Buying a Desktop or Laptop for The Sims 3

[louloulexi]

I've been using the family laptop and it has crashed multiple times now, and I have decided it's time to spend some money and invest in a desktop for my sims! I have pets, island paradise, worlds, seasons and supernatural as well as mass amounts of cc and quite a few mods. I was recommended to use newegg.ca and I have found this computer, however, i am not too sure if the graphic card is suitable? If anybody could review this or suggest a different desktop for less than 2 grand that would be very much appreciated! Thank so much you guys!

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229494

[LivvieLove]

We have a thread for something like this, so I get the feeling a moderator would likely have this merged with that thread (Buying a Desktop or Laptop). Asides from that, let me take a look here.
The graphics card looks iffy, I'm not sure if it would be powerful enough. Honestly, my boyfriend says that if you want something cheap - the overall rig is great, but you could easily swap the card out for Geforce 650 Ti Boost (or just 650 Ti) for about $115 and it's an incredible card (he actually just traded his card out in exchange for that one, and he does a lot of hard core gaming).

The pluses about the computer you've got there are:
>Solid State Drive.
>Plenty of RAM
>Great Processor
>Lots of Storage

I think the computer you have there is awesome, but the graphics is lacking. Unfortunately it's very hard to get a fully built computer with the specs everyone wants these days. I would recommend getting that computer and switching out the graphics card for one that's more capable. I double checked everything, and the cards I recommended would definitely work with that rig (the right pins and power supply). Though I would definitely have this thread merged with Mr.Flynns and see what he has to say. He's usually pretty good about searching for computers with good specs.

[Pam]

Welcome to our Forum, louloulexi.

I'm going to merge this with the thread mentioned by LivvieLove.

[BerryKnight]

Hi, I'm soon to be getting a new laptop, I want it to run Sims 3 with all expansions at least at a playable level (doesn't have to be maxed out 1080p 60fps or whatever)

I went through this thread but there aren't many UK users here, I'd like something for around £500 (maybe as much as £600) if possible, I was thinking of

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/hp-pavilion-15-n276sa-15-6-laptop-red-21862444-pdt.html

Would that be ok?

EDIT: I also just found this one

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/computing/laptops/laptops/hp-pavilion-15-n027sa-15-6-touchscreen-laptop-10002086-pdt.html?sPageInfo=4_20&sSortInfo=relevance-desc?intcmpid=display~RR~Computing~desc

[Flynn Arrowstarr]

Hi, BerryKnight. The second computer looks like it will fit the bill okay. The processor is similar to what MrsFlynn and I have in our laptops and the graphics has dedicated video memory, which is a plus. It should do okay in the laptop's native resolution of 1366 x 768 on medium settings.

One thing to note is because the hard drive is the slower speed 5400 rpm, the game will load fairly slow. Be prepared for a 5 - 10 minute wait for loading the game and saves. Otherwise, the system should perform well. Getting a solid state drive when you are able to afford one should help remedy the load times.

Hope this helps, and happy Simming!

Flynn

[Flynn Arrowstarr]

I've been using the family laptop and it has crashed multiple times now, and I have decided it's time to spend some money and invest in a desktop for my sims! I have pets, island paradise, worlds, seasons and supernatural as well as mass amounts of cc and quite a few mods. I was recommended to use newegg.ca and I have found this computer, however, i am not too sure if the graphic card is suitable? If anybody could review this or suggest a different desktop for less than 2 grand that would be very much appreciated! Thank so much you guys!

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229494

Hi, louloulexi.

The computer itself should perform well. You may want to replace the video card at a later date though, depending on how "pretty" you want the game to look. The graphics card is based on older technology that has been surpassed in even the less-expensive newer cards. I would suggest the nVidia GTX 750 Ti for $159.99. It's a great performer on most games. I have the GTX 650 Ti which is very similar - just a little older. It runs Sims quite well.

Hope this helps, and happy Simming!

Flynn

[Flynn Arrowstarr]

Hi Angelique, yes, the only thing I altered with the computer was the RAM. I installed and patched all 21 games yesterday and moved all my old Store stuff (DC Cache, etc.) and saves back in. Everything works beautifully so far. When I first booted up the game, it told me I had an unrecognized graphics card (running it with the latest drivers). I turned up nearly all of the settings on High and there's no lag, no issues with the graphics. I was pleasantly surprised by the picture quality. Like, wow, I felt like I was seeing the game for the first time.  If I run into any issues in the future, I'll be sure to enlighten the good folks on this forum.

Sounds like things are working out really well. Good to hear.

Flynn

[KhaineGB]

Hi all. I'm looking at throwing a couple of upgrades into my PC, and thus have a query regarding nVidia vs ATI/AMD. First, system specs so you know what I'm upgrading from.

CPU: Intel Core i7 920 (1st gen) OC'ed to 3.9ghz
GFX: AMD Radeon 5870 1GB (currently OC'ed to 900mhz from 800)
RAM: 6GB DDR3-1600

I play other games as well as The Sims 3. For example, I'm currently running through Wolfenstein and Watch_Dogs is pre-ordered. So, time to update the GFX card.

What I'm wondering, is what brand people would recommend for The Sims 3? I'm currently trying to decide between the Radeon R9 280X (I do some video editing and this helps with it) or the nVidia GTX770 (really want to try that open source implementation of Shield to stream games to my laptop!)

Any thoughts?

[Axiom]

I've been looking at desktops to replace my laptop....

I'm not very tech savvy, but I've read you can get better bang for your buck if you go barebones and put together the computer yourself. Has anyone here, who isn't all that tech savvy, done that?

Also, which is better processor-wise: AMD or Intel? For AMD I'm thinking the 8320/8350 series and for Intel, the i5-4k series. AMD tends to be a little less expensive, but I'm kind of partial to Intel. For GPU, I've settled on the Nvidia GTX 650 1gb [which seems to give a reasonable amount of oomph] and 8 GB of RAM.

Also, when's a good time to buy a new desktop?

[KhaineGB]

I'll try and answer a few of these for you...

I've been looking at desktops to replace my laptop....

I'm not very tech savvy, but I've read you can get better bang for your buck if you go barebones and put together the computer yourself. Has anyone here, who isn't all that tech savvy, done that?

This one I can't answer because I've been building PC's for 20 years. These days, it's pretty easy though. Pretty much everything only fits one way. As a rule, if you REALLY have to force it, you're plugging it in wrong.

Also, which is better processor-wise: AMD or Intel? For AMD I'm thinking the 8320/8350 series and for Intel, the i5-4k series. AMD tends to be a little less expensive, but I'm kind of partial to Intel.

Intel is better for gaming. Don't bother with a K series processor. They're for overclockers. (the K means it's multiplier unlocked to make this easier, certainly not something I'd recommend for someone who isn't used to mucking around with a PC BIOS!)

For GPU, I've settled on the Nvidia GTX 650 1gb [which seems to give a reasonable amount of oomph] and 8 GB of RAM.

8GB RAM is good. I would also recommend the GeForce GTX750Ti. It's getting exceptionally good reviews due to the games it can run (Titanfall apparently runs close to maxed out in fullHD - 1080p), so it should eat Sims 3 for breakfast... and possibly desert.

Also, when's a good time to buy a new desktop?

I don't think there's really a "good" time to buy a new desktop. Prices are in near constant flux, so I'd say... set yourself a price limit, save up, and then get what you can at that time. Right now, RAM is fairly cheap and so are hard drives. But all it takes is a flood or a fire in a factory, and prices skyrocket.

[Axiom]

This brings up another question: Do barebones kits come with general instructions on how to put it together?

[KhaineGB]

Not really. You'll have some basic instructions...

Like... your power supply will have a manual that'll tell you what every connector is for, but that's it. Your motherboard manual will tell you the same. That'll give you some idea where everything goes.

Example, the motherboard manual will say RAM slots, PCI-E x16 slot (Tip: That's where your graphics card goes ), ATX Power connector and CPU socket.

Then your power supply will say ATX power connector, ATX 12v connector (this will also be labelled on your motherboard), PCI-E power connector (6 or 8 pin, for graphics cards that need it), SATA power, Molex power... etc.

All of these cables will only fit one way around, so you can't really mess it up. Just take your time and do a lot of reading. It's like building with Lego, except more expensive.

[Flynn Arrowstarr]

Hi all. I'm looking at throwing a couple of upgrades into my PC, and thus have a query regarding nVidia vs ATI/AMD. First, system specs so you know what I'm upgrading from.

CPU: Intel Core i7 920 (1st gen) OC'ed to 3.9ghz
GFX: AMD Radeon 5870 1GB (currently OC'ed to 900mhz from 800)
RAM: 6GB DDR3-1600

I play other games as well as The Sims 3. For example, I'm currently running through Wolfenstein and Watch_Dogs is pre-ordered. So, time to update the GFX card.

What I'm wondering, is what brand people would recommend for The Sims 3? I'm currently trying to decide between the Radeon R9 280X (I do some video editing and this helps with it) or the nVidia GTX770 (really want to try that open source implementation of Shield to stream games to my laptop!)

Any thoughts?

Hi, KhaineGB.

Brand of graphics card is pretty much a personal preference. My preference for desktops is nVidia as my last two desktop cards have been eVGA nVidia cards and I've been pretty satisfied with their price/performance ratio. My current card is an eVGA GeForce GTX 650 Ti with 2 GB memory (not overclocked though I have the software to do so). It does quite well with pretty much anything I throw at it -- Sims 3, Sony Vegas, Skyrim, Borderlands, etc. I haven't tried game streaming with it, though it does support it.

In the end, check the reviews for either card and decide which one works the best for you. I try not to spend more than $150 - $200 for a graphics card as by that time, the price/performance ratio tends to be rather poor.

Hope this helps, and happy Simming!

Flynn

[Flynn Arrowstarr]

This brings up another question: Do barebones kits come with general instructions on how to put it together?

Hi, Axiom.

There are a number of guides online to help you build your computer. Definitely look for more recent guides that explain what the difference is between the different ports and slots on the motherboard. Pay particular attention to the type of processor slot is on the motherboard as it will determine what kind pf processor you can install.

I recently built my latest computer from the ground up after doing a lot of research. It had been nearly 20 years since I last built a computer (an AMD K6-550 MHz system with Windows 98 SE) and a lot had changed. I ended up buying the parts individually rather than getting a kit, but the price isn't much different either way.

Hope this helps, and happy Simming!

Flynn

[KhaineGB]

Hi, KhaineGB.

Brand of graphics card is pretty much a personal preference. My preference for desktops is nVidia as my last two desktop cards have been eVGA nVidia cards and I've been pretty satisfied with their price/performance ratio. My current card is an eVGA GeForce GTX 650 Ti with 2 GB memory (not overclocked though I have the software to do so). It does quite well with pretty much anything I throw at it -- Sims 3, Sony Vegas, Skyrim, Borderlands, etc. I haven't tried game streaming with it, though it does support it.

In the end, check the reviews for either card and decide which one works the best for you. I try not to spend more than $150 - $200 for a graphics card as by that time, the price/performance ratio tends to be rather poor.

Hope this helps, and happy Simming!

Flynn

Oh... it works well with Sony Vegas? That's good to know as I use that myself.

Cheers. I might look into a GTX770 or 780 then. I spend a lot on graphics cards (last one was £300... which I think is about $450 and it's only -just- showing it's age after 5 years!).