This fall, I want to get a new game (Phantasy Star Universe) for my PC. The problem is, I have no idea if my computer meets the requirements, or how to fix it if it doesn't.

This is what I have:
- Operating System: Windows XP Professional (Service Pack 2)
- Processor: 1.68 GHz AMD Athlon XP 2000+
- RAM: 768 MB
- Video CARD: ATI Radeon 9200 with 128 MB VRAM
- DirectX 9.0c
- Hard Drive Space: 12.6 GB

These are the minimum requirements for Phantasy Star Universe:
- Operating System: Windows 2000/Windows XP
- Processor: 1.6 GHz Pentium 4
- RAM: 256 MB
- Video Card: 3D card with 64 MB of VRAM
- DirectX 9.0c
- Hard Drive Space: 8.0 GB

It looks like my computer meets the requirements, but since I don't know what that stuff means, I could be wrong. I want to play Phantasy Star Universe on the highest settings, but I'm not sure if my computer's current setup would be sufficient.

For example, on The Sims 2, I can run everything on medium settings with ease, but when I have everything set to the highest settings, the game plays as if it's in slow motion. If The Sims 2 is any comparison to Phantasy Star Universe, then it looks like I'll need to upgrade something in order to play it without lagging.

Sorry if this was posted in the wrong forum, but I don't really know what I'm trying to ask in the first place. (If that makes sense)

Anyways, thanks to anyone that can help me out.Well, the Sims has always been a demanding series of game. As far as PSU (Phantasy Star Universe) goes, it looks like you meet the requirements. Your video card is above the required, so I would say that you won't have any problems there. Your RAM is pretty high, so at this point I'm not worried about that. Now, your processor on the other hand is just a hair above the minimum... That could be "iffy" If they will let you, I would suggest contacting the manufacturer's Technical Support Team, and let them tell you if this will work. As I said, the only rpoblem I see is mainly your processor.

FlameI need to upgrade my processor, then? All right, so how would I do that? I'm guessing it's not as simple as just buying one and plugging it in.Well, I'm not sure you'll have to. Usually your RAM and video card seem to make more of a difference. I would ask the manufacturer if I was you. They can tell you if upgrading the processor will help. I would hate to see you spend money when it's not necessary. Also, a new processor is not always cheap  :-/

FlameAre you sure your hard drive is 8.0 GB? Are you sure it's not 80? Just making sure, here. Anyways, the general rule about things that are "a hair above minimum" is that they will work... sort of... at the lower settings. Yeah, your processor is kind of old. It's not the oldest, nor is it the greatest; it's middle-range. Now, here's the thing. I have a AMD Athlon with appx. 2.2 GHz, and it can match a 3 GHz Intel anyday.

Flame, you are looking at only the numbers. the minimum is 1.6 GHz on an Intel. AMDs are inherently more efficient than Intels because of their design - as I'm sure you know; it's all elementary stuff. Anyway, my guess is that you can play the game at middle-low settings. Not what you wanted to hear, no doubt, but if you wanted to upgrade a processor is what you need to take care of.Well yes, but we want to play on the HIGHEST settings. Not medium. I'm not sure if that processor will do the job. It's almost impossible to tell at this point.

FlameI too want to play on the highest settings... j/k

I know. My only point was that it's not "just a hair" above minimum. Sorry, it's a hot day, I needed a nitpick.Point made. I hate when the manufacturers don't post reccomended system specs. on the box! You can never figure out if you'll cut it! A hot day?! Where are you? Arizona?

FlameHmm... I'm kinda lost now.

Anyways, let's say that for whatever reason, I do decide to upgrade my processor. Would I need to worry about any kind of compatability issues when choosing one? I'm not sure how the whole process works.

(BTW, my hard drive is 38.2 GB, and there's 12.6 GB of free space available. 8.0 GB is what's needed for the game.)Your current processor is an AMD. Your motherboard cannot support Intel chips; they won't fit. Also, take care not to damage the motherboard if you remove the old processor. Also, make sure you are provided with a special glue that attaches the CPU to the heatsink (which keeps your PC from overheating). Have them show you how to attach it if need be. Other than that, I don't forsee to many problems.Never heard of it happening, but make sure your power supply won't go nuts as well.

FlameThank you very much for the help! Now that my main problem has been resolved, I have another question:

Sometime in the next year or so, I want to get a new graphics card. The problem is, the newer/better cards require something called PCI-E, and I realized that I only have PCI. Eh... obviously, I have no idea what that's supposed to mean, but it looks like I'll need to update another thing on my computer before I can use a newer graphics card. Hopefully the solution isn't too expensive... x_xThat would require a new motherboard, which IS expensive. (Mine was no less than $200, and my processor was $300...) However, consider an AGP video card, if your motherboard will support it. They're cheaper (A PCI video card for $150 will be got for $130 as a AGP) and they work better, since the slot was made exclusively for video cards.

And if you don't know what brand to get, the two top brands are ATI and nVidia. I personally use nVidia, but that's just because I have a history of success. I'm sure, however, that an ATI would work just as well.  NickLS7..... Quote

Also, make sure you are provided with a [highlight]special glue [/highlight][highlight]that attaches the CPU to the heatsink [/highlight]