Forum Discussion

Seasoned Hotshot

Re: What pc specs dictate allowing 200 max recommended sims?

@puzzlezaddict I worked hard to prepare for responding to you, but what took me over 2 hours probably takes you less than 2 minutes, LOL. I'm slow and not very knowledgeable with this stuff.

There are two graphicsrules.sgr files under C:\Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\The Sims 4\Game, one in Bin and one in Bin_LE. I referenced the former. Studying its lines last night and then again today, I was slowly able to reproduce the decision-making process -- I think? -- that highlights the "culprit" for my 150-sim rating. Below, I have pasted the config.log lines you mentioned, and I continue below them.

=== Application info ===
Name: Sims4
Version: 1.81.72.1030
Build: Release 64 Bit
=== Rating info ===
GPU: 5 GPU Memory: 4 CPU: 3 RAM: 4 CPU Speed: 2208 Threading: 3
Adjusted CPU: 3112 RAM: 16146 Adjusted RAM: 15634 Cores: 8
=== Machine info ===
OS version: Windows 10 10.0.22000
OS prod type:
OS major ver: 10
OS minor ver: 0
OS SP major ver:
OS SP minor ver:
OS is 64Bit: 1
CPU: GenuineIntel
Brand: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-10870H CPU @ 2.20GHz
Family: 6
Model: 5
Cores: 8
HT: 1
x64: 1
Memory: 16146MB
Free memory: 10037MB
VA space: 134217728MB
User: 🙂
Computer: 🙂
=== Graphics device info ===
Number: 0
Name (driver): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU
Name (database): NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Laptop GPU [Found: 1, Supported: 1]
Vendor: NVIDIA
Chipset: Vendor: 10de, Device: 24dd, Board: 0a751028, Chipset: 00a1
Driver: nvldumdx.dll, Version: 30.0.14.9649, GUID: D7B71E3E-679D-11CF-2956-7B2A0EC2D335
Driver version: 9649
Monitor: \\.\DISPLAY1
Texture memory: 8044MB
Vertex program: 3.0
Pixel program: 3.0
Hardware TnL: 1
Opt. features: +sab +a8l8 +rgba16f +r32f +bc4 +bc5 -rawz +intz

If I'm reading right, everything is great/uber/top-of-the-line except for the CPU rating, and my reading/math seems to support this. (And here I was reading up on how to maximize usable RAM! ... if I'm wording that correctly.)

Then I did a bunch of poking around looking at other laptops because there are additional, unrelated reasons that I thought I might return this one. However, I keep seeing it rated very highly and appearing in "best of" lists. In the final analysis, what I've read anecdotally suggests that I could place a 200-sim limit in my game without a real problem. Is this correct? To be honest, I've already done so. (There is another issue related to this but it's not on the same topic, so I'm holding off or might skip it.)

And lastly, I want to thank you for responding. While I was searching and searching for solutions to various other issues, I saw your name several times, and to be honest, it feels like an honor that you are taking the time to help me! Even if it sounds silly, I'm very grateful.

Depending on your patience and willingness, I may have other questions, but part of me thinks they may be moot depending on your reply to this. It seems you have occasional commentary on others' situations and systems, and I'd love to hear it, in part because I've seen you being reassuring in the past, LOL. I've been quite upset about these matters, and just beginning to understand them is already setting me -- if only a bit -- at ease.

3 Replies

puzzlezaddict
Hero+
4 years ago
@goofylittlerhino Sometimes the spam filter gets a little aggressive, for reasons I at least don't completely understand, but at least I can read your posts now. (Thanks @EA_Jason for that.)

You're right that the CPU rating is the reason for the lower recommended sim limit. The processor itself is more than powerful enough to deserve an uber rating, but the issue is that Sims 4 only uses its base clock speed to rate it, not its turbo. So as far as the game is concerned, it doesn't matter that the CPU can turbo much higher speeds.

As far as what happens when you're actually playing, I'd guess the CPU runs well above 3 GHz; how high exactly would depend in large part on how the manufacturer tuned the system. But the bottom line is that the processor can easily handle 200 sims, or 500, or whatever number you want to use. So can the other components, so yes, you can go ahead and use whatever setting works for you.

Sims 4 will slow down on its own from time to time, and it'll happen more often as your saves include more sims that you've actively played, but it won't be the fault of your computer. The game engine itself just isn't as efficient as we'd like.

If you have other questions, please do ask, I mean that's the whole point of this site.
goofylittlerhino
Seasoned Hotshot
4 years ago
(heads up to @EA_Jason if this post actually SHOULD be removed, lol)
@puzzlezaddict
I was having enormous lag problems, and I am now using the mod that (so I've read in two spots ... is this really true?) EA itself recommends for lag. It's actually great. It doesn't eliminate the lag, but reduces the amount of dead time where my sims are standing around; in addition, time-designated events are smoother and actually happen at the designated time. I only forgo mentioning the mod in case we're supposed to minimize our talk of that stuff.
You've really answered everything I wanted to know right here, and I'm glad you've got the designation "Hero" as that is what you've just been to me. This has also been a great experience generally, and makes me more comfortable about coming here to ask questions. I've done a few bug reports but I was very, very uncomfortable coming here for this. I've been set at ease and I have you and, in a sense, EA_Jason to thank for that.
EA_Jason
EA SPORTS FC™ Team
4 years ago
Hey, I only clicked a few buttons, @puzzlezaddict is the real hero here!