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Laptop running questions

Just after some info. Basically, I don't have a proper gaming laptop nor can I afford one... But...

The laptop I run Sims 4 on was doing fine, but I have downloaded a couple of expansions, and now with the toddler update as well it is seriously slow and laggy. (I realise there are lots of reports of this since the update, but I'm sure that it isn't all to blame in my case.)

It has plenty of memory for the game, graphics card is bordering on being ok (just!), it's the running power (RAM?) that I am concerned with. It has 6GB (4.96 available), I read this was fine for the base game alone but I am concerned that it isn't enough now.

Would any tech geeks out there be able to help. I am not too worried about the graphics assuming adding expansions doesn't increase the demand on that? I have all my settings set to medium/low currently in the hope it would help it run better, but were previously on medium/high with no issues. It is the lagginess I am concerned with because it is driving me a little insane!

I was considering uping my RAM to either 8GB or 16GB which is the highest my laptop will take, would that make my game smoother?
Gallery name: Anna-Banna

Comments

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    phoebebebe13phoebebebe13 Posts: 19,400 Member
    Adding anything with this game will make it more demanding on your processor and video card. If your processor and video card are integrated they are going to use your computer ram, along with the game , windows, origin and other programs. It would make for an unpleasant gaming experience.

    without knowing your computer specs would be hard to know if adding more ram would even help. You can't upgrade a video card or processor in a laptop. That your stuck with. Since you can't upgrade the laptop your might need to save for a new computer that meets recommended requirements to continue playing as the game adds more and more.

    Can you post your computer specs please. Windows Key + R Key will open your run box in the bottom right hand corner of your computer. In the run box type DxDiag. Hit ok, let it load. Use the save option and save a copy to your desktop. It will now be a text file. You can cut and past the whole text file here in several sections in several posts. It wont fit in one post. You can also upload the DxDiag text file to http://pastebin.com/ and then post a link here if that is easier for you. Thank you
  • Options
    Cherryrose_xCherryrose_x Posts: 524 Member
    I know for definite you are going to tell me it isn't good for Sims... It isn't a gaming laptop by a long shot, I know the graphics are pushing it for a start. The only thing it has going for it is the physical memory. But I can't afford a new laptop in my current situation so my only hope is the RAM.. or continue as it is.

    Wow, you need that whole Diag thing? I'll give the pastebin a try. Bare with...
    Gallery name: Anna-Banna
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    Cherryrose_xCherryrose_x Posts: 524 Member
    Bit concerned about putting all the other stuff online... Is this enough of it to show what you need to see?


    System Information
    Time of this report: 1/15/2017, 21:48:36
    Machine name: WIFEPANTS
    Machine Id: {FE60A0AC-FB2E-48E2-8CC6-C87A848AD9FB}
    Operating System: Windows 10 Home 64-bit (10.0, Build 14393) (14393.rs1_release.161220-1747)
    Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
    System Manufacturer: TOSHIBA
    System Model: SATELLITE L50D-B
    BIOS: 1.20
    Processor: AMD A4-6210 APU with AMD Radeon R3 Graphics (4 CPUs), ~1.8GHz
    Memory: 6144MB RAM
    Available OS Memory: 5082MB RAM
    Page File: 3074MB used, 2838MB available
    Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
    DirectX Version: DirectX 12
    DX Setup Parameters: Not found
    User DPI Setting: Using System DPI
    System DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent)
    DWM DPI Scaling: Disabled
    Miracast: Available, with HDCP
    Microsoft Graphics Hybrid: Not Supported
    DxDiag Version: 10.00.14393.0000 64bit Unicode

    DxDiag Notes
    Display Tab 1: No problems found.
    Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
    Input Tab: No problems found.

    DirectX Debug Levels
    Direct3D: 0/4 (retail)
    DirectDraw: 0/4 (retail)
    DirectInput: 0/5 (retail)
    DirectMusic: 0/5 (retail)
    DirectPlay: 0/9 (retail)
    DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
    DirectShow: 0/6 (retail)

    Display Devices
    Card name: AMD Radeon(TM) R3 Graphics
    Manufacturer: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Chip type: AMD Radeon Graphics Processor (0x9850)
    DAC type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
    Device Type: Full Device
    Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_9850&SUBSYS_F9251179&REV_00
    Device Status: 0180200A [DN_DRIVER_LOADED|DN_STARTED|DN_DISABLEABLE|DN_NT_ENUMERATOR|DN_NT_DRIVER]
    Device Problem Code: No Problem
    Driver Problem Code: Unknown
    Display Memory: 3548 MB
    Dedicated Memory: 1007 MB
    Shared Memory: 2540 MB
    Current Mode: 1366 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)
    Monitor Name: Generic PnP Monitor
    Monitor Model: unknown
    Monitor Id: SDC4146
    Native Mode: 1366 x 768(p) (59.998Hz)
    Output Type: Internal
    Driver Name: C:\WINDOWS\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\c0310011.inf_amd64_7c21aa033b961c28\aticfx64.dll,C:\WINDOWS\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\c0310011.inf_amd64_7c21aa033b961c28\aticfx64.dll,C:\WINDOWS\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\c0310011.inf_amd64_7c21aa033b961c28\aticfx64.dll,C:\WINDOWS\System32\DriverStore\FileRepository\c0310011.inf_amd64_7c21aa033b961c28\amdxc64.dll
    Driver File Version: 21.19.0407.0000 (English)
    Driver Version: 21.19.407.0
    DDI Version: 12
    Feature Levels: 12_0,11_1,11_0,10_1,10_0,9_3,9_2,9_1
    Driver Model: WDDM 2.1
    Graphics Preemption: DMA
    Compute Preemption: DMA
    Miracast: Not Supported by Graphics driver
    Hybrid Graphics GPU: Not Supported
    Power P-states: Not Supported
    Driver Attributes: Final Retail
    Driver Date/Size: 23/12/2016 00:00:00, 1587320 bytes
    WHQL Logo'd: n/a
    WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
    Device Identifier: {D7B71EE2-DB10-11CF-C972-B2D8BCC2D835}
    Vendor ID: 0x1002
    Device ID: 0x9850
    SubSys ID: 0xF9251179
    Revision ID: 0x0000
    Driver Strong Name: oem31.inf:cb0ae41413e16795:ati2mtag_MullinsPA_MobileDS:21.19.407.0:pci\ven_1002&dev_9850&rev_00
    Rank Of Driver: 00D12000
    Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_A ModeMPEG2_C ModeVC1_C ModeWMV9_C
    DXVA2 Modes: DXVA2_ModeMPEG2_VLD DXVA2_ModeMPEG2_IDCT DXVA2_ModeH264_VLD_NoFGT DXVA2_ModeH264_VLD_Stereo_Progressive_NoFGT DXVA2_ModeH264_VLD_Stereo_NoFGT DXVA2_ModeVC1_VLD DXVA2_ModeMPEG4pt2_VLD_AdvSimple_NoGMC DXVA2_ModeVC1_IDCT DXVA2_ModeWMV9_IDCT
    Deinterlace Caps: {6E8329FF-B642-418B-BCF0-BCB6591E255F}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
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    D3D9 Overlay: Not Supported
    DXVA-HD: Not Supported
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    D3D Status: Enabled
    AGP Status: Enabled
    MPO Caps: Not Supported
    MPO Stretch: Not Supported
    MPO Media Hints: Not Supported
    MPO Formats: Not Supported
    Gallery name: Anna-Banna
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    phoebebebe13phoebebebe13 Posts: 19,400 Member
    @Cherryrose_x Good enough for me to read what is going on. I know it's a long report.

    Your laptop is way under requirements. Your hardware is older so I suspect windows 10 is making it worse. It's designed to run on newer hardware. It also need more computer ram to run than windows 7 . There were a few people posting in the sims Australia forum a while back had old toshiba saitlite laptops that could not handle windows 10 per microsoft and had to revert back to windows 7. Is there a way for you to revert back to your older OS?

    I would not upgrade your laptop. It is older. Its not going to make much of a difference. Your processor and video card are integrated and very weak to run the game. If you can go back to previous windows would be better, play on low, check off laptop mode and play in windowed mode. This will take some stress off your laptop and it may run a little better.

    I suggest saving for a computer that meets the recommended requirements to run this game. Your laptop will eventually not be able to run this game at all as the game adds more. It's possible the next patch could do your computer in to where the game won't play
  • Options
    Cherryrose_xCherryrose_x Posts: 524 Member
    Windows 10 was my husbands doing. It came with Windows 8 installed already but I didn't want to upgrade, he insisted. I have it on laptop mode and almost all settings are on low now anyway.

    I don't have everything for the game, only 2 EPs because I know it won't cope with much more.

    Thank you for the advice. I'll save my money instead then.
    Gallery name: Anna-Banna
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    Cherryrose_xCherryrose_x Posts: 524 Member
    Could you give me a rough idea of the specs I'm looking for in regard to Ram, graphics etc. Budget ones if there is such a thing.. (Although realistically it'll be at LEAST another year till I can afford one.) No harm in looking and dreaming..
    Gallery name: Anna-Banna
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    phoebebebe13phoebebebe13 Posts: 19,400 Member
    I can give you a rough idea what a computer would cost to run this game at the moment. Prices change, they are always coming out with new hardware. What is available today might not be available tomorrow. You may get lucky and get a great sale at the time you buy. Gaming laptops to run this game are more expensive than desktop. You can't upgrade a laptop like you can a desktop. Desktop is cheaper and more powerful. I don't advise a laptop unless you absolutely need one.

    At the moment desktop $600-700 and up USD. Laptop $800-900 and up USD. Prices vary in other countries. The best thing to do is to come in tech when you are ready to buy and ask for help finding a new computer. We can help you do that so that you get the best computer specs to run this game for your money.
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    Cherryrose_xCherryrose_x Posts: 524 Member
    I have a real old Pc tower. Husband does work with IT so he could rebuild it for me.. But do you think:
    a) that's do-able, and
    b) it would end up costing more?

    If we did do that it would be a long work in process though so I suppose we run the risk of it being outdated by the time we finish..

    Any idea on parts that would be needed? It would be a complete overhaul because I think it runs xp still and is possibly getting on for 10 years old...
    Gallery name: Anna-Banna
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    phoebebebe13phoebebebe13 Posts: 19,400 Member
    It depends on the case and the hardware Cooling is really important and so is the case. It might be better to just buy all new hardware. Build the PC which might be cheaper. Im using this as an example > Off the shelf this is the cheapest I have found a computer where all the hardware actually meets requirements to run the game under $600 which is rare. https://www.walmart.com/ip/iBUYPOWER-Gamer-WA583R7-Black-Desktop-PC-with-AMD-Eight-Core-FX-8320-Vishera-Processor-8GB-Memory-1TB-Hard-Drive-and-Windows-10-Home-Monitor-Not-In/35119954#about-item

    @chesterbigbird is an expert builder and she would be best to tell you which would be the best way to go.
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    Cherryrose_xCherryrose_x Posts: 524 Member
    Thank you for all the advice. I'll see what I can come up with.
    Gallery name: Anna-Banna
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    phoebebebe13phoebebebe13 Posts: 19,400 Member
    Your very welcome
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    chesterbigbirdchesterbigbird Posts: 8,581 Member
    edited January 2017
    With your current laptop it's not the ram that would be the issue it's the cpu and graphics.. so not much can be done about that.
    As for a new pc, If your husband can build you a pc then it would be better, this is just a basic list so you can get an idea of price if he were to build it for you.
    This is a very solid gaming rig
    https://pcpartpicker.com/list/z7jFYr
    It's a little more expensive but has much better hardware.
    The thing with buying off the shelf say at best buy or walmart is they often come with generic hardware that lacks the quality of the hardware you can choose yourself. When building your own you can choose what hardware you want based on reviews and quality.. and this is very important when choosing a power supply or even a motherboard/ram.

    i7 6700K
    16GB hyper X fury
    MSI GTX 1080
    MSI gaming M5 mobo
    Evga 750 supernova
    Corsair hydro h110i GT
    Corsair obsidian 750D
    500GB SSD
    6TB Seagate Barracuda Pro
    LG 34" ultra wide


  • Options
    Cherryrose_xCherryrose_x Posts: 524 Member
    edited January 2017
    Thank you @chesterbigbird. The old Pc I have has a large case. I don't know much about the inside of a Pc but I think providing it has adequate cooling it would be acceptable.

    Also, would you always go Intel over AMD?
    Gallery name: Anna-Banna
  • Options
    phoebebebe13phoebebebe13 Posts: 19,400 Member
    edited January 2017
    Chester would need to know the make and model of your old PC or you could upload pics of it to photobucket (its free) and PM her the links to the case

    Chester and I are both intel/Nvidia users.

    intel/nvidia is better than AMD but more expensive. Intel makes better processors than AMD. If you have a lower budget AMD is fine. You just may need more cooling since AMD heats up more. That's why that PC I posted at walmart is cheaper because it's all AMD.
  • Options
    Cherryrose_xCherryrose_x Posts: 524 Member
    I wish I could afford top range stuff, but I really can't unfortunately.. Can't afford to be a gamer clearly...

    My old PC is a Medion. Just dragged it out from it's hiding spot and it's that old it had intel Pentium on it! Windows 7 though so I was wrong there. So if needs be that could stay? I'll try get some pics sorted because I can't seem to find the actual model of it.
    Gallery name: Anna-Banna
  • Options
    phoebebebe13phoebebebe13 Posts: 19,400 Member
    Chester would need to know the model and or see the case and what hardware you have.

    You would be fine with AMD which is cheaper. Cooling would just be extra important. I just don't know if you would be able to do custom build buying your own hardware cheaper than that computer I posted from walmart. Like I mentioned before it's rare you will find a computer under $600 that meets all requirements Good processor, video card etc. . Usually for $600 The processor might be fine and the video card to weak. Both the processor and video card are weak. It might be better for you to buy off the shelf and upgrade as needed.
  • Options
    Cherryrose_xCherryrose_x Posts: 524 Member
    http://s257.photobucket.com/user/annieapple2/library/PC

    Not sure if that will work... But it's a few pics of it.
    Gallery name: Anna-Banna
  • Options
    phoebebebe13phoebebebe13 Posts: 19,400 Member
    I don't think that case will work well but let @chesterbigbird give her input.

    When I say a case with good cooling or room to add more cooling I mean like this https://www.walmart.com/ip/iBUYPOWER-Gamer-WA583R7-Black-Desktop-PC-with-AMD-Eight-Core-FX-8320-Vishera-Processor-8GB-Memory-1TB-Hard-Drive-and-Windows-10-Home-Monitor-Not-In/35119954#about-item

    You want a good case. One you can add extra fans to if necessary. It has good air flow. If your hardware breaks and needs replacing or you want to upgrade the hardware you need a case that will permit you to do that.

    Google images of gaming computer cases https://www.google.com/search?site=&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1920&bih=922&q=gaing+computers&oq=gaing+computers&gs_l=img.3...2559.6512.0.6727.15.6.0.9.0.0.85.460.6.6.0....0...1ac.1.64.img..0.5.387...0j0i10k1.dEHeUtMv11Q
  • Options
    Cherryrose_xCherryrose_x Posts: 524 Member
    edited January 2017
    I've just added a picture of the other side, it has slightly more ventilation on that side.

    Also, I found the model for it. It's Medion PC MT 12.

    Would you be able to post the minimum requirements it needs to run Sims 4 and I will work up from there within my budget if that makes sense.
    Gallery name: Anna-Banna
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    phoebebebe13phoebebebe13 Posts: 19,400 Member
    The way the sims series works , the minimum requirements are for base game only with no packs, patches , eps added etc. The recommended requirements is what is needed to survive the game as it adds more and more. This game is also very processor heavy due to the games programing. When people ask for a PC we always advise having the recommended requirements if buying a new PC

    I know some tech but I dont build. I have a custom desktop but I had a custom company build it. Chester is the upgrade expert when she comes back on she will advise you
  • Options
    chesterbigbirdchesterbigbird Posts: 8,581 Member
    The case is really the cheapest part.. you still need everything else, motherboard,cpu,ram,power supply,graphics card and hdd.
    A new case will only add up to $100 to the total.
    Probably the only part you could re use in that desktop is the HDD.
    If you need to build on a budget i can help put a list of hardware together that fits your budget. However i wouldn't do this until a couple of months before u wish to buy. New tech comes out all the time and prices drop all the time, so its best to not do it yet. Just save the $$ and i will figure the rest out when u are ready. Feel free to PM me with any questions ;)
    i7 6700K
    16GB hyper X fury
    MSI GTX 1080
    MSI gaming M5 mobo
    Evga 750 supernova
    Corsair hydro h110i GT
    Corsair obsidian 750D
    500GB SSD
    6TB Seagate Barracuda Pro
    LG 34" ultra wide


  • Options
    Cherryrose_xCherryrose_x Posts: 524 Member
    Thank you for the help both of you. Been food for thought for now. I'll see what I can save, sorry for wasting your time for now. I'll probably PM you in a few years or so when I have maybe saved that much money! :neutral: For now I'll have to struggle on with this one, maybe get rid of my expansions or revert back to Sims 3..
    Gallery name: Anna-Banna
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    phoebebebe13phoebebebe13 Posts: 19,400 Member
    Your very welcome. Your laptop can run the sims 3? Its way under requirements. The sims 3 also has a superpatch which you have to apply to the base game . That patch is very demanding. There is no more patching each EP one at a time
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    Cherryrose_xCherryrose_x Posts: 524 Member
    Yea it runs sims 3 fine, with a fair few expansions on it too... Wow didn't realise my laptop was THAT bad...
    Gallery name: Anna-Banna
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    phoebebebe13phoebebebe13 Posts: 19,400 Member
    wow that you can run the game with expansions. We call those few people who have very low end computers that can run TS3 magical fairy dust computers. You have been blessed by the fairy . I have seen people who have under requirement computers that are very low end that have better specs than your laptop and can not run the game at all
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