VERY IMPORTANT information before you purchase

"ClarionOfJoy;c-17163353" wrote:
I figured this out from TS2. If you're going to buy a computer for a new TS iteration, always get a computer with much higher specs than what's posted. Or make sure you have a computer that is easy to upgrade.

I started out with a computer that had the minimum specs posted for TS2, but it got to be too much when adding the packs as they were released. So when I finally had enough money saved for a new one, I made sure that it was far beyond what I think the entire collection needed.

I agree with you though. They SHOULD at least inform people that the spec requirements will probably be far more than the initial posting as the packs are released. They can at least post the MAXIMUM spec requirements if all packs including the new one were installed up to that current point. I don't think that's too much to ask.

This is concerning- because he specifically mentioned needing additional RAM... Most people (though not all) understand needing additional HD space, of course- though (again) that is not necessarily something that non-tech/tech savvy gamers would know- which is preying on common (potential) purchasers. The chat advisor also said to get an official EA person (via the forums) to address this issue.

Figuring this out (needing additional RAM) shouldn't be a thing for people. The site says what the requirements are- but does not mention needing additional RAM with each pack purchased. It should also not make anyone feel shamed for not knowing (because the average purchaser should not have to be tech savvy)- I hope anyone who may be reading this (who did not know this) does not feel like they are to blame, since it absolutely is the responsibility of EA (the company/s) to be very clear, and practice proper business modeling. This is misleading advertising (close enough to false advertising).

Your game is tied to your Origin account. So you can always download it to a new computer.

"MaggieMarley;c-17164582" wrote:
I have all the packs and 16GB RAM. Will that soon cease to be enough?

Yes, apparently. I am trying to get this changed- so that people know the truth about what buying into this franchise means. I just got a response from EA_Jason, and he said: "The Advisor is correct in saying that the HDD space is cumulative, it's even noted on the System Requirements page for the expansions: I believe that the confusion came from the distinction between RAM and HDD space required. It's true that some expansions require more RAM and better specifications, but they are listed on the System Requirements page for that expansion. For example: Island Living lists that you need 4GB of RAM in order to play the expansion." *Edited to add "No, RAM is not cumulative. If you have Island Living and Cats and Dogs, you only need 4GB RAM, not 8."

I responded that it is not, in fact, noted on the system requirements- that an additional (however much GB) is required. EA_Jason cleared this up (see edit), and I explained that I was shocked when the advisor on the official site told me that more RAM is needed per pack. I am asking EA_Jason (now) what specs, exactly, are needed just to get the game running at proper play (utilizing the built in high settings)- because this is very unclear for many players as well.

I am also asking if the advisor at EA was correct when he said "It would still work fine if you have not installed any other application on your PC only use the system to play games."

@MaggieMarley There is a point to where to much ram is less performance at this time period. The most ram tech tubers test new systems is with 32 GB of ram. 16 Gb is enough for awhile.

Since playing sims from the begining I’m aware of updating my computer. I will again at the end of this year or begining of next. Most gamers know they need to keep up their computers.

"BlkBarbiegal;c-17165725" wrote:
Where do go to see how much ram your game is actually using?

go to task manager and look under the "performance" tab

I am not sure how "most potential purchasers" could not be aware that if you add more software, you might need to upgrade your hardware. This is SOP for ANY game or software. It isn't a deceptive business practice to expect people to know what their hardware can reasonably handle when the requirements are clearly laid out. FTR I'm running the game with all packs and an unholy amount of mods and CC on a laptop with 6GB of RAM that I bought in 2014.

"james64468;c-17164764" wrote:
@MaggieMarley There is a point to where to much ram is less performance at this time period. The most ram tech tubers test new systems is with 32 GB of ram. 16 Gb is enough for awhile.

I agree as I do not see no need to go over 16 GB ram for Sims 4 even with additional packs.

"Simpatsyann;c-17165930" wrote:
I am not sure how "most potential purchasers" could not be aware that if you add more software, you might need to upgrade your hardware. This is SOP for ANY game or software. It isn't a deceptive business practice to expect people to know what their hardware can reasonably handle when the requirements are clearly laid out. FTR I'm running the game with all packs and an unholy amount of mods and CC on a laptop with 6GB of RAM that I bought in 2014.

I could list numerous reasons, in fact I did and it all erased by accidentally refreshing. Well the first instance could feasibly be due to the fact we were told by Sims 4 that it would work on windows 7 or w.e which I'm very certain many assumed if they bought an entirely new laptop they would think it would meet it's qualifications since its just a game of Sims. Not everyone is tech savvy, a computer geek (btw I'm not demeaning nerds that's a very attractive quality), or someone who Modifies games or utilizes any of those features for their Sims games, so naturally an average person just wanting to play who doesn't know anything about the CPU or having a fancy processor wouldn't possess this knowledge. Just like when people buy makeup not every female knows you have to get a certain one by your skin type, what kind of look you want, what kind of liner you desire basically going into the smallest details like what mascara bristles to use. My point is some things might be quite super evident to others and some just dabble in it not knowing the extent of their hobby, however even Makeup brands go as far as explaining this or when you go into a store they help you. If you have no knowledge of computer specifications and go to buy one at a retail store most likely they just care about selling their stuff not about what you need to have the right gameplay. That's just one example. When you say update your hard drive frankly I have no idea what you mean. Do I have to buy another computer? Don't answer that just heed my advice just because you know more about a subject does not imply that people should instantly know themselves. When I bought my crappy computer I wasn't too informed but needed something quick because my little brother destroyed mine and was on a budget while I was mourning his death and also trying to heal from dying that night as well in my car. Evidently the specifications was the last thing on my mind. Ive played sims since the beginning so now being informed more about this is all new to me so yes you might as well call me a "most potential purchaser" but like I addressed When EA released the game they all had us under the impression it was equipped to play on many window operating systems. The most I ever did to "update" was getting a new laptop so no not everyone is well informed. @BlkBarbiegal I just saw your comment so thought if you're implying something then this applies to you as well.

@SimChi Thank you for the informative post not all of us know this!

@DeadInsid3_plur2EDM You are welcome, and thank you for your post (also, very sorry to hear about your loss- not that words help, but I am sorry to read that you lost a brother).