Intel(R) G33/G31 Express chipset family

[mopsy32]

I am looking to upgrade my graphics card so that I can play more modern games such as the Sims Pets, etc....can someone make a suggestion for a graphics card I can upgrade to from Intel G33/G31? I am looking for something under 150 dollars.

Thank you!

 

[jyjjy]

If you motherboard has a PCI-E slot, and G31/33 should, then it is compatible with pretty much all current video cards. What cards you can/should consider depends on the rest of your system including processor, power supply and native resolution. We would need to know that stuff before making a proper recommendation.

 

[mopsy32]

Thank you!


This is what I found just under my system:

Intel (R) Pentium (R) Dual CPU E2160 @180 GHZ

Installed Memory: 2.00 GB

System type: 32 bit operating system

My monitor is a Hannstar HF229 and I keep my resolution at 1680 x 1050 (recommended)

I also have Win 7


Does this help?

 

[jyjjy]

Yes, but you left out the power supply. If it is a pre-built system from Dell or HP or whoever just give us the model number. If not you'll need to find the brand/model of the power supply on the side of the unit inside the case. If you don't know the power supply is the part the power cable plugs into.

 

[mopsy32]

Sorry, it is a Dell Inspiron 530. Had it a couple years.

 

[jyjjy]

The Dell Inspiron 530 comes with a 300w PSU which limits you in terms of cards you can choose. Your CPU is also rather weak for current games. If you have $150 to spend I would recommend getting both a new card and a new CPU. These would be good choices;
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814141117
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116381
With the above all current games should be playable at 1600x900 though you aren't going to be able to max out the settings on the more graphic intensive ones.

 

[mopsy32]

I see what you mean. Thanks very much for the suggestions. I am not a hardcore gamer, but I would like to be able to play the Sims 3 Pets and some of the newer games that came out recently (at the moment I am not able to play So Blonde another I've been wanting to play).

Are these easy to install? I am not a techie or anything so I wouldn't won't to harm my computer. lol

 

[jyjjy]

Installing the video card is simple. You basically just open the computer and put it in the slot. Replacing the CPU is a bit trickier as you'll need to remove the old one and the fan/heatsink and install the new ones but it's really not that hard either. There are plenty of guides online that should be easy to follow. Just e confident you can handle it and consider it a good learning experience.

 

[mopsy32]

Thank you. You have bee a ton of help!! If I wanted to start off by just installing the graphics card first and just see how it goes from there, do you think that would be okay?

 

[jyjjy]

Sure, but your CPU will limit the card from being used in full in a lot of current games. Not sure if it will be an issue in the specific games you mentioned though.
Another upgrade that would help for gaming and in general and is very easy to install is adding more RAM. RAM is pretty cheap these days. You can double your RAM for $25.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148163

 

[mopsy32]

Best answer selected by mopsy32.