I am not sure what i need

[Talad]

I have read some of the PC's that people have and were not able to play CIV IV. I would like to upgrade my PC, I have a Compaq AMD,2200 ( 1.8 GHZ). I have 256 MB ram showing as 224 MB, and a SC3 Graphics ProSavageDDR. I have about $200 to spend max $300. Can I upgrade enough to play this game? I hope to get the stuff needed this weekend while I have the money.

Thanks

 

[Akhenaton]

I would like to upgrade my PC, I have a Compaq AMD,2200 ( 1.8 GHZ). I have 256 MB ram showing as 224 MB, and a SC3 Graphics ProSavageDDR. I have about $200 to spend max $300. Can I upgrade enough to play this game? I hope to get the stuff needed this weekend while I have the money.

You need more RAM, at the very minimum +256MB (and disabling the IGP from the BIOS), preferably +512MB or even +768MB-1GB (if you have 3 RAM slots, 256+512 more or if only two slots then 1GB stick more).

Also, you need a graphics card with the interface your computer supports (probably 1.5V AGP). Something like an AGP GeForce 6600. Just make sure the manufacturer promises 1.5V singalling compatibility (often announced as "AGP 2.0 compatible"), that is, ofcourse, if your MB is really only 4x and not 8x capable.

Oh yes, and $200 should be enough ($100 for the graphics card and two $50 sticks of RAM or ~$150 card and ~$50 for RAM).

 

[Talad]

ok cool thanks, I am pulling apart the tower today, my warranty ends today, so I can see what I have for available slots. As well what type of memory it is using. Will disable the IGP from Bios as well, is that what is causing the memory to be soaked up down to 224? that seems like an odd number to me.

 

[Akhenaton]

Will disable the IGP from Bios as well, is that what is causing the memory to be soaked up down to 224?

Correct.

Remember to disable it only when you have the new card working, or else you will need to reset/clear your BIOS settings CMOS to get a picture from the onboard graphics connector!