You don't need to have an i7. The new i5 quad core for gaming just the sims is fine . i'm not a fan of HP .I have had issues with them on more than one occasion and my personal past experience with them is not good. Their Customer Service is horrible and most are not trained. I would never buy hp for gaming or otherwise but it is your money and your choice. There are companies that make much better gaming laptops but you prefer looks and thinness in a laptop which I personally would not do. Asus ,MSI and a few others are known for having better gaming laptops with much better cooling. i own an Asus Republic of gamers ( ROG) . It is a good sturdy gaming laptop and has excellent cooling. I have never needed a cooling pad while gaming