Buying a new PC

[angelofmusique]

Hi, I'm currently trying to choose an All in One PC, but as my technical knowledge is limited I thought it best to post here first. I only play the Sims 3 and 4 so I would like a PC which is able to run both of these games (+ expansions) smoothly. I've read the guidance thread on this and it was really helpful in narrowing down my choices.

I decided to stick with an i7 processor which is what I have now, but I'm still unsure which graphics card to choose: nVidia GeForce GT 840M, 930M, 940M, or GTX 850M, 950M, 960M/960; AMD Radeon R7 A360, A365, or R9 M370. How much difference would they make to performance? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[MrsFlynn]

Go with the GTX960 or R9M370 for graphics. As both these will best performance in-game on medium to high settings.

[angelofmusique]

Thanks! It seems most of the PCs I'm looking at have mobile graphics which are more often used in laptops. Not sure if this is an issue?

[MrsFlynn]

No it shouldn't be an issue, for the most part. The mobile graphics isn't as good as what you'd get with a full-on desktop, but should do fine for Sims.

[angelofmusique]

Thanks again. I've been doing some further research and it seems an all in one PC might not be suitable? It's confusing as the product descriptions state that they are fitted for gaming, but from what I've read on forums an all in one is basically a large laptop and is at risk of overheating? If this is the case perhaps I should rethink my choices and look at towers.

[MrsFlynn]

No All-in-One pcs aren't the best gaming systems as they are just basically oversized laptops and can overheat. Plus the gaming experience may not be as good as if you were playing on a desktop pc.

I'd definitely look at desktop towers instead. Besides you can get a better pc if you go with a desktop.

[angelofmusique]

Thanks for clarifying. I'll look into what towers are available. Some say a custom built PC would be much better and more reliable with better parts used - is this true or would a brand PC designed for gaming be alright too?

[MrsFlynn]

Both custom built pcs are great, but a gaming pc will do the trick just as well.

[angelofmusique]

Okay, I've found a few desktops I like the look of:

1. HP Envy with i7-6700 processor, 16GB memory, 2TB & 128GB SSD. Graphics - either a R9 358 or a GTX 970 4GB for a slightly higher price.
http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/desktop-pcs/desktop-pcs/hp-envy-phoenix-860-077na-gaming-pc-10138447-pdt.html
http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/desktop-pcs/desktop-pcs/hp-envy-phoenix-860-070na-gaming-pc-10138665-pdt.html

2. Cyberpower White Knight with i7-6700 processor, 16GB memory, 1TB HDD + 240GB SSD, GTX 980 4GB.
http://www.tesco.com/direct/cyberpower-white-knight-gaming-desktop-intel-quad-core-i7-16gb-ram-1tb-white/745-9915.prd?pageLevel=&skuId=745-9915

3. Zoostorm with i7-4790k overclock, 16GB, 240GB SDD, 3TB HDD, GTX 970 4GB.
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/4453828.htm#pdpFullDesc

4. Lenovo IdeaCentre Y700 with i7-6700 processor, 16GB memory, 192GB SSD + 2TB HDD (+8GB SSD Cache), GTX 960 4GB.
http://shop.lenovo.com/gb/en/desktops/ideacentre/y700/?sb=:000001D4:000522EA:

5. Zoostorm with i7-6700, 16GB, 128GB SDD, GTX 970 4GB.
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5214664.htm#bv_qa

6. Alienware X51 with i7-6700, 16GB, 2Tb HDD Storage, GTX 960 2GB.
http://www.very.co.uk/alienware-x51nbspintelreg-coretrade-i7-16gb-ram-2tb-hdd-storage-pc-gaming-desktop-base-unit-with-nvidia-gtx-960-2gb-graphics-black/1600037654.prd

7. MSI Nightblade MI2-006 with i7-6700, 8GB, 1TB & 128GB SSD, GTX 970 4GB.
http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/desktop-pcs/desktop-pcs/msi-nightblade-mi2-006uk-gaming-pc-10139300-pdt.html

8. Zoostorm, i7-4790, 16GB, 3TB HDD and 120GB SDD, GTX 970 4GB.
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/4454762.htm#pdpFullDesc

9. Chillblast Cobra with i7-6700, 16GB, 2TB, GTX 970 4GB.
http://www.tesco.com/direct/chillblast-cobra-gaming-pc-core-i7-4ghz-16gb-ram-windows-10/349-2763.prd?pageLevel=&skuId=349-2763

10. HP Envy with i7-6700, 8GB, 2TB, 256GB SSD, GTX 960 2GB.
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/4643559.htm

11. Zoostorm with i7-4790, 8GB, 2TB, 120GB SSD, GTX 970 4GB or 960 2GB.
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5211076.htm#pdpFullDesc
http://www.very.co.uk/zoostorm-nzxt-phantom-240-intelreg-coretrade-i7-processor-8gb-ram-120gb-ssd-2tb-hdd-storage-pc-gaming-desktop-base-unit-with-geforce-gtx-960-2gb-graphics-white/1600020159.prd

12. Alternatively, I can order from FreshTec Solutions: 

i7-4790, 8 or 16GB, 240GB SDD, GTX 970.
e.g. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Freshtech-Gigabyte-Motherboard-Performance-Certified/dp/B01C8QCZ06/ref=sr_1_3?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1459270589&sr=1-3

I think I’m leaning more towards number 1 or the Lenovo, but that may be partly due to my familiarity with the manufacturers. Apologies for the long list, but I am a novice at this. Are there any here which I should avoid or perhaps favour?

[MrsFlynn]

All the desktops have similar specs and would run Sims 3 and 4 really well without to many problems. Now it's more of a choice of which one to get. If you're more familiar with Lenovo, then go with that.

Please be aware that you may still even on the bestest of the best computer you will run into lag and slowdowns in Sims 3 from time to time due to the way game is. This will happen mostly in Create a Style, and Build/Buy Mode.

The more you load up your game with custom content and/or Sims 3 Store content it will effect the performance of the game as well. So please take that into consideration.

[angelofmusique]

Thank you. I'll take that into consideration. I tend to avoid CC beyond a few default skins/eyes and my favourite store clothing.