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Should I get a graphics card or more ram or both?

Current computer specs:

*Desktop; running Windows 7

*Intel Core i3 2.93GHz

*Intel H55 chipset

2GB DDRIII RAM

*500 GB HDD

*It has an integrated graphics processing unit, which, according to http://www.systemrequirementslab.com/cyr%E2%80%A6 has 763 MB, Hardware T&L, Pixel Shader 4.0, and Vertex Shader 4.0.

I intend to buy PC games such as (including, but not limited to) The Sims 3 (including the initial 2 expansion packs), SimCity 4, Zoo Tycoon 2, and Civilization V, of which The Sims 3 (& expansions) and Civilization V are probably the more processing power demanding. I would like to able to run all of these games at maximum settings.

So, my question is, should I get more RAM (and if I do, how much should I get, I plan on increasing to around 4GB if required), or a dedicated graphics card, or both?

And if I do get a graphics card, what should I get? Please name one which works well (and will be a substantial improvement over the integrated one I have), lasts long, which is also cost efficient (preferably around US$100 to $120 or around about that, a little extra will be fine). If you can name several, please do.

A laptop with Intel Core i7 1.6Ghz,

a laptop with Intel Core i5 2.5Ghz,

or a desktop with Intel Core i3 2.9Ghz?

And specifically I also want to know if all three of these can run The Sims 3 and it's Expansion packs at maximum settings smoothly?

Thanks.

I'm about to buy a new computer (PC) and one of the factors which goes into my considerations about which computer to buy is if it can run The Sims 3. My laptop (which is about 5 years old now) does not meet the requirements for it, and I want to be able to play it on the new computer I'm getting.

Here are the specs for one specific model I'm leaning towards buying:

*Intel Core i3 2.93GHz

*Intel H55 chipset

*2GB DDRIII RAM, 500GB HDD

*DVD Writer, Built in Sound & VGA

*Acer 18.5 LCD, Key Board & Mouse

*Linux OS/ Optional Windows

I want to know if this will be able to run The Sims 3 not just at minimum level, but smoothly even at max settings. I'm also thinking about getting a separate graphics card, but I want to know if that's necessary? And lastly, which Windows operating system is best to use (I'm leaning towards XP since I'm used to it, and it's quite stable)?

Thanks.