Need Computer Advice/Help

[TiffineyIngram]

Howdy all!  This is a bit off topic, but I'm not sure what to do or how to do it.

Kevin is the computer guru in our office and he can turn a piece of metal into the space shuttle, but he's out of town and I'm going to buy a video card for my computer today as an early birthday present to myself.  Here's my problem: I know NOTHING about computers.  Kevin said I need to get at least an 8x AGP card.  How much do these cost?  What's reasonable?  Should I only go with 8x, or should I get more x's?  (Told you I knew nothing.)  I just want to make sure that some computer nerd at the local store isn't going to take advantage of me because I'm a girl and know nothing about any of this.  Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance!

[Protein Filled]

What are you using the card for? Is it just for work/web surfing? Or are you interested in playing games or programs with high graphics?

[Frank_Angel]

Just be aware you may be constrained by the capabilities of the AGP slot in your motherboard. Both form factor of the slot and voltage are considerations. Consult the manufacturer of your motherboard or system. Post the make/model here if you want more help.

[TrackBrat]

First......Happy "Early" Birthday!!  Second, if you are treating yourself, get the best.   ;)

[TiffineyIngram]

Gracias for the birthday wishes!

I don't really know much about the computer (it was something from Fry's--Eric, help me out here!)--not even the basics.  What I'm trying to do is play Sims 2.  (Coolest game ever.)  It's like playing Barbies but for grown ups.  The wife on my game (coincidentally named Tiffiney) just had twins!  Now the game is going to run even slower!  I keep reading the Sims 2 website (sims2.com), but it doesn't say exactly what I need to make it run more smoothly.

[Clay]

As said earlier, your main consideration is your motherboard.  If you're computer is more than a year or so old, then you most likely can't even use 8x AGP.  Most all cards are backwards compatible though.  For the Sims, I'm pretty sure you don't need anything fancy.  Your basic GeForceFX will do fine.  Get a card with 128mb of RAM, more if you've got the money.  I'd expect to pay about 80 dollars for a decent one.

[Eric Kelcher]

I have the specs of what is needed, There are other things that need to be sorted out first. It is a Lynix (sp?) system that Kevin and I installed her old harddrive as primary to make it a windows envirnoment, the harddrve still needs to be reconfigured and it will be a lot better as the old harddrive is maxxed out on space.

[speedster_1]

Sorry you can't afford my bill rate...but I'll trade you for some entry fees!  ;D  Looks like the previous post have you on the right track....it's just a computer! ;D  The key is to remember you have to be smarter than the machine you operate!