Can I run the Sims 3 on these specs?
Hi all, I've tried googling the answer to this, but I unfortunately am not very tech savvy and could really use someone else's help with understanding the needed computer specs for this game. I am ...
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@ssaunders474 No, this computer won't run TS3 very well, especially not with most EPs in the picture. It's processor is U-series, for ultra-low power, meaning it throttles power compared to its stronger cousins. It only has an integrated graphics card, which wouldn't be able to handle Pets or Seasons. This system would probably be fine with a couple of early packs, but that's about it.
For a desktop that will run all expansions (or all but ITF) on high settings, you need a few things:
- an Intel i5 or i7 processor or AMD equivalent, at least 2.4 GHz, and not U- or Y-series
- 6 GB RAM, although 8 is better; having 16 would be great for other tasks and future-proofing but isn't necessary for TS3
- a dedicated graphics card, at least an Nvidia 1050 or AMD equivalent
- a hard drive of at least 512 GB. An SSD is nice but not necessary. With a C drive that's 256 GB or smaller (whether SSD or HDD), you'll need to install TS3 and keep its game folder on a secondary, larger internal drive, or you'll run out of storage quickly
A desktop that meets these requirements will generally cost around $800 U.S., although now is obviously a great time for deals. You'll be better off looking at other brands, though—HP products are usually overpriced for their hardware. Brands like MSI, ASUS, or Acer will usually be of higher quality and have better cooling as well. TS3 demands a lot of a graphics card and therefore generates plenty of heat, so an inadequate cooling system can be a serious issue.
If you'd like someone to help you pick out a specific computer, please post your budget and country, as well as any other hardware you'd like included (monitor, etc.) and anything else you need your computer to do.
Thank you for your help! Ideally, I'd like to keep my budget around $800 or less, but I have a bit of wiggle room and could spend up to $900 or so. I'd like that price to include everything, like monitor. I live in the US. I am getting a computer for the sole purpose of playing this game and a few others that are far less demanding, so I don't need to worry about it accommodating much else. 🙂
@ssaunders474 I found a few options for you; if no one else weighs in, these will certainly play TS3 with all packs on high settings.
This one is on sale for $650. It's a mid-level desktop, not really suitable for intense gaming, but it's a good place to start, especially if you want to save money:
This one is also from Acer, priced at $768 and a bit of an upgrade:
This one is $794, and its reviews are very good (better than the two above) except for the cooling—you'd need to make sure you had sufficient airflow during long gaming sessions:
These all have 8 GB RAM but can be upgraded if and when you want. TS3 doesn't need more, but in the future, you may decide you need it for other purposes.
None of these come with monitors, but you can buy one easily enough at Best Buy, Walmart, etc. And you might want to check out the displays in person, since you'll be the one staring at one of them. You don't have to get an expensive model, either; it's easy enough to upgrade later.
Finally, when you do get your computer, you'll need to take steps to limit the in-game frame rates. TS3 has no fps limiter of its own, and all these cards are powerful enough to damage themselves from overwork if fps isn't capped. It's very easy to do, but there's really no point until you've set up the computer.
