Forum Discussion

6 years ago

Solved

Computer specs

I am looking to buy a new gaming computer. I know nothing about computers and specs. I do have Sims 3 and all the packs (except for the Katy Perry one) and Sims 4 and all the packs, I also have quit...

technical issues

puzzlezaddict
6 years ago
@dlarlQma The first one is better overall. The key is that its processor is two years newer and much stronger, meaning that you'll be able to keep this computer for longer, maybe upgrading one or two parts if necessary rather than having to buy an entirely new system. (It's harder to upgrade a processor because that often requires a new motherboard as well, probably a new CPU cooler and possibly even faster RAM, at which point you might as well just get a new computer.)

The advantages of the second computer are that it has more RAM and a slightly stronger graphics card. But you can easily add another 8 GB memory yourself, or have a computer shop do it for you; the 8 GB RAM stick should cost around $40. Although an Nvidia 1660 is a bit slower than a 1660 ti, it's still more than strong enough to run Sims 4 on ultra settings. And again, if the card can't handle a new game you want to play in two or three years, you can just get a new card without replacing anything else about the computer.

puzzlezaddict

Hero+

6 years ago

@dlarlQma Yes, either computer you linked would run Sims 3 on ultra graphics settings without any problems. Two settings—water and high-detail lots—should be turned down a bit because they're demanding on the game engine, not the computer itself, and maxing them out can take resources away from the rest of the game. I keep water on "mirrors only" and high-detail lots on 2.

The other thing you'll need to do is manually limit the frame rates for Sims 3. The built-in fps limiter doesn't work, so you'll have to use an outside tool. I'm happy to help with that if you'd like, but there's no point in going over the details until you have the computer in front of you. There are a few different ways to limit fps, and you might have to experiment a bit. It's always possible to do though.