X8900-2508BLK good desktop for Sims 3/4?

[ameva]

Hello, I would like to know how well this desktop would be able to run sims 3 (or 4) on medium settings.

Here is where I pulled the specs from: https://www.google.com/shopping/product/15272266504537227539/specs?q=dell+x8900-2508blk&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS706US706&oq=dell+x8900-2508blk&aqs=chrome..69i57.23711j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj1__n678nOAhWLXB4KHWszDTIQuC8IpwE

Intel Core i7-6700 / 3.4 GHz
NVIDIA GeForce GT 730
2 GB DDR3 VRAM
1TB HDD
Power provided: 460 Watt

I asked the store manager and they said that this WILL run the Sims 3/4, but I already know that the graphics card, while decent, probably isn't the best choice if I were to play it in the medium-high settings. I was told when I asked that I can always upgrade the video graphics card to a GTX series and buy a SSD for more power. If anyone has purchased this desktop before, and upgraded it to play the games better, can you tell me how the installation process went (is it easy/troublesome?)?

Money can always be saved and I'm in no hurry to upgrade. I just want some honest input on this desktop purchase. I'm not a heavy gamer by any means. I only plan to play the Sims 3/4 reliably on medium settings for now, and I definitely do not plan to buy a whole lot of custom content and expansions.

All inputs will be appreciated.

[MrsFlynn]

Yes this computer can run low-med graphics for both games. It's not recommended to push it more than that until some parts can be upgraded. Then you'll be able to run both games at highest settings.

Purchase a better power supply, (500 watt is recommended) to be sure it will run computer parts well plus whatever video card you would like to install. Then you'll be able to play at highest settings!!

Recommended video card(s) and power supply:

EVGA GeForce GTX 750Ti SC 2GB GDDR5 Graphics Card = Price: $119.99
https://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-750Ti-Graphics-02G-P4-3753-KR/dp/B00IDG3IDO

EVGA GeForce GTX 960 2GB ACX 2.0+ = Price: $199.99
GAMING, Whisper Silent Cooling Graphic Card 04G-P4-3965-KR
https://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-Whisper-Cooling-04G-P4-3965-KR/dp/B01BX3FAWU

EVGA 500W Power Supply = Price: $37.03
http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-Continuous-Warranty-Supply-100-W1-0500-KR/dp/B00H33SFJU

We bought something similar to this (a Dell) in 2010 and installed a power supply, video card and memory. It wasn't to bad of an experience and seemed easy enough. Ran well for the whole time we had it. Sold it to a friend and it's still going!!

If you're not comfortable doing this, talk to a computer friend or family member to see if they can help. If not see if Best Buy's GeekSquad can help.

[ameva]

Thanks for your input! I just read this table http://simswiki.info/wiki.php%3Ftitle%3DGame_Help:TS4_System_Requirements and I was wondering if the GTX 550Ti would be a cheaper alternative to the GTX 750Ti? Just wondering though. That power supply is great, I'll def be looking into it more. Also, newbie question here, but is EVGA the same as Nvidia?

[MrsFlynn]

Not only is the 750Ti newer, it's got more and better video memory, which helps run the games better. They are definitely not comparable to each other. 750Ti beats the 550Ti.

You maybe able to look around to find it cheaper, if you feel it's to pricey. We have the 750Ti and it works well on high settings.

Nvidia is the one that makes the chip set of the video card, EVGA is the one that builds the cards. -- Great question!!

[ameva]

Thanks for clarifying that about. I added the 750Ti and the SSD to my wishlist. Now I'm wondering about this product, because it was included the users-who-bought-this-also-bought bundle:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0088PUEPK/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1471494898&sr=8-3&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=wd+green&dpPl=1&dpID=51fbLQLVJFL&ref=plSrch

Can you please shed some light on that? Is that just extra storage space or something?

[MrsFlynn]

That is most likely what it is used for is an extra hard drive. It would be up to you to get or not.

I'm one of those crazy simmers that say, sure why not. But that's because having a backup drive just for Sims files have proven really valuable to me, as I save most all my Sim files. *Blush* But if you're anything like me, it might be a good idea to see if you can find something a little bigger than a 1TB drive, say like a 2 or 3TB drive. It'll be a long-long while before you run out of room on that drive. *Snicker*

[ameva]

Thanks for being so reliable with replies. I have another question. I'm kind of torn between getting the sims 3 or 4. As I mentioned in http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=27041.msg449400#new this thread, there's a specific custom content that I really want, but it's for the sims 4, and I'm learning more towards the sims 3 because it's got more of a 'world' feel (from reviews). Graphics wise, sims 4 is better, but I just don't know. I wanted to know if it's possible to convert the sims 4-made costume content from the link (I already downloaded the PACKAGE file) and convert it to sims 3? I'm sorry if this is not the place to ask, it's just I haven't got a reply from the other thread.

Another question is, since these games are pretty affordable on amazon, if I get both (plus supernatural for sims 3), and install them on this desktop, playing at low to medium setting, will that be too much for the system to handle?

[MrsFlynn]

It's more of a personal preference in buying Sims 3 or 4. I'm more of a Sims 3 fan myself. There seems to be more play style freedom.

I'm sorry I didn't answer the CC conversion question in the Sims 4 mods board. I really don't know. - That's why I didn't answer. However I'm more than positive you can find some CC eyes that are similar if you look around. I'm not too familiar with a lot of CC as I just started getting into it myself recently.

If you do purchase Sims 3 and whatever expansions/stuff packs from Amazon, you'll need to redeem the game codes via Origin. See the link below for help with that.

Redeem your serial key or product code in Origin
https://help.ea.com/en-us/help/origin/origin/redeem-your-serial-code-in-origin

It should run on low-med. settings.