How can I upgrade my computer to run Sims 3 with Pets? (system specs included)

[greendog15]

So, I bought TS3 Pets, and I noticed the dog and cat heads are all messed up. The fur texture is missing, so it is just a plain head with no texture whatsoever. Am I missing something in my computer to run it properly? Here are my system specs:

Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (6.1, Build 7600) (7600.win7_gdr.110622-1503)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: HP-Pavilion
System Model: BT454AA-ABA p6607c
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) II X2 220 Processor (2 CPUs), ~2.8GHz
Memory: 4096MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 3838MB RAM
Page File: 1124MB used, 6550MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 11
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
User DPI Setting: Using System DPI
System DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent)
DWM DPI Scaling: Disabled
DxDiag Version: 6.01.7600.16385 32bit Unicode


Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE nForce 430
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce 6150SE nForce 430
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_03D0&SUBSYS_2A6C103C&REV_A2
Display Memory: 1912 MB
Dedicated Memory: 248 MB
Shared Memory: 1663 MB
Current Mode: 1600 x 900 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: HP 2010 Series Wide LCD Monitor
Monitor Model: HP 2010
Monitor Id: HWP2889
Native Mode: 1600 x 900(p) (60.000Hz)
Output Type: HD15
Driver Name: nvd3dumx.dll,nvd3dum
Driver File Version: 8.15.0011.8655 (English)
Driver Version: 8.15.11.8655
DDI Version: 9Ex
Driver Model: WDDM 1.0


What is the problem? What should I buy or look for?

http://i39.tinypic.com/16gedlh.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/bi4fer.jpg

[simsample]

This is already answered here:
http://www.modthesims.info/showthread.php?t=459451&goto=newpost

Check out the stickies at the top of the forum for advice on what to purchase.

[greendog15]

I would like to run the Sims 3, along with Pets, smoothly, with all settings preferably set to high. Sadly the game does not work well on my current computer. What parts of my computer show I upgrade in order to make the game run better? Here are my specs:

------------------
System Information
------------------

Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (6.1, Build 7600) (7600.win7_gdr.110622-1503)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: HP-Pavilion
System Model: BT454AA-ABA p6607c
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) II X2 220 Processor (2 CPUs), ~2.8GHz
Memory: 4096MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 3838MB RAM
Page File: 1558MB used, 6116MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 11
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
User DPI Setting: Using System DPI
System DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent)
DWM DPI Scaling: Disabled
DxDiag Version: 6.01.7600.16385 32bit Unicode

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE nForce 430
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce 6150SE nForce 430
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_03D0&SUBSYS_2A6C103C&REV_A2
Display Memory: 1912 MB
Dedicated Memory: 248 MB
Shared Memory: 1663 MB
Current Mode: 1600 x 900 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: HP 2010 Series Wide LCD Monitor
Monitor Model: HP 2010
Monitor Id: HWP2889
Native Mode: 1600 x 900(p) (60.000Hz)
Output Type: HD15
Driver Name: nvd3dumx.dll,nvd3dum
Driver File Version: 8.15.0011.8655 (English)
Driver Version: 8.15.11.8655
DDI Version: 9Ex
Driver Model: WDDM 1.0
Driver Attributes: Final Retail

What should I buy or upgrade to add into this?

[ellacharmed]

What's with the duplication? Threads merged.

And I've answered this time and again.
What parts of my computer show I upgrade in order to make the game run better?a new graphics card and a new power supply. A Processor if you have the budget and you want to upgrade your CPU.

Haven't read the Stickies on here, still? All your questions in the other thread are addressed in the Stickies.

After doing some bit of research, then tell us your budget and what models you aim to get, and we'll provide feedback if they are suitable or not.
You have to understand what you need to get and what to avoid so that when you're given a counteroffer by Sales, you know what to turn down and which ones to say "OK, that might work, and it's cheaper/on sale!" or "Sure that is better and I can work with the $10 extra.".
We won't be in the Store with you to help you do that, will we?

[eta]
Here's the Product Specs (http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01701270&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=4320258#N155) from HP's site. You have to make sure whatever you choose is suitable for that motherboard and can fit in your casing.

ps: if that is not your PC, then let me know. I would need the exact model number to find the correct specification page, though.

[greendog15]

Sorry, I meant to create a new thread because I thought this topic was specifically different from the last one. In this one, I just want to know how I can update my computer. And yes, I've read the stickies.

First of all, I don't plan on actually buying a whole new computer. I just want to upgrade the current graphics card and whatever else I need to be able to run the game.

And about that site you provided, yes, I'm pretty sure that is my PC. (Again, I'm not good with computers). I can only tell by what it looks like, to be honest.

[ellacharmed]

I never expect everyone who posted in here to be a techie (if you are, a bonus for us as it is easier to discuss things), which is why we have stickies explaining the basics, so no biggie if you're not. If I start spouting some terms and whatnot and you're still confused, just reread the stickies over again. :)
I also never said to buy a whole new PC. I already recommended (repeatedly, in fact), so once more with feeling! a new graphics card and a new power supply. A Processor if you have the budget and you want to upgrade your CPU.

So now, that we've settled that (and here's hoping you have read the stickies and at least some other threads), you've decided how much you wanna spent overall? What sort of performance you're expecting? Since you have a 20" monitor and a dual-core Processor, buying a midrange card (US$100-US$160) is the best bang for buck, with a bit of future-proofing so that you can bring the card and power supply over to your next PC built. If you're aiming for the low end range (< US$100), then you best have the expectations to match that, ie not too many on high settings, and most options on low-medium. You might not see too much improvement over the onboard one you have now, if you chose the wrong low-range card (our color coded SysReq wiki in my signature, is useful for this), which is why HP's advice to not listen to Sales peoples' recommendations as they have a quota to fulfill for certain cards and models. Too high (in video benchmarks and the budget to match) and the slower Processor would be a bottleneck.
If you have the budget for a Processor upgrade, then each benchmark link below also has a CPU counterpart.

Here's some sites to help you decide, that categorize by
- price bracket, with Hierarchy Chart on last page http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-graphics-card-gaming-performance,3042.html
- performance with pricing info at the side http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/common_gpus.html

Here's a few threads that may help, as the questions are the same (what card, how do I choose, why that card, how much). The card then determines what minimum power you need to get for your power supply (as yes, explained in the Sticky!).
Buying a new graphics card - Need help understanding it all
Is a Radeon HD 4670 good for Sims 3, or should I get better?
Help self building a computer?
Computer Upgrade