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Re: How would the HP spectre x360 work for the Sims 4?

@berry34c  I've moved your post to the Sims 4 PC tech section.

How well a Spectre will run Sims 4 depends on its exact specs, since there are a number of different configurations.  Generally though, this is not the class of laptops that would run TS4 on ultra settings, at least not very well.  Still, if you want to know about the particular model you're considering, feel free to link it here.

If you list your preferred budget and your country, I can look for other options in your price range.  Just let me know if you're interested.

7 Replies

  • berry34c's avatar
    berry34c
    6 years ago

    I was going to pick the highest specs possible for that laptop also I’m  mostly into hp with a touch screen the price range for me would be 900 US and up

  • puzzlezaddict's avatar
    puzzlezaddict
    Hero+
    6 years ago

    @berry34c  If by the highest specs, you mean this model, for $1,349, then yes, it should run Sims 4 on ultra graphics settings.

    https://store.hp.com/us/en/pdp/hp-spectre-x360-15-df1045nr

    It has good hardware even for a gaming laptop, and definitely impressive for a touchscreen.  But of course that comes with a premium price tag.

    There are two other Spectres on HP's website with a dedicated graphics card, which will handle the load of Sims 4 much better than an integrated card.  The second one's card and processor are a bit stronger than the first one's, but they're in the same class of laptop, probably able to handle high settings without any issues.  You might be able to use one or two ultra settings, depending on how high you want your framerates.

    https://store.hp.com/us/en/pdp/hp-spectre-x360-15-df0069nr

    https://store.hp.com/us/en/pdp/hp-spectre-x360-15-df1040nr

    You could get the same hardware in other HPs that aren't Spectres for cheaper.  This one has the same specs as the second of the two immediately above, aside from the 4k screen:

    https://store.hp.com/us/en/pdp/hp-envy-17-ce0031nr

    This one is the same, except its processor is a bit stronger according to benchmark tests:

    https://store.hp.com/us/en/pdp/hp-pavilion-15-cs3096nr

    About the 4k screen:  None of these laptops would run Sims 4 in 4k with anything resembling decent framerates.  It would be simple enough to lower the in-game resolution, of course; I'm just saying don't expect a smooth lag-free experience in 4k.

    By the way, I checked Amazon and a couple other sites, and it looks like the prices at hp.com are as low as you'll see, at least while this weekend's sales are active.

  • puzzlezaddict's avatar
    puzzlezaddict
    Hero+
    6 years ago

    @treniseee  It should run Sims 4 just fine on medium graphics settings.  You might be able to turn a couple of settings up to high, depending on how many expansion packs you have installed and how high your want  your in-game framerates.  Feel free to experiment a bit.

    The Sims 3 base game will run fine as well, along with some early expansion packs.  Your laptop will struggle though with the most demanding EPs (Pets, Seasons, then Island Paradise and Into the Future), as those packs really do need at least a mid-range dedicated graphics card to run properly.  How well your laptop would run moderately demanding packs will again depend on how smooth you want the experience to be and how many of the packs you install.  Stuff packs barely demand any resources; World Adventures, Ambitions, and Late Night are relatively gentle.

    When playing, make sure your laptop can cool itself properly.  Elevate it while playing—get a laptop tray or put books or something under the corners—or get a cooling pad.

  • DonScarletto's avatar
    DonScarletto
    6 years ago

    Hi there

    Thanks for your help.

    What about this one? https://h20386.www2.hp.com/AustraliaStore/Merch/Product.aspx?id=9PH05PA&opt=&sel=NTB

    I initially bought the laptop for study and work. I have The Sims 4 on my gaming PC but the portability gives it out and I'd like to try downloading the game on my laptop.

    I only bought it recently and did not want the game to ruin its hardware, cause my previous gaming laptop hard drive was stuffed, which might be because running too heavy games at that time. 

  • puzzlezaddict's avatar
    puzzlezaddict
    Hero+
    6 years ago

    @DonScarletto  That laptop should run Sims 4 on medium-high settings, or maybe high if you don't have all the demanding expansions installed.  The hardware can certainly handle running the game, so the workload itself isn't a concern.

    The one thing to look out for though is excess heat.  A Spectre doesn't have great cooling, at least not by the standards of gaming, and Sims 4 will heat up the components.  But it's easy enough to monitor temps while you play, and either arrange for better cooling (elevate the laptop or buy a cooling pad) or back off if you're not comfortable with what you see.

    There are plenty of free, easy to use monitoring apps you could install.  GPU-Z is the standard for graphics card use, and CPU-Z is great for processors.  Hwinfo monitors everything, as in, all the sensors that a motherboard has, so there's a bit of a learning curve to reading one.  The temps are pretty easy to find though, and you can skip the more advanced data if you're not interested in combing through it.  It's easy to alt-tab to any of these apps to check temps, then go back to your game when satisfied you have nothing to worry about.

  • I have this too. Just re-downloaded ts3 and 4 with expansions, going to have to make sure it cools well enough tho.

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