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    Is there any way...

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    AmiutzaAmiutza Posts: 1,796 Member
    in The Sims 3 General Discussion
    ..to make Sims 3 run smoothly? I have literally tried everything and now I'm trying to run the game on my pc at minimum settings and it still lags.

    I'm aware that for some reason I have the stutter bug which means speed 3 is not an option, but even in speed 1 it's super choppy.

    I already installed the nraas mods and I have a good pc. I'm just at my whits end.

    If you're playing Sims 3 lag free, could you please tell me your secret?
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    • Options
      StilleWaterStilleWater Posts: 1,566 Member
      Yes...don't use mods and don't customize heavily. If you play more then one family, don't add a bunch to the game...keep it simple. The game drags the more you do to make it matchy matrchy. Uses to many resources.
      7FXGVZ1.jpg?1
    • Options
      ParyPary Posts: 6,871 Member
      You don't say what kind of specs your PC has, or whether its laptop or desktop, so I'll just list how I run my game, which is quite smooth on a mid range PC, without attempting to give you technical advice or anything. I'll leave that to @igazor or @phoebebebe13


      I run my game with AwesomeMod and the NRAAS mod suite including Error Trap and DebugEnabler + Overwatch.

      I don't use the launcher to start the game, I use FPS Limiter Pescado provided.

      I keep my custom content under 2gb and don't install through the launcher. I only use packages, and they're all merged into larger packages.

      If installing worlds or Store content, I empty my DCBackup folder so there is nothing in it apart from the ccmerged.package, and I delete all the files in the DCCache folder that end in .tmp ( this needs to be done every time the launcher is opened for whatever reason )
      I also empty the World Caches folder every now and then as well.

      I keep my Library folder small, and my saved sims folder, and just add or take away stuff I want to use on a play by play basis. Keep the download folder empty, as I put store items on a backup drive. I also keep my exports folder empty as well.

      I delete the 4 cache files present in the folder ( CASPart cache, script chache etc ) after every play session.

      I run all my settings on high, apart from reflections, and the only real lag I get is when Overwatch runs at 3am sim time, or when a sim becomes stuck somewhere.
      Half of these things might not even help, it's just something I got used to doing when I played sims on my old dual core PC. It ran okay but only as long as I kept up with keeping things to a minimum, and clearing caches. Now I guess I just do it out of habit.

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    • Options
      phoebebebe13phoebebebe13 Posts: 19,400 Member
      edited March 2016
      Amiutza wrote: »
      ..to make Sims 3 run smoothly? I have literally tried everything and now I'm trying to run the game on my pc at minimum settings and it still lags.

      I'm aware that for some reason I have the stutter bug which means speed 3 is not an option, but even in speed 1 it's super choppy.

      I already installed the nraas mods and I have a good pc. I'm just at my whits end.

      If you're playing Sims 3 lag free, could you please tell me your secret?

      dont you have a 960? is vsync working.?
    • Options
      phoebebebe13phoebebebe13 Posts: 19,400 Member
      StilleWater wrote: »
      Yes...don't use mods and don't customize heavily. If you play more then one family, don't add a bunch to the game...keep it simple. The game drags the more you do to make it matchy matrchy. Uses to many resources.

      some mods will actually help reduce stress of the game
    • Options
      wolfkomoki1wolfkomoki1 Posts: 5,053 Member
      I'd start with Nraas mods. @igazor Can tell you about it better than I can.
      6JSxk49.png?1
    • Options
      MizbuttsMizbutts Posts: 53 Member
      I highly suggest this FPS Booster!
      It is on the Skyrim mod nexus, but I've found it's great for any game really. I'm using it right now, tabbed out while my sim tends the garden. :tongue:
      "This nifty little CMD is using the old 'Windows media player trick' which some of you may be familiar with...

      So basically, this EXE is giving the benefits of running windows media player in the background, without windows media player (which is CPU heavy) slowing your game down some.

      The CMD is essentially allowing your CPU to respond to how much use you can get out of it. It's something Microsoft hid in their software to make them superior to their rivals, i.e. Itunes."
    • Options
      Okblondee7Okblondee7 Posts: 2,607 Member
      @Mizbutts, I thought the idea was to lower the fps to avoid frying your graphics card. As usual, I am confused.

      My goal is to lower the fps, but unfortunately, I am not sure how to do this.
    • Options
      deadhaus123deadhaus123 Posts: 475 Member
      edited March 2016
      Amiutza wrote: »
      ..to make Sims 3 run smoothly? I have literally tried everything and now I'm trying to run the game on my pc at minimum settings and it still lags.

      I'm aware that for some reason I have the stutter bug which means speed 3 is not an option, but even in speed 1 it's super choppy.

      I already installed the nraas mods and I have a good pc. I'm just at my whits end.

      If you're playing Sims 3 lag free, could you please tell me your secret?
      Okblondee7 wrote: »
      @Mizbutts, I thought the idea was to lower the fps to avoid frying your graphics card. As usual, I am confused.

      My goal is to lower the fps, but unfortunately, I am not sure how to do this.

      You both need to download Nvidia Inspector. That's what i use and it does wonders. IT keeps my temps down and allows for complete optimization of any game. There are a lot of options you can check or uncheck in the program so i would suggest researching each one to see how it may or may not affect performance. I set my FPS to 45 as that is all i need to run the game smoothly.
      [img][/img]UjBiOYQ.jpg
    • Options
      MizbuttsMizbutts Posts: 53 Member
      You both need to download Nvidia Inspector. That's what i use and it does wonders. IT keeps my temps down and allows for complete optimization of any game. There are a lot of options you can check or uncheck in the program so i would suggest researching each one to see how it may or may not affect performance. I set my FPS to 45 as that is all i need to run the game smoothly.

      Yeah but does it work with other graphics chips than a Nvidia?
    • Options
      JoAnne65JoAnne65 Posts: 22,959 Member
      For me it's a good computer and easy on what you put in. The game doesn't like the whole Store thrown in or every piece of CC you can find. Mods can have an impact too, but since they often also solve issues you might just want them nevertheless. I've made it a habit to clear my cache files before playing now. I never had to do that when I played the game vanilla, but some mods I just really want.
      5JZ57S6.png
    • Options
      KarritzKarritz Posts: 21,923 Member
      Okblondee7 wrote: »
      @Mizbutts, I thought the idea was to lower the fps to avoid frying your graphics card. As usual, I am confused.

      My goal is to lower the fps, but unfortunately, I am not sure how to do this.

      The method you need to use seems to depend on your graphics card.

      @Phoebebebe13 know lots more than I do though.

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      https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuW44b3uCMtCSaq4gwC8EZg
    • Options
      deadhaus123deadhaus123 Posts: 475 Member
      edited March 2016
      Mizbutts wrote: »
      You both need to download Nvidia Inspector. That's what i use and it does wonders. IT keeps my temps down and allows for complete optimization of any game. There are a lot of options you can check or uncheck in the program so i would suggest researching each one to see how it may or may not affect performance. I set my FPS to 45 as that is all i need to run the game smoothly.

      Yeah but does it work with other graphics chips than a Nvidia?

      No, I'm afraid it doesn't. You can use generic tools like old "3D Analyzer" or "D3DOverrider". I haven't used them myself but i hear they can do the same thing more or less. You may want to see if there is an FPS limiter and try that first.
      [img][/img]UjBiOYQ.jpg
    • Options
      igazorigazor Posts: 19,330 Member
      edited March 2016
      Yeah, don't use mods like the poster said above. They are icky and will spoil everything that works perfectly well without them... >:)

      (muffled sounds of scuffling and restraints being put in place)

      Sorry, the evil igazor got out again. He's back under control now. Without knowing more about the precise specs you currently have in play, it is difficult to make the best recommendations. But I have to agree that checking out your game's fps rate if you are on a higher end card, no matter how you do it, and keeping it under control are essential.

      I wouldn't say my game is the epitome of perfect smoothness, but I'm not exactly on state of the art equipment and it's smooth enough to be enjoyable. There is, unfortunately, no one size fits all solution to improving game performance. But we do have a page full of recommendations, some mod related others not, that might be worth taking a look at if you haven't already seen this.
      https://nraas.wikispaces.com/Tips+For+Better+Game+Performance
      Post edited by igazor on
      o550pjoa47rpxo63g.jpg
      NRaas has moved!
      Our new site is at http://nraas.net
    • Options
      jimbbqjimbbq Posts: 2,734 Member
      I played my game on a laptop , in fact a MacBook Air! I have now installed 6 expansion packs and it runs rather smoothly on minimum graphics. However I have to turn off snow as it lags badly when it snows :( I have zero cc and zero store items installed. I play only one family
    • Options
      deadhaus123deadhaus123 Posts: 475 Member
      igazor wrote: »
      Yeah, don't use mods like the poster said above. They are icky and will spoil everything that works perfectly well without them... >:)

      (muffled sounds of scuffling and restraints being put in place)

      Sorry, the evil igazor got out again. He's back under control now. Without knowing more about the precise specs you currently have in play, it is difficult to make the best recommendations. But I have to agree that checking out your game's fps rate if you are on a higher end card, no matter how you do it, and keeping it under control is essential.

      I wouldn't say my game is the epitome of perfect smoothness, but I'm not exactly on state of the art equipment and it's smooth enough to be enjoyable. There is, unfortunately, no one size fits all solution to improving game performance. But we do have a page full of recommendations, some mod related others not, that might be worth taking a look at if you haven't already seen this.
      https://nraas.wikispaces.com/Tips+For+Better+Game+Performance

      I only mentioned those "options" because of the OP's statement that they were at their wits end. It seemed to me that everything wasn't working perfectly fine for her as it was. I know for a fact that Nvidia inspector works and works well. I admit that i don't know much about those 2 programs and i have only ever heard of them in relation to other games. I think the biggest thing is finding a program that will allow you to limit the FPS.
      [img][/img]UjBiOYQ.jpg
    • Options
      igazorigazor Posts: 19,330 Member
      deadhaus123 wrote: »
      I only mentioned those "options" because of the OP's statement that they were at their wits end. It seemed to me that everything wasn't working perfectly fine for her as it was. I know for a fact that Nvidia inspector works and works well. I admit that i don't know much about those 2 programs and i have only ever heard of them in relation to other games. I think the biggest thing is finding a program that will allow you to limit the FPS.

      I wasn't disagreeing with your advice, just adding to it. :)
      o550pjoa47rpxo63g.jpg
      NRaas has moved!
      Our new site is at http://nraas.net
    • Options
      BlackSandBlackSand Posts: 2,074 Member
      edited March 2016
      Amiutza wrote: »
      ..to make Sims 3 run smoothly? I have literally tried everything and now I'm trying to run the game on my pc at minimum settings and it still lags.

      I'm aware that for some reason I have the stutter bug which means speed 3 is not an option, but even in speed 1 it's super choppy.

      I already installed the nraas mods and I have a good pc. I'm just at my whits end.

      If you're playing Sims 3 lag free, could you please tell me your secret?

      Here's a wild idea ... Reduce everything except what makes your game the most enjoyable.
      Just looking at the picture in your siggy ... If that is the way your lots look ... Then I have no doubt your game doesn't run well.

      If you really don't need it to enjoy your game ... Don't put it in there to clog things up.
      Your game is like what restoration specialists say about restoring classic antique sports cars ...

      "They generally either look really good ... Or run really good ... Seldom both at the same time."

      .

      I eat pickles on my hamburgers ... MWWAHAHAHAHA
    • Options
      deadhaus123deadhaus123 Posts: 475 Member
      igazor wrote: »
      deadhaus123 wrote: »
      I only mentioned those "options" because of the OP's statement that they were at their wits end. It seemed to me that everything wasn't working perfectly fine for her as it was. I know for a fact that Nvidia inspector works and works well. I admit that i don't know much about those 2 programs and i have only ever heard of them in relation to other games. I think the biggest thing is finding a program that will allow you to limit the FPS.

      I wasn't disagreeing with your advice, just adding to it. :)

      Well anything you add or help with Sims related is usually spot on; so to the OP i would say listen to igazor as he is definitely more knowledgeable on the subject then i am. :D
      [img][/img]UjBiOYQ.jpg
    • Options
      Colton147147Colton147147 Posts: 10,454 Member
      edited March 2016
      igazor wrote: »
      Yeah, don't use mods like the poster said above. They are icky and will spoil everything that works perfectly well without them... >:)

      (muffled sounds of scuffling and restraints being put in place)

      Sorry, the evil igazor got out again. He's back under control now. Without knowing more about the precise specs you currently have in play, it is difficult to make the best recommendations. But I have to agree that checking out your game's fps rate if you are on a higher end card, no matter how you do it, and keeping it under control are essential.

      I wouldn't say my game is the epitome of perfect smoothness, but I'm not exactly on state of the art equipment and it's smooth enough to be enjoyable. There is, unfortunately, no one size fits all solution to improving game performance. But we do have a page full of recommendations, some mod related others not, that might be worth taking a look at if you haven't already seen this.
      https://nraas.wikispaces.com/Tips+For+Better+Game+Performance

      *releases the evil @igazor*

      B)

      ---

      Anyway, for the OP, enable V-Sync via your control panel rather you have AMD or NVidia.
      Your Justine Keaton Enthusiast and the Voice of the Sims Community.
    • Options
      phoebebebe13phoebebebe13 Posts: 19,400 Member
      Okblondee7 wrote: »
      @Mizbutts, I thought the idea was to lower the fps to avoid frying your graphics card. As usual, I am confused.

      My goal is to lower the fps, but unfortunately, I am not sure how to do this.

      do you know your graphics card off hand? Reducing fps is for higher end video cards because there is no fps limiter on the game. Vertical sync locks you video card in with your monitor. So if your monitor is 60 hz you will lock in at 60 fps. Its ok if your video card goes under than but not ok if over
    • Options
      Okblondee7Okblondee7 Posts: 2,607 Member
      @phoebebebe13, a quick look at my DxDiag shows that I have Nvidia GeForce GT 730. Probably not high end, as it was a gaming computer for the guy who sold the parts to me. At the price I paid, I can't imagine it being high-end anything. But it's far better than what I had.

      So, no need to worry about fps? Thank you kindly. :)
    • Options
      nickibitswardnickibitsward Posts: 3,115 Member
      Amiutza wrote: »
      ..to make Sims 3 run smoothly? I have literally tried everything and now I'm trying to run the game on my pc at minimum settings and it still lags.

      I'm aware that for some reason I have the stutter bug which means speed 3 is not an option, but even in speed 1 it's super choppy.

      I already installed the nraas mods and I have a good pc. I'm just at my whits end.

      If you're playing Sims 3 lag free, could you please tell me your secret?

      I have no lag and no stutter, no cc and no mods. My PC automatically sets everything on high. But, I have a very, very good gaming rig. Check the game specs and make sure your PC can run it.
    • Options
      CharlottesmomCharlottesmom Posts: 7,015 Member
      phoebebebe13 wrote: »
      Okblondee7 wrote: »
      @Mizbutts, I thought the idea was to lower the fps to avoid frying your graphics card. As usual, I am confused.

      My goal is to lower the fps, but unfortunately, I am not sure how to do this.

      do you know your graphics card off hand? Reducing fps is for higher end video cards because there is no fps limiter on the game. Vertical sync locks you video card in with your monitor. So if your monitor is 60 hz you will lock in at 60 fps. Its ok if your video card goes under than but not ok if over

      @phoebebebe13 , will my husband have to tweak the 980? We're ordering it tomorrow, fina-freakin-lee!
      46668154621_c6b5694596_c.jpg
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    • Options
      phoebebebe13phoebebebe13 Posts: 19,400 Member
      Okblondee7 wrote: »
      @phoebebebe13, a quick look at my DxDiag shows that I have Nvidia GeForce GT 730. Probably not high end, as it was a gaming computer for the guy who sold the parts to me. At the price I paid, I can't imagine it being high-end anything. But it's far better than what I had.

      So, no need to worry about fps? Thank you kindly. :)

      Probably not on the fps but you should test it . use testingcheatsenabled true , bring back down the cheat bar type fps on , hit enter your fps will show in game in the upper right hand corner. What resolution does you dxdiag state? 1920 x 1080p or something else?
    • Options
      phoebebebe13phoebebebe13 Posts: 19,400 Member
      Charlottesmom wrote: »
      phoebebebe13 wrote: »
      Okblondee7 wrote: »
      @Mizbutts, I thought the idea was to lower the fps to avoid frying your graphics card. As usual, I am confused.

      My goal is to lower the fps, but unfortunately, I am not sure how to do this.

      do you know your graphics card off hand? Reducing fps is for higher end video cards because there is no fps limiter on the game. Vertical sync locks you video card in with your monitor. So if your monitor is 60 hz you will lock in at 60 fps. Its ok if your video card goes under than but not ok if over

      @phoebebebe13 , will my husband have to tweak the 980? We're ordering it tomorrow, fina-freakin-lee!

      YEA! The 980 is actually too powerful for this game. Are you playing anything else besides this game? If not a 970m would be fine and save you money. You would be better off spending your money on two hard drives. one being a 500 gb ssd. Any new card you buy you will have to set up the game properly to run which I can help you do when you get the laptop.

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