Computer Slowdown in Create a Style

[Flynn Arrowstarr]

Okay, I've had this problem for a long time now and it's really driving me crazy.

I have a computer that is well above the specs for Sims 3. I have everything installed (EP and SP), a ton of store items, and everything on high settings except the number of detailed lots is set to 1. I use the mouse extensively for camera movement, particularly the middle button to rotate the camera angle.

When I'm in Create a Style while in Build/Buy mode, the mouse pointer runs normally, but the game struggles to keep up with it. For example, I move the mouse across the screen to highlight something, and the highlight lags behind the pointer, more slowly as I spend more time in Create a Style. Also, pressing the middle mouse button and rotating the camera is extremely sluggish.

After getting out of Create a Style, the system recovers a bit, but it can still be slow. This lag/slowdown occurs whether I have mods enabled or not - in fact it began before I started using mods. Here's my system specs:

• Quad-core AMD Turion x64 (2.8 GHz)
• 8 GB memory
• Windows 7 Ultimate x64
• nVidia GeForce GTS 450 (1 GB dedicated RAM)

All drivers and patches are up to date for the computer and for the game. The computer is hooked up to a 37" TV via HDMI and I've tried the game running at resolutions between 1024 x 768 up through 1920 x 1080. The game runs fine otherwise - smooth game play in all modes.

Oddly enough, while typing this post, I tried the different screen resolutions again. Worst lag was in any resolutions other than 1920 x 1080 (the TV's native resolution). With 1920 x 1080, it still lagged, but not as badly. It's still lagging enough to be annoying.

Does anyone have any suggestions to try? About the only thing I haven't tried at this point is a "factory reset" of Sims 3.

Flynn

[Figwit]

Do you have cc other than store items?  I found when I had a lot of patterns CAS got very slow.

CAS does seem to sap the memory and the game itself can only use up to 4GB.   I have a small CAW build world that I use for building houses which I then save to my library for use in other worlds.

This article may be helpful as a guide to graphic settings:
http://www.neoseeker.com/Articles/Games/Guides/sims3performance/

[Flynn Arrowstarr]

Hi, Figwit.

No other CC other than a few (i.e. less than 10) patterns I made in Create a Pattern. We have a bunch of saved re-colors. Also, I just did a "factory reset" and it didn't affect anything.

I'll take a look at the article you linked. Thanks.

I'm beginning to suspect it's a Sims 3 problem and there may not be much I can do to fix it.

Flynn

[Figwit]

I think you are right.    This game is not good with memory management at all.

The factory reset would only help if you had something corrupted in there.

The best time for playing in CAS seems to be when you first load up the game.  Once you have finished building, you might find it is best to save, quit and reload.  There is no magical fix though, sadly, and what works for one does not always work for another.

[Flynn Arrowstarr]

Well, oddly enough, it's working better now. I did the factory reset and restarted. CaS was still running very slow. I tried the Neoseeker recommended settings. Still slow.

Restored my original Sims 3 folder, and now it works much better. Go figure...

Flynn

[Figwit]

Sometimes I think you just have to have the right expression on your face. 

[Flynn Arrowstarr]

Or the right arcane incantations, heh.

Flynn