Solved
CPU NOT COMPATIBLE - UNACCEPTABLE
My CPU is Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 2.50 GHz 2.49 GHz, it is clearly better than one stated in the minimum requirements. The only diference is that mine is a bit older but it doesn't mean that it ain't...
Your CPU does not meet the system requirements, in that POPCNT is a required CPU hardware feature that is not present on your CPU.
I know it does not help, but you are not the only one in that particular boat:
https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues/Cpu-does-not-have-POPCNT-help/m-p/7478453
Sorry ☹️
