Which of these computers would run Sims 3 and some expansion packs no problem?

[ShayL]

I'm sure this is question people get a lot and now I need some advice regarding the same. Which computer is good for running Sims 3 and some expansion packs? I have to get a new computer since the one I had for six years (a Samsung RV511) just wouldn't work anymore. I could no longer access the desktop so I just had to get rid of it. Then I ordered a new one which arrived today thinking that would be the end of it. It turns out for some reason this laptop doesn't have a disc drive and if I ever get the expansion packs there is no way I could install them. I don't even know if it would be capable of running Sims 3 anyway.  So now the laptop I am typing this on has become more of a backup laptop and I still need an affordable main laptop. I am leaning towards one of two Toshiba laptops. I read a two year old post one of the moderators made explaining what to look for in a Laptop for Sims 3. I don't want a gaming laptop since I've seen how expensive they can get and I noticed that Windows 10 is recommended. I'm more of a Windows 7 person but that's just my preference. I used to be able to play Sims 3 fine for a long time on my old computer until I had to uninstall it for some reason and then couldn't reinstall it again for some weird reason. It was saying there was already a Sims 3 installed on that computer, even though I am certain it wasn't since I uninstalled it. Anyway I don't remember what it's specifications were .

These are the two laptops I am considering and I'm wondering which is better.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Toshiba-L855D-S5220-15-6-Laptop-AMD-A8-4500M-6GB-Memory-640GB-Drive-Win-7-/112383075617?hash=item1a2a8da521:g:ptsAAOSwax5YsHzv 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Toshiba-L755D-S5130-15-6-Laptop-AMD-A8-3520M-6GB-Memory-640GB-Drive-Win-7-/122466339916?hash=item1c83900c4c:g:13sAAOSwWxNYsKhK

The first one (which just went out of stock after I posted this) says it has integrated/on board graphics, whatever that means. The second one, the Toshiba L755D has dedicated graphics, which I read in a previous thread is a good thing. It also has an AMD graphics card and is 640 GB.

I don't have any of the expansion packs and decided it would be smarter to find out which computer would be able to run the base game and the packs smoothly before I even look for them. The packs I would be wanting to get are:

World Adventures
Ambitions
Late Night
Generations
University Life
Into the Future
Supernatural
Pets
Seasons
Island Paradise

So which computer would run all of that with no problem? Or is it possible I could run Sims 3 on a lower graphics setting with one of these computers?

Also my backup computer is a Samsung Sens x180, 32 bit with an Intel(R)Pentium CPU U5400 1.20 GHZ
2.00 GB Memory (1.86 GB Usable). I don't know what the graphics driver is since I haven't installed it yet. Should I just not bother with my backup computer? Am I better off with one of the Toshibas? Something tells me I might be but I want to hear other opinions first.

[MrsFlynn]

None of these laptops, including the Samsung will run the game that well, even on low settings due to the processor are all under minimum specs. One of the Toshiba's has a dedicated video card, but it's not rated to run the game that well.

The laptops that you've mentioned are all school/work type of computers more made to play videos, music, browse the web, not so much for gaming as most of them lack a dedicated video card and adequate cooling the laptop needs to help prevent the laptop from overheating.

You'll want to look for a laptop with these specs:

Laptop Specs:

Processor : i5 or i7 HQ or MQ quad ~ 2.4 GHz
Video card : Nvidia GTX 960m or better
computer ram 8gb
hard drive space at least 500 gb
windows 64 bit

Theses types specs won't come on a budget laptop. You'll be more looking in the range of $800 or more.

Again, anything less may end up not having a dedicated video card, or adequate cooling the laptop needs. These are important to have if you're going to be running a processor and graphic heavy game.

Here's an example of what to look for:

Dell - Inspiron 15.6" Laptop = $799.99
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/dell-inspiron-15-6-laptop-intel-core-i5-8gb-memory-nvidia-geforce-gtx-1050-1tb-8gb-hybrid-hard-drive-black/5709801.p?skuId=5709801

Processor: i5-7300HQ ~ 2.5 Ghz
Video Card: NVIDIA GTX 1050 graphics 4GB
System Memory: 8 GB

[KhaineGB]

Important points.

1) Most laptops do NOT have DVD drives in them as standard these days, in order to save space.

2) As Mrs Flynn has already pointed out, those laptops are way under the recommended specs for Sims 3. If you try and run it on them, you'll end up with a dead laptop.

For your budget, and since you've already admitted you have a laptop, you should look into buying a second-hand gaming desktop PC. You'll get a MUCH better spec for your budget, you won't have heat issues (which is what kills laptops) and you can make sure you get a DVD drive. In addition to all of this, if you absolutely MUST play on a laptop, you can setup the desktop for Steam in-home streaming, install Sims 3 on that and stream it to the laptop you already have.

[ShayL]

Thanks for all the advice but I just don't think it will happen, even with my budget. I already ordered the Toshiba L755D (well, my mom did since it is her paypal account. I still live at home. I do work but it probably wouldn't be enough to afford a desktop.) The other thing is I already have a desktop, an older model that belonged to my dad. It's still in its spot and has been for years. My dad is no longer with us and we never did anything with it. It no longer works but I imagine it would be too heavy to move so that's why I would have no place to put a desktop if I had one. Another thing is I have no idea how to even hook one up.

I have no idea how I even managed to play Sims 3 base game on my laptop that I no longer have as long as I did. I guess I got lucky. I used it for school but after I had to withdraw it became a computer for Facebook, youtube. I do have some kind of cooling mat in the freezer (I assume its one. I've never actually seen one before. My mom was using it because her computer is a bit older and would overheat at times.) I don't think I've ever had to use it with my old computer as I don't recall it ever overheating. It was six years old and it was purchased for me in June 2011. When it died it I don't think it was because of the game, since it wasn't even installed at the time.

The other thing is I've heard of Steam but don't have an account so that wouldn't work either. I'm not completely sure what its for other than streaming. Anyway, thanks again for all the advice but maybe someday I will be able to play Sims 3 on a better computer. I must go now.

[KhaineGB]

Steam is like Origin (you buy games on it) and accounts are free. You literally download the app, install it, make an account, log in, add a "non-steam game" to your library (which would be The Sims 3 in this case), then install steam on the laptop and login with the same account.

Done.