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fmlovetm3's avatar
fmlovetm3
Seasoned Newcomer
17 days ago

Sims 3 Lagging Severely Despite High-End PC – Need Help

Hi everyone,

I recently purchased The Sims 3 hoping to enjoy its unique gameplay, as I’ve always heard great things about it. However, my experience has been incredibly frustrating due to constant lag and stuttering.

For reference, my system specs are:

GPU: RTX 3060
CPU: 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12400F @ 2.50GHz
RAM: 32GB

My computer runs The Sims 4 flawlessly on ultra settings with 200+ Sims in a zone, so I expected The Sims 3 to perform even better. Unfortunately, even on the lowest graphic settings, The Sims 3 constantly freezes. Every time I move the mouse or try to scroll around, there's a 2–3 second stutter or freeze.

I've already tried many popular fixes and performance guides from YouTube and forums (e.g., NRAAS mods, graphics rules tweaks, reducing town population), but nothing has helped so far.

I even attempted to get a refund (still within the 14-day window), but it was denied because it didn’t meet the refund policy.

I’d really appreciate any advice or solutions that could help make the game playable. I want to love The Sims 3, but right now it’s unplayable.

Thanks in advance!

3 Replies

  • fmlovetm3​  First, please remove any files recommended by that video, and run a game repair.  It looks like you're running a Steam install, so that would be Sims 3 > Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of the game files.  The suggestions in the video are mostly unnecessary, often counterproductive, and often outright harmful.  Even aside from that, it's always best to start vanilla, or close to it, and only make changes gradually, observing the effects before implementing anything else.

    Please also move or rename the Sims 3 folder in Documents > Electronic Arts so the game can't read it.  A new folder will spawn when you open the launcher.  Don't add anything to it yet; just start a new save in Sunset Valley and see how it runs.  You don't even need NRaas mods for a new save in SV to run well for a little while, much less so it's a good test.

    The fps counter is just a number in the upper-right corner that reflects the game's current framerates.  It's a way to confirm that your fps limit is working, and it's critical to do so.

  • fmlovetm3's avatar
    fmlovetm3
    Seasoned Newcomer
    17 days ago

    I bought and installed all the DLCs at once before playing.

    The game lagged right from the beginning — even during Create-a-Sim. I tried playing in three of the top recommended worlds, but the lag was still severe during gameplay.

    I set the game to cap at 60 FPS and adjusted the settings to default and even lower, but it didn’t help.

    I’m not sure about the FPS counter you mentioned, but I did follow acottonsock’s instructions (from the popular performance guide). Unfortunately, it didn’t solve the problem either.

    EVERY Sims 3 Fix for Smooth Gameplay in 2025! (The NEW & DEFINITIVE Guide)

     

  • fmlovetm3​  What world(s) are you playing in, and how does the game run in Sunset Valley?  What expansion packs have you installed?

    Have you taken steps to limit your in-game framerates, and have you confirmed that the limit is being respected?  You can bring up the cheats console (ctrl-shift-C) and enter fps on to show an fps counter in the upper-right corner of the screen.

    Please also provide a dxdiag.  Click Windows key-R, enter dxdiag in the run box, wait for the scan to finish, click "Save all information," and save the file to your desktop.  From there, you can attach it to a reply using the paper clip (Attachment) icon included with the other formatting buttons.

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