Forum Discussion

queensnapdragon's avatar
4 years ago

Best Desktop Computer/Specs Maximum Performance

I'm going to be purchasing a gaming computer on Black Friday and I've found myself getting a tad frustrated at my lack of knowledge when it comes to computer specs and what they mean. I know this has been answered a fair amount on this forum but I keep running into the right question with the wrong budget.

I want to be able to run on maximum graphics, a mods folder packed with cc and script mods, lots with a million unique items (too many photos seem to do some damage), and no processing lag (at least not lag that's my fault). Maybe even try a recolor mod if I'm feeling crazy. My budget is $1000-$1500. Though if want to throw up some options that exceed my budget, I can see if they get knocked down into my range on black friday/cyber monday.

I would like some suggestions for gaming computers. However, I don't really know exactly what I'll find when the sales hit, so I'd also know what specs I should be looking for in terms of high processing, high graphics, and plenty of space for mods/cc.

I really only play Sims 4 but I've been known to play minecraft occasionally (vanilla and offline).

Thanks so much in advance!

2 Replies

  • @queensnapdragon  Since you're not quite ready to buy yet, there's not much point in my finding good options for you right now—even a week from now, they might be sold out, and something else might be cheaper.  I'm happy to help you shop when you are ready though.

    For specs, the most important component is the graphics card.  The minimum for ultra graphics settings is currently an Nvidia 1650, but since you want to use a lot of custom content and have the budget to aim higher, I wouldn't go below a 1660 (any flavor); a 2060 is a little faster than that.  You may well be able to find a reasonably-priced prebuilt system with the even faster 3060, but don't count on it: I'd expect these to sell out quickly if they're on sale at all.  If you'd rather go AMD, a 6600 (non-XT) is marginally slower than a 3060, and the higher-numbered 6000-series cards scale up from there.  But the speed of anything above a 3060/6600 would be lost on Sims 4, the game just can't use more power than that.

    Normally I'd say the processor doesn't really matter, that any CPU that comes with one of the above cards would be more than fine, and that's true as far as it goes.  But if you want to squeeze every bit of performance out of the game, look for a processor with high base and boost clock speeds.  A CPU will boost when running Sims 4, but it won't quite maintain its max turbo boost, but they fall off by about the same amount, give or take.  As an example, an Intel i5-11600K has base and boost clocks of 3.9 and 4.9 GHz, respectively, whereas an i5-10400 has 2.9/4.3.  At this level, the performance boost from the faster CPU is small, but again since you have the budget for it, it's probably worth the cost to upgrade.

    For memory, you'll want 16 GB, but don't pass up an otherwise excellent option that only has 8: RAM is the easiest and cheapest component to install, with a quality 16 GB kit costing under $60, and a single 8 GB stick even less.  For storage, a 512 GB SSD should be more than enough.  Extra storage is also easy to add later, but Sims 4 won't need it no matter how much cc you install.

    Finally, I would go with a prebuilt system from a company that also does custom builds (Cyberpower, iBuyPower, SkyTech) if possible.  They use higher-quality components and have a better overall build quality than the standard sellers, and when there's an issue with the choice components, it's easy to fix or upgrade.  If you want to go with a more well-known builder, Asus and Lenovo typically do a better job than Dell or HP.

    If you find something you like, feel free to post a link here for a second opinion.  And like I said, I'm happy to start looking for deals for you when you're ready.

  • queensnapdragon's avatar
    queensnapdragon
    New Scout
    4 years ago
    @puzzlezaddict Oh my gosh, this is so so so incredibly helpful!!! This is exactly the kind of information I'm looking for. I'm going to keep an eye on deals as Black Friday nears (might have to go with just general holiday sales if things are too hard to snatch up) but I might post an option if I'm not too worried about losing out on a deal. You're amazing!