Best laptop to play sims 4
Hi, I’m looking to buy a new laptop to play the sims 4 with some expansions and maybe some mods. I have been looking at two different laptops;
Lenovo LOQ 15.6” FHD 144Hz gaming laptop (intel core i5) [GeForce RTX 2050] 1TB SSD Storage with 24GB RAM - $1279 AUD
Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i 14” Full HD Laptop (Intel Core i7) [512 GB] 16 GB RAM, Intel UHD graphics - $999 AUD
I understand that this might be an easy choice however I am wondering if I can get away with the ideapad. I don’t mind if the graphic settings aren't the highest when playing sims, I just don’t want my game to lag.
I definitely prefer the smaller screen on the ideapad because I travel and it would be easier to carry. I also thought that the intel core i7-13620H 10 core processor (1.8 - 4.9GHz) is better than the intel core i5-12450HX 8 core processor (up to 4.4GHz) but I’m not too sure.
My budget is maximum $1299 AUD. Can anyone tell me if the ideapad will be ok or if it will be a waste of money and the LOQ will be much better. If not please share any suggestions for a better laptop around the same price in Australian dollars, thanks.
@Beerica2 I would avoid the IdeaPad Slim (second link) for a couple reasons, including that it has a low-quality screen. I would also avoid the Yoga Evo S7i because Intel's Arc GPUs still have some issues that need to be fixed, especially with older games. If you like troubleshooting, it's fine, but if you want something to work the first time, it's best to stick with Nvidia or AMD, or even Intel Xe graphics.
Of the other two, the LOQ is significantly faster than the Yoga Slim, which you already know. Despite the product page, the Yoga should have Xe graphics based on its processor and its 16 GB RAM, which is good enough for medium-high graphics with all current Sims 4 content installed. Still, you can find better graphics than the Yoga along with a 14" screen, for example this has the same graphics card as the LOQ:
https://www.centrecom.com.au/msi-prestige-14-h-b13ucx-14-fhd-i7-16gb-ram-1tb-rtx-2050-laptop
The graphics chips in these laptops are faster than the graphics in the Yoga Slim, with the chip in the last two being only maybe 20% slower than the RTX 2050. The chip in the first is about 25% slower than that, but still more than 50% faster than the Intel Xe graphics in the Yoga. This is a significant margin when you're looking to go from medium to high or high to ultra graphics settings.
https://www.hp.com/au-en/shop/hp-envy-x360-2-in-1-laptop-14-fa0013au-9x2r5pa.html
https://www.hp.com/au-en/shop/hp-pavilion-plus-laptop-14-ey0003au-8q4h4pa.html
I don't know whether you want a 2-in-1 or expressly do not, but those seem to be most of the options with the newest AMD processors and graphics chips, at least currently in the Australian market. If not, the last one is a great option, lightweight (1.38 kg) with a beautiful, high-resolution screen. The first has a brighter screen than the second, but neither is in the same category as the OLED of the third.
If you have more questions, please feel free to ask.
