Is my laptop okay for the sims 3

David444

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Oct 14, 2013
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So the laptop that I want to play the sims 2 + medieval on, I'm also thinking about wanting to play the sims 3 expansion packs as well. I know the specs. for the sims 2 + medieval are good, but what about for the sims 3 games?

cpu: intel core i5 1.8 ghz
ram: 6 gb
hard drive: 500 gb
os: windows 8 (7)
gpu: NVidia GeForce gt 720
 
Solution
Yes, but not with many expansions. That graphics card isn't powerful but sims 3 is a 2009 game and it'll run on pretty much anything. Old 2006 graphic cards can run that game

That said...

That said... Sims 3 does because a bit of a dog when many expansions are installed. I do not recommend you go for this computer if you have more than 2 expansions.

If you do have more than that, I can only attest for what I have: an i5@3.8GHZ and a GTX760. Anything bellow 4GB won't do either, from what I found. Also, an SSD does wonders on load times. I run sims 3 with many expansions (well, all of them, plus the stuff packs) very well on this machine, but it is quite a bit pricier than yours...

Morbus

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Nov 30, 2013
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Yes, but not with many expansions. That graphics card isn't powerful but sims 3 is a 2009 game and it'll run on pretty much anything. Old 2006 graphic cards can run that game

That said...

That said... Sims 3 does because a bit of a dog when many expansions are installed. I do not recommend you go for this computer if you have more than 2 expansions.

If you do have more than that, I can only attest for what I have: an i5@3.8GHZ and a GTX760. Anything bellow 4GB won't do either, from what I found. Also, an SSD does wonders on load times. I run sims 3 with many expansions (well, all of them, plus the stuff packs) very well on this machine, but it is quite a bit pricier than yours...
 
Solution


sims 2 and sims 3 should be fine as for original sims for pc doesnt work well with windows 7 and 8 etc

but the rest should work fine processor is decent but with to many expansions it may lag

 

Morbus

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Yes, it will be alright. Load times may take a bit over a couple of minutes, but it'll definitely be playable.
 
I have seen people play the Sims 3 with some expansions using just the Intel HD 4000 graphics core. It seems to run decently when watching them play. Not sure which expansions are installed though since I am not familiar with them.
This means the GT 720m should not have a problem either since it is more powerful than the Intel HD 4000.

Based on several post in this forum it appears there is a compatibility issue with Sims 2 and Windows 8 so you should google around to find out more about that and if there is a work around. I would not bother looking for a patch from EA's site since support for that game probably died when they released the Sims 3.

My recommendation however, is to spend a little more money for a laptop with a more powerful graphics chip like the GT 730m or GT 740m. That's because you cannot upgrade the graphics chip except in specific gaming oriented laptop models that generally cost over $1,400. Spending more now for a better graphics chip will mean the laptop will likely last you longer before you feel the need to buy a new laptop.