I just bought a new computer, but need help buying a video card ASAP, please

[simaholic63]

I bought a Gateway DX4860-UB33P. It has i5 8GB memory, 1TB hard drive. I believe it's a 64-bit system, Windows 7 of course. It has a PCIe slot. I know the power supply is only 300W, so I assume I'll need a new power supply as well. My old computer has an Nvidia 9800, but I've had problems with it. I had even read that with certain updates the card doesn't work well with Sims 3. When I first got my old computer (which was specially built for the Sims 3, by the way, it wouldn't even run. Once the video card came out with an update for the driver, I was able to run it. I only have 2GB ram, 32-bit system, dual core processor. I have all the expansions and stuff packs, but am only able to run up to Generations. I have 2GB of custom content from the Sims 3 Store. This is why I decided to buy the new computer. However, if the Gateway is a really bad computer to have, then I still have a couple weeks to return it. My budget was $1000, which I pretty much spent by the time I bought the monitor and the service agreements (possible waste of money?). So, I'm a bit nervous about getting an Nvidia because of my previous problems. Is it still the best card to get? Or are ATI Radeons good as well. Looking at prices, it appears that the Nvidia's are a bit cheaper. I'm not even sure what power supply to get, or how much. From my estimations and research, it looks like I'll need at least 750W power supply. Am I wrong? Should I return the Gateway? If so, is there a better model out there for a comparable price? If I should go ahead and keep it, what video card do you recommend? The only other games that I'll be running on this system, other then Sims, are hidden object games. They are not real graphic or ram intensive, but I thought I'd add this info in case you need it. I plan to continue purchasing all the stuff packs and expansions for Sims 3. I would also like to run Sims Medieval and it's expansions. I may or may not run Sims 2 on this system. If it's not recommended, it's not a problem. I will also continue adding custom content to the game. I would say that 5GB of custom content for me would not be out of the question, so I need a system able to handle that load. I also want to run it on maximum graphics settings. Maybe I'm asking for too much, I don't know. I do plan on moving on to Sims 4 when it comes out. I realize that I'll probably need an upgrade by then, but I don't want to have to upgrade too much. So, in other words....HELP!!!

[ajaxsirius]

AH! Wall of text! Please use paragraphs!

I'll try to help as best as I can but there's very limited information on the system you bought. I found this thread here (http://www.computerforum.com/205313-graphics-card-gateway-dx4860-ub33p.html) with a user who has similar request.

At the end of that thread the user got confirmation from gateway that the motherboard supports PCIE 2.0 (I assume x16) slot. This is the slot that most modern video cards fit into and means you can probably get yourself an upgrade as long as you replace your power supply unit (PSU).

Here's the problem with upgrading your power supply; you'll have to disconnect the old PSU and connect the new one while making all the correct connections. It's really not complicated but it has to be done properly.

May I ask what are the exact terms of your "service agreement" and how much you paid for the entire system, service agreements and screen included? The reason I'm asking is because if you're going to have to replace the parts yourself (ie. it's not covered by the service agreement) then you might be better off returning the entire system and building a new system yourself.

With no service agreement to replace the parts for you, you'd have to learn to make the PSU and video card connections anyway. You'd also probably get better value for your money and what use is a service agreement that doesn't cover your needs?

We would really need to know what the service agreement covers first, how much you paid for the entire setup, and what your budget is before we can calculate which option is best for you.