The Sims 3 Minimum Requirements/Is this computer good enough to run The Sims 3?

[Gumbaii]

Originally Posted by Rohannnn

It takes a few seconds usually I think.



If you are using a 32-bit OS (standard Windows XP or Vista) then the OS won't be able to address any more than 3GB anyway, so an upgrade won't affect things. In fact, if you get a card with 2GB VRAM, I believe a 32-bit OS won't be able to address any more than 2GB RAM total, so if I'm right it's probably not a great idea to get that card unless you have a 64-bit OS.

Either way, I'm not too convinced that you need more than 3GB for running games. Single-threaded programs are restricted to a maximum of 2GB anyway, and newer multi-threaded ones hardly use over 2GB. Lots and lots of RAM, in my opinion, is more helpful for servers running many programs at the same time, than it is for desktops running games.

Okay, thanks a lot. I guess I'll go with the 1GB Vapor X and the RAM can wait for a while.

[jonneymendoza]

Originally Posted by Rohannnn

It takes a few seconds usually I think.



If you are using a 32-bit OS (standard Windows XP or Vista) then the OS won't be able to address any more than 3GB anyway, so an upgrade won't affect things. In fact, if you get a card with 2GB VRAM, I believe a 32-bit OS won't be able to address any more than 2GB RAM total, so if I'm right it's probably not a great idea to get that card unless you have a 64-bit OS.

Either way, I'm not too convinced that you need more than 3GB for running games. Single-threaded programs are restricted to a maximum of 2GB anyway, and newer multi-threaded ones hardly use over 2GB. Lots and lots of RAM, in my opinion, is more helpful for servers running many programs at the same time, than it is for desktops running games.

i agree if his pc is only used for games. for me i need more then 3gb as i do photshop and android programming

[Gumbaii]

Honestly all I do on the computer is browse the web, IM, GTA IV, Sims 2, Soldier Front, Photoshop (basic though so not much RAM required), Halo 2, VB and that's pretty much it. For free time anyways.

But I do have money, I do believe the HD3450 is eating dust, and I think it's time for an upgrade. I might be buying Crysis some time near September.

[Peggy1945ply]

These are the ones which failed on Can I run it.

Minimum: (XP) 2.0 GHz P4 processor or equivalent; (Vista) 2.4 GHz P4 processor or equivalent [If built-in graphics chipsets then 2.6 GHz Pentium D CPU, or 1.8 GHz Core 2 Duo, or equivalent.] You Have: 1.73 GHz

Video Card
Minimum: 128 MB Video Card, with support for Pixel Shader 2.0 (NVIDIA GeForce FX 5900 or above / ATI Radeon 9500 or above / Intel GMA 3-series or above) You Have: Mobile Intel(R) 945GM Express Chipset Family (Intel(R) GMA 950)

Your advise please

[Rohannnn]

Originally Posted by Peggy1945ply

These are the ones which failed on Can I run it.

Minimum: (XP) 2.0 GHz P4 processor or equivalent; (Vista) 2.4 GHz P4 processor or equivalent [If built-in graphics chipsets then 2.6 GHz Pentium D CPU, or 1.8 GHz Core 2 Duo, or equivalent.] You Have: 1.73 GHz

Video Card
Minimum: 128 MB Video Card, with support for Pixel Shader 2.0 (NVIDIA GeForce FX 5900 or above / ATI Radeon 9500 or above / Intel GMA 3-series or above) You Have: Mobile Intel(R) 945GM Express Chipset Family (Intel(R) GMA 950)

Your advise please

OK, for the first part, you are failing the test because your CPU is slightly too slow. It meets the standard requirements, but because you have an integrated Intel card, the requirement is raised to 1.80GHz Core 2 Duo. You have only 1.73GHz. I doubt that being just 70MHz below the requirement would itself be enough to stop the game working though.

The second point is the one I mentioned before, that the GMA950 isn't a supported card. If the game doesn't work, I think it's much more likely to be due to this rather than your CPU.

Unfortunately whatever you do your graphics card still isn't going to be "supported", at least not officially, unless you get a new laptop.

[mevidek]

MY COMPUTER SHOULD BE ABLE TO RUN IT!!!!!!!!!

[Peggy1945ply]

Thank you for taking the trouble for me. I still think it is odd thought that exactly the same was said about RCT 3 Wild, yet it runs fine. Maybe I will have to buy the game and take a chance, because who knows it might work as all the others do.

[Rohannnn]

Originally Posted by Peggy1945ply

Thank you for taking the trouble for me. I still think it is odd thought that exactly the same was said about RCT 3 Wild, yet it runs fine. Maybe I will have to buy the game and take a chance, because who knows it might work as all the others do.

Sometimes games publishers do release higher minimum requirements than are actually needed for the game to run. I'm guessing that's a combination of the fact they haven't properly tested low-end cards and because it would run very slowly in comparison and they don't want to disappoint or frustrate people who buy it and think it runs more like a slideshow than a fast, fluently running game.

Of course, different people have different perceptions of what an acceptable speed is. The aim is to get at least 50 frames per second, which is as smooth and fluid as TV and reaching the point where the human eye can't tell the difference between a series of still images vs. seeing a fully moving picture. With a high-end graphics card, or a mid-range card with lowered detail options, that is how the game should run.

If the game isn't "supported" just because it will run particularly slowly with the GMA950, you might personally not mind the lower speed as much as someone else.

In the case of the GMA950 though, it may be down to more than just speed. From what I've read, it's missing hardware pixel and vertex shaders, maybe missing hardware T&L too, all of which are standard features today, features of every card on the supported list, and essential for running many other games. The GMA950 makes up for this by simulating these features by running a special program in the background (essentially), which works for many games, but slows things down even further. So try not to get too hopeful, in case those missing features are essential.

Unless you are absolutely desperate to try and play the game on release day, I'd wait a little bit of time after release because chances are that someone else with a GMA950 card will buy the game and we'll hear from them about whether or not it works

[Peggy1945ply]

Thanks, I was going to wait anyway to see what people thought about it. If it is as good as they say, I don't mind spending on the game, and if it shouldn't work, well, one day I shall have to get a new computer, and it can stay locked away until then. I have never really been that critical about graphics, as I know so little about it, as long as a programme runs, I don't much care whether the graphics are excellent or not, if you know what I mean. I wish I were a guru on computers, I know enough to get by, and that's it. I appreciate your help.

[Flisssy]

I think my poor laptop is going to struggle with it... as I don't quite have the requirements for it it will be very slow I think!

I'm (hopefully) getting a macbook in the summer though and I think the sims 3 will run fine on that

[Laurenn]

I have an Acer Aspire 5315, I know I have enough HDD space, I have (just about) enough RAM (1086 MB) for it to run on XP (though I have Vista, so I may have to install it). I think the processor is 1.86 GHz, I am unsure about how to find out what the graphics card is, so info on this would also help.

I could also use it on my home computer, a Novatech PC, all the requirements are met on this (as far as I know) except the processor again, which is only 1.8GHz


Would it work on either of these, and if not, what would I have to do so it will?
Thanks in advance

*edit* I also used Can You Run It, for my laptop, which told me that the only reason I would not be able to run it is my processor, which IS 1.86 GHz
Using Vista, is it possible that it may still run?
If not, will it using XP?

[The_Hess]

the graphics card on your laptop is unsupported, its an intel integrated chipset. without the name of the processor (you might have a sticker on the front of the case) i can't help you with the novatech pc. although it should be ok. some core 2 duo's opperate at 1.8ghz but are more powerful than others opperating at higher clock speeds.

also if you are running vista, click on the start menu, click on games then at the bottom right click on the blue link. it says performance information and tools.a table should appear. underneath it will be a link saying view and print details. this will tell you everything about your computer system.

hope that helps

hess

[Laurenn]

Thanks for that!

But when I used Can You Run It for my laptop, it said my Video card was OK, and the only issue was my processor

If this is correct, would it still run on Vista/XP?
I assume only on XP, as this only requires 2.0 GHz

[Rohannnn]

Originally Posted by Laurenn

Thanks for that!

But when I used Can You Run It for my laptop, it said my Video card was OK, and the only issue was my processor

Your video card (X3100, ?) is OK, it's one of the only Intel cards that's supported.

However, because it's such a slow card, the requirements are increased to 1.8GHz Core 2 Duo or other equivalent dual-core processor. I looked up your laptop and it looks like it has a Celeron processor, which is fast enough, but not dual core, so you don't meet this requirement.

Also, with the X3100 card, the RAM requirement is increased to 1.5GB (XP) or 2GB (Vista).

So it doesn't look like it will run unfortunately.

[Laurenn]

That sucks
I guess I'll wait and get a better laptop
Thanks for your help!

[The_Hess]

if you have space, keep the laptop and get a tower pc. better value for money and you can upgrade components over time.

[Lukex115]

Graphics cards that are sold seperately scare me. Do you have to open up your pc and put it in yourself? Does some weird tech man come and fit it for you? Do they come with instructions if a tech man doesn't come? If yes, are they all really technical like put the didgybog connector into the flabbadingdong port and set the fatfig slider to 56.42? I have no idea where to start with them!

[Gumbaii]

Does anybody know why on Can You RUN It? it says I'd fail the Recommended for GTA IV (video card), yet I pass the Recommended for Crysis?

GTA IV




Crysis...?



Edit: Crysis' graphics are a ton more advanced, so why would my video card be 2 bars above Recommended? Whereas in GTA IV, my video card is a bar below Rec. That's weird o-o

[Rohannnn]

Originally Posted by Lukex115

Graphics cards that are sold seperately scare me. Do you have to open up your pc and put it in yourself? Does some weird tech man come and fit it for you? Do they come with instructions if a tech man doesn't come? If yes, are they all really technical like put the didgybog connector into the flabbadingdong port and set the fatfig slider to 56.42? I have no idea where to start with them!

You can pay for someone to install it for you, if you want. But it's not too difficult to do yourself. Try looking at a few instructions online (search google for how to install graphics card or something) and see if you think you could follow them.

Originally Posted by Gumbaii

Does anybody know why on Can You RUN It? it says I'd fail the Recommended for GTA IV (video card), yet I pass the Recommended for Crysis?

GTA IV




Crysis...?



Edit: Crysis' graphics are a ton more advanced, so why would my video card be 2 bars above Recommended? Whereas in GTA IV, my video card is a bar below Rec. That's weird o-o

Recommended is set by the games publisher, it's possible that GTA's recommended specs are higher, it is a newer game remember and it is known for having quite high requirements.

Do you know what card you have, and what the recommended is for GTA/Crysis?

[Gumbaii]

Originally Posted by Rohannnn

Do you know what card you have, and what the recommended is for GTA/Crysis?

I know what card I have, and I know it's really uncommon and very old. I don't know the recommended cards for Crysis/GTA IV but I do know they're probably like 9800, 8800, 290, 285, 4870, 4850, etc etc.

I just watched a few videos on Crysis performance, and with my Q6600 2.4GHz, 3GB RAM and the 4870 I'll only be seeing about 30-35 FPS. So I guess for those kinds of games I'll also need more CPU power, unless I slightly overclock it to about 2.6 or 2.8 GHz, but I'm afraid of overclocking and having my computer go boom.

Wait a sec, 35 FPS isn't bad?

[Stosh117]

i can run GTA 4 but sometimes i see bugs in the game i prefer gta 4 for xbox 360

[Gumbaii]

Originally Posted by Stosh117

i can run GTA 4 but sometimes i see bugs in the game i prefer gta 4 for xbox 360

I only have a Wii and an iTouch and I usually only use the Wii for when people come over. I'm on my computer most of the time so that's why I play GTA and others on there and not on console.

[sharkloverplayer]

My new pc failed and this pc can handle crises with no problems.What got me was my videocard.Everything else passed.It says my card is too slow even thou this card has 1gb of memory.The GT 120 is listed on the sims 3 site as a compatible card but the site can you run it says it's not compatible.It says the minimum requirment is 128mb I have 3gb.That's way over the requirment for videocards.

Sorry, your computer does not meet the minimum specifications required to run this game. You should review the details below and you may want to contact our online support site to get more information about the reason you may have failed.

CPU
Minimum: (XP) 2.0 GHz P4 processor or equivalent; (Vista) 2.4 GHz P4 processor or equivalent [If built-in graphics chipsets then 2.6 GHz Pentium D CPU, or 1.8 GHz Core 2 Duo, or equivalent.]
You Have: 4 processors running - Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q8200 @ 2.33GHz PASS
CPU Speed
Minimum: (XP) 2.0 GHz P4 processor or equivalent; (Vista) 2.4 GHz P4 processor or equivalent [If built-in graphics chipsets then 2.6 GHz Pentium D CPU, or 1.8 GHz Core 2 Duo, or equivalent.]
You Have: 2.33 GHz Performance Rated at 8.75 GHz PASS
System RAM
Minimum: (XP) 1 GB RAM; (Vista) 1.5 GB RAM [If built-in graphics then add 0.5 GB additional RAM]
You Have: 8.0 GB PASS
Operating System
Minimum: Windows XP (Service Pack 2) or Windows Vista (Service Pack 1)
You Have: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition, 64-bit (Build Service Pack 16001) PASS
Video Card
Minimum: 128 MB Video Card, with support for Pixel Shader 2.0 (NVIDIA GeForce FX 5900 or above / ATI Radeon 9500 or above / Intel GMA 3-series or above)
You Have: NVIDIA GeForce GT 120 () FAIL: Sorry, your video card does not meet this minimum requirement. Upgrade to a more powerful video card will make all your applications look better. Click the 'We Recommend' button to see some great options.
Video Card Features - Minimum attributes of your Video Card Video RAM: Required - 128 MB , You have - 3.0 GB
Video Card 3D Acceleration: Required - Yes , You have - Yes
Pixel Shader Ver.: Required - 2.0 , You have - 4.0


Video Card Driver Version (DirectX)
Your driver version number is: 7.15.11.7824 FYI: Your video card driver version is provided for your information, but it is not part of this analysis. But proper video card driver versions are important to the proper operation of your product.
Sound Card
Minimum: Yes
You Have: Speakers (Realtek High Definiti PASS
Sound Card Driver Version
Your driver version number is: 6.0 FYI: Your sound card driver version is provided for your information, but it is not part of this analysis. But proper sound card driver versions are important to the proper operation of your product.
Free Disk Space
Minimum: 6.1 GB of hard drive space with at least 1 GB of additional space for custom content and saved games
You Have: 535.6 GB PASS

Here is the sims 3 site requirments for nvidia cards
NVIDIA GeForce series
FX 5900, FX 5950
6200, 6500, 6600, 6800
7200, 7300, 7600, 7800, 7900, 7950
8400, 8500, 8600, 8800
9300, 9400, 9500, 9600, 9800
G100, GT 120, GT 130, GTS 150
GTS 250, GTX 260, GTX 280, GTX 285, GTX 295

[Rohannnn]

Originally Posted by sharkloverplayer

My new pc failed and this pc can handle crises with no problems.What got me was my videocard.Everything else passed.It says my card is too slow even thou this card has 1gb of memory.The GT 120 is listed on the sims 3 site as a compatible card but the site can you run it says it's not compatible.It says the minimum requirment is 128mb I have 3gb.That's way over the requirment for videocards.

Your PC should work fine, I think the requirements checker must be missing the GT120.

[PKate555]

I dont really get all this type of stuff lol but im using a laptop and heres all the things i can find that it has:
Athlon 64x2 Dual Processor QL-60 ( 1.9Ghz, 1mb, L2 Cache )
3Gb DDR2, 250 Gb HDD
Video Ati Radeon HD 3200 Graphics
Memory Size 3072
Video Memory 256Mb
Available Graphics Memory 1407

So Can anyone tell me if i can run it on my laptop?.