Do I need a new video card or can I update what I have?
 

I have an old MSI MEGA with an SISM650 that's all I know to tell you about my graphics. I recently bought Red Alert 3 and it won't run basically saying I have to update the directx (which I have) or my graphics isn't high enough or I have
hardware acceleration disabled in my control panel.

Can I download a better one or do I have to buy the card?

If I downloaded uvga3_373.zip (from SIS website) will that help?

How do I enable hardware acceleration in the control panel?

I've never heard of the hardware you're talking about so it's probably a "hardware simply isn't good enough to play the game" issue. What's the rest of the specs of your PC?

You can try updating the drivers, but Red Alert 3 might just be to much for your PC to handle. Most likely your system won't handle any of the new video cards that are available. You most likely only have a AGP slot. At worse, only a PCI slot.

Why don't you post the computer's brand name and number on here, we can look up your motherboard and give you some recommendations based on that. It is a store bought PC right?

*Edit*

MSI and SIS are OLLLLLLD. SIS is the major chipmaker for MSI motherboards. It's an onboard videocard so I'd make an assumption an say over 5 years old. Maybe 3-4 years, but I'm guessing 5.

Actually 6 years old. When I bought it it was top of the line. It's an MSI motherboard and I'm thinking psi is all I have. I'm pretty sure the graphics card is integrated to the motherboard. If that's the case what can I do short of buying a new system?

Upon research it has an AGP slot.... does that help?

Well you could buy a PCI video card, some of them out there are decent (I bought a 256meg one the other day) but they still wont' run much in the way of games. Really, your best bet is to think about saving money up and buying a new system if you want to play any games. If you don't' want to play any games, I'm sure your system is fine for getting on the net and doing various Office style things.

Really, upgrading a system like yours is just going to waste your money in time, labor and parts. It's possible, but I don't recommend it.

*****

You can get a decent AGP card for $50-$75 but still, my original statement still stands. Instead of dropping money into this system, save your money and get you a decent system and a good video card. That's the best route to go.