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I just bought the SIMS 3 for the Mac for my daughter as an early Christmas gift. We had a lot of issues before we were able to install it. We had to upgrade to a 10.5 OS system, then we had to upgrade to a 2GB RAM...only to find that after all that it still won't work because our video card is a GMA 950. I feel bad for my daughter who has been dying to play the game. Is there anything we can do to fix this? Thanks.
The SIMS 3 Video Card Compatibility
One of the most important, and often frustrating aspects of home computer system management is ensuring that both hardware and software additions are compatible and mutually supportive and, unfortunately, it is true that The SIMS 3 is not supported by GMA 950 video cards.
Contemplating Computer Updates
No doubt it is difficult to realize all the updates your computer might require in order to support the latest software products, like SIMS, but the fact of the matter is that the computer needs to be able to process and support the advanced technology of the software program. On the upside, updates that you make to your computer now will allow you to run more than just this one game or program, but any other recent releases that you're interested in.
System Requirements and Compatibility - Mac and The SIMS 3
In order to make your computer support the game, you will need to make sure you meet the system requirements. In the future, you might want to run an Internet search for the game or software you are interested in and check the system requirements before purchasing. Here they are for The SIMS 3, listed below:
FOR MAC OS X
- Mac OS X 10.5.7 Leopard or higher
- Intel Core Duo Processor
- 2 GB RAM
- ATI X1600 or Nvidia 7300 GT with 128 MB of Video RAM, or Intel Integrated GMA X3100.
- At least 6.1 GB of hard drive space with at least 1 GB of additional space for custom content and saved games
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This game will not run on PowerPC (G3/G4/G5) based Mac systems, or the GMA 950 class of integrated video cards.
When you go to buy a new video card, make sure that you choose one that is compatible with your system and the SIMS game. Here is a list of supported cards:
MAC OS X Supported Video Cards
- NVIDIA GeForce series
- 7300, 7600
- 8600, 8800
- 9400M, 9600M GT
- GT 120, GT 130
ATI RadeonTM series
- X1600, X1900
- 2400, 2600
- 3870
- 4850, 4870
Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA)
- GMA 3-Series
Considering a Gaming Computer or System Upgrades
The other thing to consider is the opportunity to upgrade your computer with the purchase of a new system. Like a car, at some point it is less cost effective to add updates to an old system than to take the plunge and update your entire unit. I am a Mac user, and loyal to the system for a variety of personal computing needs, but you could also consider getting your daughter a less expensive, but more recently released PC laptop to use as a gaming device. There are reasonably priced computers of this type that can meet her gaming needs, without requiring you to upgrade your Mac in ways that are otherwise not useful to you. Consult with an expert at your local electronics store to find the system, or the video card best suited to your needs and existing hardware and software.
I hope this information is helpful! Happy holidays!
Is your computer an Open Invitation for HACKERS? Download free version of Sparktrust Inspector to identify vulnerabilities and problems on your computer (and even your WEBSITES)!
Kate Dubensky | January 1st, 2011
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