Sims 3 Performance with Large Worlds
As I mentioned above the older and less powerful of the three machines I have tried my world (and other large worlds) has a save error 12 problems. The statement -
“It runs well on an older machine that has a 3.06 GHz duo processor, 4 GB RAM, and a GeForce 9800 with 1 GB of video RAM. This machine runs Windows XP - 32 bit version. This machine gets a code 12 (file save error due to memory problems) when running the fully populated version. This machine has had problems running large worlds in the past (Union Cove), but the portable did not have trouble with this world. I always run with Memories Disabled because memory storage contributes to save file blot. When I reduce the video resolution, and run the unpopulated world with only 3 of my families I can do successful saves after 20 minutes of play on the older machine.”
Windows - 32 bit will not provide all of the 4 GB of RAM on this computer as useable. A 32 bit operating system can only address 4GB – 2 raised to the power of 32. The operating system takes away some of that and with a 256 MB video card you get 3.3 – 3.5 GB of usable RAM. Somewhere along the line I had upgraded the video card to 1 GB and this machine only addressed 2.39 GB – almost half my RAM was not useable. I believe that was the cause of performance and code 12 errors.
With the end of Windows XP support, I decided to update to windows 7 Pro - 64 bit. I first ran the windows upgrade advisor to make sure the hardware would support Windows 7 and 64 – bits. It would. I collected Windows 7 drivers, backed up my data, bought Windows 7 Pro – 64 bit operating system, and installed it and Sims 3.
With the same configuration of hardware and Windows 7 Pro – 64 bit I now have 2.97 GB of addressable RAM. I ran a Passmark benchmark and got almost the same rating as before. The new operating system had not ruined performance.
I ran my world, Housenfluke Island, with all families (previously 3 now 24), with full video resolution (previously reduced video performance now full performance and 1280 x 1024) , and played for an hour (previously a half hour). I did a save and it was successful. If you travel a lot (WA or Into the Future, the save file will grow and you might want to save more often. For me an hour of play is usually 24 hours of Sim time and I save around midnight each day.
My recommendations:
1 – Never buy a 64 32 bit operating system – Windows 7 – 32 bit will address less than 4 GB of RAM, Windows 7 Home – 64 bit will only address 8 GB of RAM. Home Premium will address 16 GB. Pro and above will address 192 GB. I don’t know about Windows 8, but expect it is similar. Edit 5/12/15 Said it wrong sorry.
2 – If you have the means (skill and money) upgrade to a 64 bit operating system.
3 – If you have the means upgrade your hard disk to a solid state drive (SSD). Saves run a lot faster and boot up is almost instant.
Hope this helps.
