Buying a Desktop or Laptop for The Sims 3

[KhaineGB]

You need to find out EXACTLY what card is in it.

5000 series could be anything from a low end 5300-odd to a high end 5900 series... and there is a massive difference between the two.

EDIT: Also, just as a point, I find high-end AMD Radeon's to be good for gaming. My desktop runs a Radeon 5870 and can -still- run Watch_Dogs and Wolfenstein on high settings.

[Rockergrrl37203]

I just got a new gaming PC at the end of May and I'll post the specs for it below just in case anyone is currently in the market for a gaming PC that isn't crazy expensive. I got my rig from CyberPowerPC and I am loving it so far. It runs TS3 flawlessly and the game just looks gorgeous. I can run the game on the highest graphic settings and I can play for hours without my PC even breaking a sweat. No more save errors (rejoice!) and in the month that I've had the PC my game has crashed only once.

My rig has an AMD 8 core processor (yes, I know that's overkill), 8 gigs of RAM and a Radeon R9 280 video card (3 GB).

I started off with the AMD 8 core http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/system/Graduation_AMD_8-Core and tweaked a few things, like the power supply, the RAM and the fans - final cost with shipping was $1089. I already had 24" monitor, speakers and a keyboard so I left those items off, which saved a little off the final cost. I also didn't get the cool looking LED fans.

My CyberPowerPC final build:

Memorial Day AMD 8-Core (NO MONITOR)
*BASE_PRICE: [+889]
CARE1: Ultra Enhanced Packaging Solution - Protect Your Dream System During Transit [+19]
CARE2: Professional Wiring for All WIRING Inside The System Chassis - Minimize Cable Exposure, Maximize Airflow in Your System [+19]
CAS: CYBERPOWERPC X-Saber w/ USB 3.0, Large Side Panel Window (Black with Blue LED)
CD: LG 12X Internal Blu-ray Drive & DVDRW, 3D Playback Combo Drive (BLACK COLOR)
COOLANT: Standard Coolant
CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.50 GHz Eight-Core AM3+ CPU 8MB L2 Cache & Turbo Core Technology
CS_FAN: Maximum 120MM Case Cooling Fans for your selected case [+9]
FAN: Enermax ETS-T40-TB CPU Cooler w/ T.B.SILENCE PWM 120mm Twister Bearing fan
HDD: 2TB (2TBx1) SATA-III 6.0Gb/s 64MB Cache 7200RPM HDD (Single Drive)
HDD2: None
HEADSET: ZALMAN ZM-HPS200 GAMING HEADSET
IUSB: Built-in USB 2.0 Ports
MEMORY: 8GB (4GBx2) DDR3/1866MHz Dual Channel Memory (Corsair Vengeance)
MOTHERBOARD: GIGABYTE 970A-DS3P AMD 970 ATX w/ Ultra Durable 4 Classic, On/Off Charge, GbLAN, 2 PCIe x16, 3 PCIe x1, 2 PCI
MOUSE: AZZA Optical 1600dpi Gaming Mouse with Weight Adjustable Cartridge
NETWORK: Onboard Gigabit LAN Network
OS: Microsoft® Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit Edition)
OVERCLOCK: No Overclocking
POWERSUPPLY: 650 Watts - Thermaltake SMART Series SP-650PCBUS 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply [+21]
SOUND: HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD 7.1 AUDIO
VIDEO: AMD Radeon R9 280 3GB GDDR5 PCIe 3.0 x16 Video Card (Major Brand Powered by AMD)

Anyway, I hope this helps someone. I'm thrilled because I should be able to run The Sims 4 on this rig with no issue. It is a BEAST! I know I'm missing an SSD drive but I can always add that in myself if I decide to....everything runs so well on my PC that I don't know if I'll bother. From the time I double click the game icon on my desktop to my save file being loaded and ready to play is about 2-3 minutes. Saving takes even less time, about 30 seconds to a minute.

If you do order through CyberPowerPC make sure to do your research first or have someone who is computer literate help you pick the components for your rig because apparently if you pick components that aren't compatible the guys at CyberPowerPC won't always contact you to let you know. I also strongly recommend using their official forum if you need help piecing a system together. The guys on the forum are incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and very kind.

Happy Simming, everyone!

ETA: Correction - I timed it last night and my PC actually takes about 7 minutes from desktop to having my save file loaded, ready to play. I have all EPs, all SPs except for Katy Perry and the Movie one. I also have quite a bit of custom content - mostly clothes, make up, hair and furniture. And I have some Store content.

[LivvieLove]

You need to find out EXACTLY what card is in it.

5000 series could be anything from a low end 5300-odd to a high end 5900 series... and there is a massive difference between the two.

EDIT: Also, just as a point, I find high-end AMD Radeon's to be good for gaming. My desktop runs a Radeon 5870 and can -still- run Watch_Dogs and Wolfenstein on high settings.

Mine was a 7770, it's just not as well put together as NVidia.

[KhaineGB]

Ahhhh, they did kinda go to crap in the 6000-series, unfortunately

[arielj]

Hi,
So I'm looking to buy a laptop for myself that I can word process, use the internet ect. and light gaming, the main game I want to play is the Sims 3.
I've done a bit of research and used some websites where you enter CPU, GPU and RAM specifications and it tells you how well the Sims will run on a computer of those specifications.
The website in question is this one http://www.game-debate.com/games/index.php?g_id=56&game=Sims%203
The laptop that looks most suitable to what I want, within my price range (Under $600 AUD , preferably under $500 AUD) is this Toshiba Satellite C50D:
http://www.harveynorman.com.au/computers-tablets/computers/laptops/toshiba-satellite-c50d-a03j-laptop.html
Here is Toshiba's site on it:
http://www.mytoshiba.com.au/products/computers/satellite/c50/pscfwa-03j00k/specifications
My problem is that the gaming website that it should be able to run TS3 at medium to high settings, BUT the laptop only has  a 1.0Ghz processor, my research has told me that you need at least 2.0Ghz.
So does anybody with a bit more knowledge than me know if this laptop is suitable to play the Sims 3?

[KhaineGB]

Personally, I would not touch a laptop or desktop under 2ghz at LEAST for The Sims 3. For one, it doesn't feel very well optimized for dual core or above. It will use them, but it just doesn't seem to do so well For another, Sims 3 uses a LOT of CPU processing to handle all the background stuff you can't see (specifically Story Progression on NPC families).

I also suspect you're going to struggle to get a laptop for gaming with your budget, but I'll have a look at that site shortly and see if I can find something. You -will- struggle to get something for under $500.

EDIT: I would look at this one.

http://www.harveynorman.com.au/computers-tablets/computers/laptops/toshiba-satellite-c50d-a025-laptop.html

It's only 1.5Ghz, which is still under the 2ghz. But it IS a quad core... hopefully that will help even if the other cores just deal with windows stuff while one works hard on running Sims 3. The graphics card is ok, as is the RAM and HDD.

EDIT 2: Game Debate says that laptop should be fine for Sims 3. You might struggle above medium settings though, but I think a quad core and that extra .5ghz will really make a difference. Unfortunately, it's only -just- under your $600 budget.

[rafaeldece]

Hi. First of all, I would like to say that I really like your website.
The thing is that I´m thinking of buying a new laptop. But, I'm not very smart when it comes to the specifications that a laptop needs to run the way I want it to run. The main game that I'm planning on to play with, is The Sims 3 and some of it's expansions. I've been searching online some gaming laptops, and I really liked this one: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus-15-6-touch-screen-laptop-intel-core-i7-8gb-memory-1tb-hard-drive-aluminum-black/3703007.p?id=1219093053506&skuId=3703007&st=pcmcat287600050003_categoryid$abcat0502000&cp=1&lp=8

The thing is that I don't know if that laptop is going to run The Sims 3 and it's expansions with medium-high settings on (and without crashing, lagging, etc.). I'd really like to hear your opinion and the advices you could give me about this thing. Thank you very much beforehand.

PD: Sorry if my english is not good enough; it is not my native lenguage and I'm studying it.

[KhaineGB]

Core i7 CPU running at 1.8Ghz... (Only a dual-core model though)

GeForce 745M dedicated card with 2GB RAM and then 8GB of system memory.

The CPU -might- cause an issue here, but it is a 4th gen i7, so you might get away with it. The graphics card and RAM are absolutely fine otherwise.

EDIT: Wait, that CPU can turbo-boost to 3ghz. You should be fine on medium settings, MAYBE high (I'd turn down high detail lots and increase sim detail so your active household looks great. There will just be some lag when you switch to another lot while it renders)

EDIT 2: On Game Debate, that laptop absolutely murders the system requirements for Sims 3: Into The Future, which is probably the most demanding expansion pack.

So you should be fine.

[rafaeldece]

Thank you  KhaineGB  . Should I look up for a laptop with a better processor speed? Or is the Turbo-Boost feature good enough to play the game comfortable?

Thanks again. 

[KhaineGB]

If you can find a laptop with a 2.0ghz CPU, I recommend it.

However, with how that laptop spec flew through Game Debate for system requirements, I think you'll be fine

[sims96fan]

My new desktop arrived!  I'm having problems installing the Samsung EVO 840 SSD though.  I used the Samsung Data Migration software to clone my original HDD and then swapped the SATA connectors, but the BIOS still doesn't recognize the SSD as a bootable drive under boot priority.  I'm using Windows 8.1.  Does anyone have any suggestions please?

EDIT: I finally managed to get it to work.

[SlayRealZ]

Hello' I just registered with the site. I appreciate this topic thread so much as I am in the process of deciding which desktop I would like to purchase or have built solely for the Sims series, including the upcoming Sims 4, web surfing, and paper writing for college. I have been doing major self learning about computer components in order to better understand what will be best. My question is regarding CPU / processors. For example, on Game debates website, the most popular processor for gaming is the intel core i7 4770k quad core 3.5 Ghz (339.00) followed by the AMD fx 8350 8 core 4.0 Ghz (179.99).
Now I have just familiarized myself with what the k, in 4770k means and so excuse me if I sound well, for a lack of better words, dumb.
1) First and foremost, is over clocking as I have learned something that the sims games need? Or benefit from since the locked version of the intel i7 is cheaper at 309.00. Also, can the FX 8350 over clock too?
2) With such a large price difference, I don't understand how the AMD has more cores, and a faster ghz at a lower price. Could you please try to explain to me why this is so?
3) Ultimately, it seems as though you get more bang for your buck with the AMD processors, but is this an avenue worth taking? Is it more beneficial or does it raise the longevity of a gaming computer to go with the more expensive Intel processor?
Thank you so very much if you have a chance to answer my questions, I can not guarantee that I will not have more! have a great day.

Also, one added question! Is it necessary to purchase more than a dual core processor? Thank you.

[LivvieLove]

Hello' I just registered with the site. I appreciate this topic thread so much as I am in the process of deciding which desktop I would like to purchase or have built solely for the Sims series, including the upcoming Sims 4, web surfing, and paper writing for college. I have been doing major self learning about computer components in order to better understand what will be best. My question is regarding CPU / processors. For example, on Game debates website, the most popular processor for gaming is the intel core i7 4770k quad core 3.5 Ghz (339.00) followed by the AMD fx 8350 8 core 4.0 Ghz (179.99).
Now I have just familiarized myself with what the k, in 4770k means and so excuse me if I sound well, for a lack of better words, dumb.
1) First and foremost, is over clocking as I have learned something that the sims games need? Or benefit from since the locked version of the intel i7 is cheaper at 309.00. Also, can the FX 8350 over clock too?
2) With such a large price difference, I don't understand how the AMD has more cores, and a faster ghz at a lower price. Could you please try to explain to me why this is so?
3) Ultimately, it seems as though you get more bang for your buck with the AMD processors, but is this an avenue worth taking? Is it more beneficial or does it raise the longevity of a gaming computer to go with the more expensive Intel processor?
Thank you so very much if you have a chance to answer my questions, I can not guarantee that I will not have more! have a great day.

Also, one added question! Is it necessary to purchase more than a dual core processor? Thank you.

1) First and foremost, is over clocking as I have learned something that the sims games need? Or benefit from since the locked version of the intel i7 is cheaper at 309.00. Also, can the FX 8350 over clock too?
Get the locked version of the processor, the Sims is not a CPU limited game, it's an engine-limited game. It doesn't matter how fast your processor is, as the game will be limited by the engine. Get the cheaper, locked version. If you planned to play many other games it might be fine to mildly overclock the system, but only if that's something you want to do. I'm unsure if the AMD card can be overclocked - by that I mean: any processor *can* be overclocked, it's whether or not it's officially supported is unknown.


2) With such a large price difference, I don't understand how the AMD has more cores, and a faster ghz at a lower price. Could you please try to explain to me why this is so?
Less efficient. I wouldn't know for sure, but my money is on the fact that Intel's Hyper-Threading is more efficient. More cores does not always mean better performance. Always check the benchmarks for each. I usually use Passmark.com for that.


3) Ultimately, it seems as though you get more bang for your buck with the AMD processors, but is this an avenue worth taking? Is it more beneficial or does it raise the longevity of a gaming computer to go with the more expensive Intel processor?
Thank you so very much if you have a chance to answer my questions, I can not guarantee that I will not have more! have a great day.
The only thing you have to keep in mind is once you pick one you're stuck with it (unless you replace your motherboard), because you can only replace the processor with another processor that is similar in pins. Once you pick one or the other you can't switch without changing out your motherboard as well. Once you pick Intel, you can only replace it with Intel - and only an Intel that has similar pins/placements.

Also, one added question! Is it necessary to purchase more than a dual core processor? Thank you.
Oh my gosh yes. Extremely highly recommended you at least get a quad core. Dual core is only good for low-end laptops these days. On a brand new computer, you would be throwing away your money if you picked that.

[KhaineGB]

2) With such a large price difference, I don't understand how the AMD has more cores, and a faster ghz at a lower price. Could you please try to explain to me why this is so?
Less efficient. I wouldn't know for sure, but my money is on the fact that Intel's Hyper-Threading is more efficient. More cores does not always mean better performance. Always check the benchmarks for each. I usually use Passmark.com for that.

In regards to this, Intel CPU's are MUCH more efficient than AMD ones. Raw GHZ doesn't mean a thing these days. You can turn off the hyperthreading on a Core i7 CPU and it will still outperform an AMD 8-core for gaming.

Hyperthreading is more for heavy CPU tasks, like compressing and decompressing files, video editing, etc. The Core i5 CPU's are cheaper than the i7's and still very good for gaming.

[SlayRealZ]

Thank you so much Livvie and Khaine for answering my questions.