[Torquer]

I bought a used desktop (custom whitebox) on ebay (hasn't been delivered yet) just to play sims 2.
I'm wondering what upgrades besides memory can I make to run sims 2 decently. Also, is there a better processor/video card to enhance performence of old games. Upgrade budget is $150.

Known specs:

Amd sempron 3000+ 1.8 ghz
Win xp pro sp-unknown
512 mb ram
IDE 80 gb hd
ATI X1650 video card
5.1 sound card

Unknown specs:

Motherboard

Edited by Torquer, 23 December 2011 - 03:37 PM.

[Advertisements]

Hi Torquer,

Looks like more RAM would get you better performance but you really need to have the Mobo specs to know if that will be possible.

You need to contact the seller and make sure that the OS installation disks are supplied with the hardware otherwise it is a waste of time getting it.

This page may help you, http://www.simprogra...m-requirements/

[iammykyl]

Hi Torquer,

Looks like more RAM would get you better performance but you really need to have the Mobo specs to know if that will be possible.

You need to contact the seller and make sure that the OS installation disks are supplied with the hardware otherwise it is a waste of time getting it.

This page may help you, http://www.simprogra...m-requirements/

[Faizan Ern Prince]

You'll need to find the model number of your motherboard and see if you can upgrade it to a new CPU or RAM.

[Torquer]

Many thanks to both of you. =)

[Torquer]

Arrived the other day, does not power to windows (cursing the pathetic theft, with 2 feedback) and it is very loud when on. Screen stays back so I tried using monitor with laptop today, it works fine.
This is so disgusting, as seller claims it was working seconds before they packaged it. Very poorly packaged because bottom was looked like they went back into box, and did not do a very good job of securing it back.
Please, forgive the ranting about ebay experience. And stay away from too good of deals posted by no/low feedback scam artist sellers.

[iammykyl]

Sorry to hear you have problems. All may not be lost.

During shipping, some connections may have come loose.

Did you get manuals and discs? What are the computer specifications?

Disconnect from the wall socket, open the case and make sure all parts are seated properly, IE, RAM, video card and any other add on cards.
Check that all the cables are properly plugged in.
Check that the clear CMOS plug is on the correct pins.
Check that the monitor is connect to correct outlet on the video card, the 2 screws should be done up firmly but not over tightened.

Leave the case open, connect back to the wall socket, start the computer and enter the BIOS. Check that all the fans are spinning.
Set the correct time, date, region and language.
Go to the exit menu,
Highlight, load defaults,
Press enter,
Highlight, save and exit,
Press enter, press OK.
The computer will restart and hopefully load the OS.

[iammykyl]

Bump