Buying a Desktop or Laptop for The Sims 3

[Flynn Arrowstarr]

Ohh MrsFlynn, that would be really awesome help for me!! 
I donot even know what is low voltage processor...

I am not from USA, I am from Turkey but if i somehow know the model, i can searh through here or if there is very huge differences (moneywise) in my country, i can try to buy through online...
my budget is "below 800 usd".. is it too low?

the sites i use as per below,

http://www.exa.com.tr/kategori/notebook-323/
http://www.vatanbilgisayar.com/notebook/
http://www.hepsiburada.com/liste/dizustu-bilgisayar-laptop/department.aspx?categoryId=98

or there is these first 3 computers that i can try to buy with streching my budget..are they ok? can i find something cheaper with these prospects?

http://www.monsternotebook.com.tr/arama/hizliErisim.aspx?lang=tr-TR&tip=U&text=abra&gclid=CO2D9qjCzMICFbMatAodSz8Aiw

I really really need to convince my husband to buy this monster computers 

thank you for the prompt reply

Hi, missyangel87.

The first system on the Monster page for 2499 TL should do just fine. It has an excellent video card, the faster video memory and a decent-sized hard drive for a little under $1100 USD. It's over the budget and you will need to supply your own copy of Windows, but it should play the game quite nicely on high settings.

Otherwise, there are some systems closer to your price range on the other sites that should play well on medium to high settings. Let me know if you have any questions on a specific system and I'll check in to it.

Flynn

[Flynn Arrowstarr]

I'm buying a new desktop computer soon and don't understand much about how they work....

I want to buy one from www.futureshop.ca  since I have a gift-card that will save me some money.

 I would like to play The Sims 3 with all the expansions.

I'm looking to spend no more than $700....

Can anyone help me find one that will work for this purpose? 

Hi, avalonmeow.

This HP system should do pretty well out of the box on medium settings. You may want to consider updating the video card and power supply down the road for better performance at the highest settings, but until then, it should do quite nicely with what's included.

Hope this helps, and happy Simming.

Flynn

[missyangel87]

Hi, missyangel87.

The first system on the Monster page for 2499 TL should do just fine. It has an excellent video card, the faster video memory and a decent-sized hard drive for a little under $1100 USD. It's over the budget and you will need to supply your own copy of Windows, but it should play the game quite nicely on high settings.

Otherwise, there are some systems closer to your price range on the other sites that should play well on medium to high settings. Let me know if you have any questions on a specific system and I'll check in to it.

Flynn

hello Flynn Arrowstarr and nice to meet you!

Thank you for helping me!! I will try to go through Monster,but the price is my one month wage(i work 5dys,50 hrs+some overtime)! *embrassed*
Can you also show me an alternative system tt closer my price range? If it is not too much trouble ofc! >.<
Also good thing is i have windows 7 64 bit copy, so i will at least be saved there

Thank you again all for the hospitality and help!

cheers xx

[Flynn Arrowstarr]

hello Flynn Arrowstarr and nice to meet you!

Thank you for helping me!! I will try to go through Monster,but the price is my one month wage(i work 5dys,50 hrs+some overtime)! *embrassed*
Can you also show me an alternative system tt closer my price range? If it is not too much trouble ofc! >.<
Also good thing is i have windows 7 64 bit copy, so i will at least be saved there

Thank you again all for the hospitality and help!

cheers xx

Well, if you don't mind medium settings, this MSI system should do pretty well. It has a good processor and decent graphics card. While the system has a 1920x1080 display, you'll want to lower the in-game resolution to 1366x768 to help increase the performance.

Along the same lines there is this ASUS system which should perform as well as the MSI above, but you will want to add another 4 GB of memory to it before playing the game.

And, one more to look at that should also play well at medium settings is this Lenovo system. It's a less expensive system that should play well and you don't need to add any memory to it.

Hope this helps and happy Simming!

Flynn

[missyangel87]

Well, if you don't mind medium settings, this MSI system should do pretty well. It has a good processor and decent graphics card. While the system has a 1920x1080 display, you'll want to lower the in-game resolution to 1366x768 to help increase the performance.

Along the same lines there is this ASUS system which should perform as well as the MSI above, but you will want to add another 4 GB of memory to it before playing the game.

And, one more to look at that should also play well at medium settings is this Lenovo system. It's a less expensive system that should play well and you don't need to add any memory to it.

Hope this helps and happy Simming!



Flynn

Hello Flynn,

Thanks lot, will keep them in my mind!!

In the end together with my husband we meet in the middle, he told me he is not comfortable to buy Monster due to the unknown brand, but he is willingly to add a bit more and actually buy one of these below machines... which i believe it's ok? Is it? Oh beswide my sims 3 games, my hubby will play "sniper: ghost warrior 2".. (http://sniperghostwarrior2.com/ ) 

http://www.hepsiburada.com/liste/lenovo-y5070-intel-core-i7-4710hq-25ghz-35ghz-16gb-1tb-156-tasinabilir-bilgisayar-59-432245/productDetails.aspx?productId=bd802075&categoryId=98

http://www.hepsiburada.com/liste/msi-ge70-apache-2pc-460xtr-intel-core-i5-4210h-29ghz-35ghz-8gb-1tb-173-tasinabilir-bilgisayar/productDetails.aspx?productId=bd801696&categoryId=98

My concern is if i buy lenovo laptop, it's windows 8.1... will that cause problems at sims 3? because i know the base game not fit for that one?

I apologize many many times for all the hassle i caused, but i didnt know there is soo much to consider... also i have only one shot at choosing one ... 

Thank you again xxx

missy

[Flynn Arrowstarr]

Hello Flynn,

Thanks lot, will keep them in my mind!!

In the end together with my husband we meet in the middle, he told me he is not comfortable to buy Monster due to the unknown brand, but he is willingly to add a bit more and actually buy one of these below machines... which i believe it's ok? Is it? Oh beswide my sims 3 games, my hubby will play "sniper: ghost warrior 2".. (http://sniperghostwarrior2.com/ ) 

http://www.hepsiburada.com/liste/lenovo-y5070-intel-core-i7-4710hq-25ghz-35ghz-16gb-1tb-156-tasinabilir-bilgisayar-59-432245/productDetails.aspx?productId=bd802075&categoryId=98

http://www.hepsiburada.com/liste/msi-ge70-apache-2pc-460xtr-intel-core-i5-4210h-29ghz-35ghz-8gb-1tb-173-tasinabilir-bilgisayar/productDetails.aspx?productId=bd801696&categoryId=98

My concern is if i buy lenovo laptop, it's windows 8.1... will that cause problems at sims 3? because i know the base game not fit for that one?

I apologize many many times for all the hassle i caused, but i didnt know there is soo much to consider... also i have only one shot at choosing one ... 

Thank you again xxx

missy

Not a hassle at all.

I would go with the Lenovo. It has a couple of advantages over the MSI including slightly better graphics card, double the dedicated video memory and double the system memory. The two advantages of the MSI (faster base processor speed and higher speed hard drive) should be equaled out through the Lenovo's extra memory. One thing to consider is updating the hard drive to a solid state drive at a later date to increase the system's speed.

As for Windows 8.1, it is faster than Windows 7 and Sims 3 works just fine in it once you patch the game to the latest version. There are some problems in Windows 8.1 with older games, but most games work just fine. For any that give you problems, chances are you can find help online as a number of fans for different games have made custom patches, scripts and other resources to help games run smoothly.

Hope this helps and happy Simming!

Flynn

[missyangel87]

Not a hassle at all.

I would go with the Lenovo. It has a couple of advantages over the MSI including slightly better graphics card, double the dedicated video memory and double the system memory. The two advantages of the MSI (faster base processor speed and higher speed hard drive) should be equaled out through the Lenovo's extra memory. One thing to consider is updating the hard drive to a solid state drive at a later date to increase the system's speed.

As for Windows 8.1, it is faster than Windows 7 and Sims 3 works just fine in it once you patch the game to the latest version. There are some problems in Windows 8.1 with older games, but most games work just fine. For any that give you problems, chances are you can find help online as a number of fans for different games have made custom patches, scripts and other resources to help games run smoothly.

Hope this helps and happy Simming!

Flynn

Thank you thank you thank you!!! Oh by the way wish you all and your families merry Christmas!!! 

We just ordered Lenova Laptop, hope it will arrive timely and well! unfo since this is a campaign,they didnt give me windows 8 or blw option...but we will see i guess. I still have windows 7  but perhaps i would be wise to download all games first and try if it gives me trouble..if it is then i will ask my friend to change it windows 7.. which i believe it will cover!

Hope slow hard drive speed wont effect my gaming much, but i plan to stick with medium settings, only i want to have high settings when i am taking a photo of the lots i create!

Thank you very much again for the help, hope it will arrive quickly as they promised and with good condititon!

[spacdude]

Hi

I'm the UK and am trying to help my sister choose a new laptop for running The Sims 3 as her current 5 year old Acer is dragging its heels now.

Budget is £500-700, I looked at this on the cheaper end but I don't think it will do the job even for medium settings:

http://www.ebuyer.com/655104-acer-aspire-e5-571-laptop-nx-ml8ek-015

Has anyone got any ideas of possible laptops?

[Olive-Pixels]

Hello,

A few weeks ago I posted in the forum asking about your thoughts on the HP Envy 17t and after your advice I'd made my decision to purchase. Little did I know, my lovely boyfriend surprised me with a new HP 18-5110 for Christmas! I am very grateful for the gift but after looking up the specs, I realized that the computer doesn't meet the minimum requirements for both the sims 3 and the sims 4. So my question is: what should I upgrade on the computer in order to make it perform at medium high to high settings?

Games: (The Sims 4, Sims 3, several EPs, one SP, CC, and store content)

http://store.hp.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/us/en/pdp/desktops/hp-18-5110-all-in-one-desktop-pc-energy-star

[Flynn Arrowstarr]

Hello,

A few weeks ago I posted in the forum asking about your thoughts on the HP Envy 17t and after your advice I'd made my decision to purchase. Little did I know, my lovely boyfriend surprised me with a new HP 18-5110 for Christmas! I am very grateful for the gift but after looking up the specs, I realized that the computer doesn't meet the minimum requirements for both the sims 3 and the sims 4. So my question is: what should I upgrade on the computer in order to make it perform at medium high to high settings?

Games: (The Sims 4, Sims 3, several EPs, one SP, CC, and store content)

http://store.hp.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/us/en/pdp/desktops/hp-18-5110-all-in-one-desktop-pc-energy-star

Hi, Olive-Pixels.

Unfortunately, one of the problems with an all-in-one system is it's about as upgradeable as a laptop - meaning memory and hard drive (and sometimes not even the hard drive is accessible for replacement). So, it pretty much means there's not a lot you can do to make the system run either game. If he's open to it, return the computer and see about getting the HP Envy. Along with re-assurances that you really, really appreciate the gesture.

Flynn

[Flynn Arrowstarr]

Hi

I'm the UK and am trying to help my sister choose a new laptop for running The Sims 3 as her current 5 year old Acer is dragging its heels now.

Budget is £500-700, I looked at this on the cheaper end but I don't think it will do the job even for medium settings:

http://www.ebuyer.com/655104-acer-aspire-e5-571-laptop-nx-ml8ek-015

Has anyone got any ideas of possible laptops?

Hi, spacdude.

It's cool that you're helping your sister out like that.

You're right in that this laptop won't run the game on medium settings. In fact, it will struggle to run the game at all. The three biggest problems are the processor, the graphics chip and the memory.

For the processor, Sims 3 requires a minimum of a 2.4 GHz processor to run the game on Windows Vista, 7, or 8/8.1. This processor can use Turbo Boost to get just above those speeds, but it will generate some heat while doing so. And, that's only when it's connected to power. If it's running off battery, the system will throttle the processor's speed to save power.

On the graphics, there is no dedicated graphics chip. Instead, it's using the Intel HD series graphics that is built onto the processor. These have known issues with crashing in The Sims 3, and has no dedicated graphics memory of its own. Meaning it will pilfer the memory from the computer.

Which brings me to the memory. When running games like The Sims 3, the more memory you have on the system, the better. This system has 4 GB of memory, but with 64-bit Windows, I would recommend a minimum of 8 GB memory. The system will reserve so much memory for each application running (Windows services, anti-virus, etc.), and The Sims 3 can use up to 4 GB of memory just on its own.

In short, here's what you want to look for in a laptop for The Sims 3:

• Processor with 2.4 GHz or better base clock speed.
• Dedicated video card (such as an nVidia GT 740M) with at least 1 GB dedicated memory.
• 8 GB memory.

I haven't looked fully at this site yet, but I'll keep looking and also take a look at a few other UK sites and see what I can find. I'll post any suggestions I come across.

Here's a sample of what I'm talking about -- MSI GP70 2PE. It's £30 over your budget, but it will get the job done at medium to med-high settings.

Flynn

[spacdude]

Hi, spacdude.

It's cool that you're helping your sister out like that.

You're right in that this laptop won't run the game on medium settings. In fact, it will struggle to run the game at all. The three biggest problems are the processor, the graphics chip and the memory.

For the processor, Sims 3 requires a minimum of a 2.4 GHz processor to run the game on Windows Vista, 7, or 8/8.1. This processor can use Turbo Boost to get just above those speeds, but it will generate some heat while doing so. And, that's only when it's connected to power. If it's running off battery, the system will throttle the processor's speed to save power.

On the graphics, there is no dedicated graphics chip. Instead, it's using the Intel HD series graphics that is built onto the processor. These have known issues with crashing in The Sims 3, and has no dedicated graphics memory of its own. Meaning it will pilfer the memory from the computer.

Which brings me to the memory. When running games like The Sims 3, the more memory you have on the system, the better. This system has 4 GB of memory, but with 64-bit Windows, I would recommend a minimum of 8 GB memory. The system will reserve so much memory for each application running (Windows services, anti-virus, etc.), and The Sims 3 can use up to 4 GB of memory just on its own.

In short, here's what you want to look for in a laptop for The Sims 3:

• Processor with 2.4 GHz or better base clock speed.
• Dedicated video card (such as an nVidia GT 740M) with at least 1 GB dedicated memory.
• 8 GB memory.

I haven't looked fully at this site yet, but I'll keep looking and also take a look at a few other UK sites and see what I can find. I'll post any suggestions I come across.

Here's a sample of what I'm talking about -- MSI GP70 2PE. It's £30 over your budget, but it will get the job done at medium to med-high settings.

Flynn

Hi Flynn thank you for your advice, I shall take all of that under advisement and continue to look along those lines. I had a feeling it may be more than the budget we had in mind!

In fact this might do the job on our budget http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lenovo-G50-70-15-6-inch-Laptop-Black/dp/B00LLE6RCE/ref=sr_1_5?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1419692884&sr=1-5#productDetails

Lenovo G50-70 15.6-inch Laptop (Black) - (Intel Core i7-4510U 2.0 GHz, 8 GB RAM, 2 GB Dedicated Graphics

[Flynn Arrowstarr]

Hi Flynn thank you for your advice, I shall take all of that under advisement and continue to look along those lines. I had a feeling it may be more than the budget we had in mind!

In fact this might do the job on our budget http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lenovo-G50-70-15-6-inch-Laptop-Black/dp/B00LLE6RCE/ref=sr_1_5?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1419692884&sr=1-5#productDetails

Lenovo G50-70 15.6-inch Laptop (Black) - (Intel Core i7-4510U 2.0 GHz, 8 GB RAM, 2 GB Dedicated Graphics

Nice laptop, but the processor is still a little under the recommended clock speed for the game. What do you think of this Toshiba? It has a dual-core 2.5 GHz processor and a 2 GB nVidia GT 740M chip that should run the game just fine on medium settings. It's within your limit as well at £684.05.

Flynn

[spacdude]

Nice laptop, but the processor is still a little under the recommended clock speed for the game. What do you think of this Toshiba? It has a dual-core 2.5 GHz processor and a 2 GB nVidia GT 740M chip that should run the game just fine on medium settings. It's within your limit as well at £684.05.

Flynn

Thanks Flynn i'll send it onto my sister really appreciated.

[spacdude]

How about this one, http://www.amazon.co.uk/Acer-Aspire-V3-771G-17-3-inch-Laptop/dp/B00CFHPGCS/ref=sr_1_127?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1419774199&sr=1-127

My concern is the graphics card.