Need advice on upgrading for The Sims 2! HELP!

[Nous]

Hi, guys.

I'm not a hardcore PC gamer, but like many people, I am a complete and total Sims fanatic. I have bought the Sims 2, but I am aware that I need upgrades to be able to play it at the quality I'd like. Here the sys. requirements:

800 MHz processor
256 MB RAM
Windows(R) XP, Windows ME, Windows 98 or Windows 2000 Operating System.
At least 3.5 GB of hard drive space
A T&L-capable video card with at least 32 MB of video RAM.

My computer runs with:
1 Ghz AMD Athlon processor
248 MB RAM
Windows XP
S3 Graphics Pro card

I have already made arrangements to double or even max out (768mb) my memory. However, I'm not sure what video card to get. I have an AGP slot, and I want good quality, but I don't know what my pc can handle. Should I even get a new, better processor?

Please help!

 

[preet2u]

Nous .. U'll need to mention the make /model of your mobo for us to have an idea of what AGP card would work best for ya ...

Also mention the money ur willing to spend on it.

 

[Nous]

Is this the right info?

Processor
Model : AMD Athlon(tm) Processor
Speed : 1.00GHz
Model Number : 1002 (estimated)
Performance Rating : PR1333 (estimated)
Type : Standard
Package : Socket A PGA
Multiplier : 10/1x
Generation : G7
Name : Athlon M4 (Thunderbird) 180nm 650-1.4GHz 1.7-1.8V
Revision/Stepping : 4 / 4 (0)
Stepping Mask : A9
Core Voltage Rating : 1.750V
Maximum Physical / Virtual Addressing : 36-bit / 32-bit
Native Page Size : 4kB

Co-Processor (FPU)
Type : Built-in
Revision/Stepping : 4 / 4 (0)

Processor Cache(s)
Internal Data Cache : 64kB Synchronous Write-Back (2-way, 64 byte line size)
Internal Instruction Cache : 64kB Synchronous Write-Back (2-way, 64 byte line size)
L2 On-board Cache : 256kB ECC Synchronous Write-Back (16-way, 64 byte line size)
L2 Cache Multiplier : 1/1x (1002MHz)

Upgradeability
Socket/Slot : U12A
Upgrade Interface : ZIF Socket
Supported Speed(s) : 1.10GHz+

 

[preet2u]

Nope ...

Just look for the model/make of the mobo...

 

[Nous]

I honestly don't know where to look... I'm dumb on computers when it gets this deep...

 

[beedubaya]

I know somebody will suggest it, so I am going to pre-inform you that you don't need a top-of-the line card like the GeForce 6800, which many here will suggest, to play the Sims. A Radeon 9600XT or Pro will do more than fine.

 

[Nous]

Ok, guys, I did a lot of research and I see that there's no way I need an upper level card like some of those suggested. I'm gonna max out my memory than I'm looking to get an NVIDIA GeForce 2 GTS/Pro/Ti. That should work in my system well, right?