Will this CPU and graphics card handle TS3?
I recently got a new computer with i7-2600 processor (3.4ghz) and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 650 card. The computer was a replacement for one that got damaged in transit, so I couldn't choose the specs. I ...
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This computer should be able to run Sims 3, provided it's still in good shape overall, but high graphics settings may be too much to ask. There's no harm in trying though—if you're not happy with the performance, you can dial some settings back to medium or disable Pets and see how it goes.
You could replace the processor, but only with a second- or third-gen Intel CPU, so an i7-3770K at best. The socket on the motherboard doesn't support anything newer. Whether this is worth doing would depend in part on the price of a better CPU, but it may not be necessary or even helpful, depending on the graphics card you end up using: the GPU may well be the limiting factor, not the processor.
The graphics card is certainly replaceable, and in normal times you could find something else used but newer and faster for a very reasonable price. Right now, the secondhand market is still pretty outrageous, although it's getting better, so your best bet might be to wait a few months and see how this computer performs.
If and when you do want a new card, you'll need to make sure your power supply supports it. I don't know what PSU is in this system, but a GTX 650 only requires a 400W model, so that might be all you have. In that case, you wouldn't want to buy anything that required more power, but for example a 960 or 1050 ti should be fine. Be sure to check the specs before buying though, and go through a retailer that allows for returns for defective products, or if you buy from someone directly, test out the card before paying.
Start out not running anything aside from Sims 3 and see how the game performs, and you can go from there.
You could replace the processor, but only with a second- or third-gen Intel CPU, so an i7-3770K at best. The socket on the motherboard doesn't support anything newer. Whether this is worth doing would depend in part on the price of a better CPU, but it may not be necessary or even helpful, depending on the graphics card you end up using: the GPU may well be the limiting factor, not the processor.
The graphics card is certainly replaceable, and in normal times you could find something else used but newer and faster for a very reasonable price. Right now, the secondhand market is still pretty outrageous, although it's getting better, so your best bet might be to wait a few months and see how this computer performs.
If and when you do want a new card, you'll need to make sure your power supply supports it. I don't know what PSU is in this system, but a GTX 650 only requires a 400W model, so that might be all you have. In that case, you wouldn't want to buy anything that required more power, but for example a 960 or 1050 ti should be fine. Be sure to check the specs before buying though, and go through a retailer that allows for returns for defective products, or if you buy from someone directly, test out the card before paying.
Start out not running anything aside from Sims 3 and see how the game performs, and you can go from there.
