help (: Sorry if i seemed grumpy or anything, i was just getting antsy from not playing sims in a million years xD and i bought this computer http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883203771 if it means anything I know its not the BEST, but it was $300 and its better than mine xD

Hi, HookahRoo.

No need to apologize. I tend to get a bit "snobbish" about computers sometimes, heh.

The system looks great. It's also upgradeable (make sure you read the reviews on NewEgg for some hints on possible parts). When you can afford it definitely upgrad it to 8 GB. Consider an updated graphics card as well, but upgrade the memroy first, as for the grphics card you'll likely need to budget for an updated power supply as well.

Happy Simming.

Flynn

[HookahRoo]

Wasnt really expecting it but this computer is WAY better than i had originally thought. I was told i could play my games on medium settings, maybe, by multiple people. But in reality I have my game on all the highest settings and not a bit of lag, even with all the expansion packs installed. I havent gotten around to the stuff packs yet, but im thrilled.

[Flynn Arrowstarr]

Great to hear.

Enjoy the system. It sounds like a winner.

Flynn