Which desktop will run the sims 3 better?
Hello! My workplace is closing down and since they no longer need their equipment they've offered me one of their desktop computers. I've always wanted a desktop to play the Sims 3 on, however I'm not really sure if either computer can, or which will better run the game plus some expansion packs and CC to a playable degree. I'm not very tech-savvy but from what research I've done online it seems like each computer has good aspects that the other one doesn't, so If anyone could give me input on which of these options sounds better overall I'd be very appreciative.
Computer 1:
- A much older Dell Inc. Optiplex 7040 operating with Windows 10 pro 64-bit (released in 2015)
- Processor: Intel core i5-6500 CPU @ 3.20GHz
- Quad core
- System RAM: 8GB
- Graphics card: AMD Radeon R5 340 with 2028MB VRAM
- 148GB SATA storage drive (i think its an HDD but unsure)
Computer 2:
- An HP all in one 27-dp1002 operating with Windows 11 Home 64-bit
- Processor: 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1165G7 @ 2.8GHz up to 4.7GHz with Turbo boost using a single core
- Quad core
- System RAM: 16GB
- Graphics card: Intel Iris Xe Graphics card with 128MB VRAM (except I've heard this isn't actually true for these integrated Intel GPUs)
- 512GB NVMe SSD storage
I'm looking to use the PC solely for the sims 3, maybe rhino 7 for simple 3d models as well if the specs are good enough to do both; but sims is the main priority. I'm not looking to install every expansion pack, but Seasons, Pets, Supernatural, and Island Paradise are a must. I'm also not particularly picky about playing on ultra quality or anything, but as long as it's got reasonable load times with the extra content thats good enough for me.
If theres also anything I can do to improve a particular spec for either computer I'm happy to spend a bit extra on that, but don't particularly want to open up the computers if I don't have to since I wouldn't really know what I'd be doing. The final option is that maybe I can take the newer desktop and trade it in for something better, in which case, I'll gladly take recommendations. Just figured if I can use one of these it'd be better than buying a whole new PC.
Thanks!
@clairea732 The second option is clearly better than the first in the ways that matter. The first one is more upgradable in theory, but in practice, case size and proprietary hardware mean that's not a sure thing for any given component with the exception of the processor, which is the only one that's completely fine. The second one is about as upgradable as a laptop, which is to say not much, but it doesn't really need an upgrade to run Sims 3 reasonably well.
The limiting factor with either computer would be the GPU. The graphics chip in the i7-1165G7 is much faster than the R5 340 even though the latter is a dedicated card; integrated chips have come a long way in the last few years. And you're right that iGPUs don't actually have their own memory, just a bit they reserve within main memory, but they can borrow more as necessary, and the speed will be fast enough, for the most part, for your purposes.
I've heard from a few people who play Sims 3 on this processor and graphics chip and the next one down, and they've said they can run all packs with a mix of high and ultra settings. So at worst, you might need to play on high rather than ultra, and I wouldn't play at a higher resolution than 1920x1080 (or 1200) even if the screen supports it, as that would increase the demands of the game by a significant amount. But you should be fine running the packs you own, even if Pets and Seasons are the most demanding of the expansions.
If it matters, the second computer would also get you a higher selling price should you choose to flip it.
