Desktop vs. Laptop for Sims 3

[unicornfan85]

Which is better to play Sims 3 on a desktop or laptop?  Mostly it's the memory thing.  I'm going to be getting a new computer, and I can't decide on which type to get.  So please tell me what you all think.

[Pam]

Would you please make your subject line more specific? Thanks.

[Seabody]

I play Sims on a laptop, and it's OK. I can't imagine a desktop with the same specs would be better. It's personal preference. I like being able to go to (for instance) Wellington and play Sims in the hotel room in the evening, however, Desktops are easier to clean and upgrade.

Just so you know, most laptops have integrated graphics cards which, as I understand it, aren't that good.

[Gheez]

I also play The Sims 3 on a laptop and must admit that I envy other people's graphics. Whilst I can play, I do miss out on beautiful landscapes, furry pets and my sims don't look as good in game as they do in CAS.  My laptop has integrated graphics, rather than a separate dedicated graphics card as the gaming laptops, with separate cards, were too expensive.

My laptop is also not that portable for I need to be near a power supply. The cooling pad (external fan) that I use to stop the laptop overheating, tends to drain the battery. I also use a mouse, rather than the track pad, to control my sims.

However, I do like playing on a laptop as I can play in comfort.  If I had the money then I'd buy a gaming laptop with a graphics card that would do The Sims 3 justice, and enough memory that it would play smoothly.  If money were tighter, then I'd probably choose a desktop pc and a very comfortable desk chair 

[MrsFlynn]

I'd vote for a desktop. As that's what I play on now and enjoy it more.

I started out playing Sims 3 on a laptop. It ran well for awhile. Then started to buy expansions, stuff packs, plus store content and the laptop would bog down so much that it just got difficult to play on. Not to mention really frusterating for me.

The reason I choose a desktop is due to it's easier upgradeability and more oomph. Plus you can usually get a good desktop for less than a good laptop.

But it all really comes down to your personal preference, and what you can afford.

MrsFlynn

[Flynn Arrowstarr]

I also play on a desktop. As someone else said on this thread, the choice is a personal preference. I know it's definitely nice to have a portable source of Simmie goodness, heh.

Hope this helps and happy Simming!

Flynn

[Pam]

Would you please make your subject line more specific? Thanks.

I went ahead and changed the subject line for you.  But in the future, please be sure to make your subject as specific as possible so members will know what your topic is about and to keep the Forum well organized.

I play on a desktop and wouldn't have it any other way.  I don't like using a laptop for anything.  The one I have is several years old and won't even install Sims 3, much less play it at all.  Besides that, I just prefer my comfortable ergonomic keyboard, comfy desk chair, and my big computer screen.  And it's true that many laptops don't have the kind of graphics cards to properly run the game.

[KJSinclair]

A desktop with the exact same specs as a laptop with always run more smoothly. It is simply a cooling issue, when components get heated their performance drops. I used to believe that there was absolutely no difference but now have a desktop that is only marginally better that the laptop that would not run TS3 at all, I am able to play with super high graphics, a few mods and Union Cove without a single glitch or slow down.

A laptop capable of running TS3 seamlessly would cost around 1/3 more than a desktop that will do the same.

KJ

[Pam]

KJ is absolutely right about the cooling.  I neglected to mention it in my post, but it's a major issue.  Even with a cooling fan pad under my laptop, it still gets hot.  Sometimes to the point of almost burning my wrists when I'm typing.  It definitely causes performance issues.

[DanBrunetu]

Desktop is the winner   

[SimAd]

The Sims 3 is already a somewhat older game. So it doesn't quite need the resources a modern game does. You get best results if you can give the game enough memory, ideally that means a 64-bit Windows, and 6GB(+) of RAM. A half-decent modern processor and a video card that isn't rock bottom rounds it out.

You can find all that in a laptop starting at some $800 or a desktop for half that price. Mostly, a desktop is a lot cheaper for the same result, but you can take a laptop with you wherever you go and it can do with a lot less space.

Basically the question is, what do you intend to do with it and what price do you want to pay.

[CreativeCrayola]

I play on Laptop atm, but I hope to get a proper gaming computer for Christmas this year (a long way off, I know!)
The main reason, as Gheez and MrsFlynn said, is the Graphics and crashes/slowness

[unicornfan85]

@Pam- Sorry, didn't see the first post till just now.

Thanks.  I was saving for a desk top and then thought about a laptop.  It's hard to find at store a desk for a desk top since almost everyone wants laptop at the moment.