Specs for The base game and all expansion packs and stuff packs

migitpoo73

Does anyone know what the specs would be for the base game with all of the expansion packs and stuff packs installed to my pc? Im having a new one custom built and just want to make sure it will run all of them smooth. Thanks for all replys and Happy Simmin)

puzzlezaddict

The necessary specs to run Sims 3 on ultra (all packs included) aren't high at all by the standards of current custom-built PCs. Pretty much any hardware that would be worth using in a custom build would be fine. But specifically:

Processor: The usual recommendation is that it have a base frequency of at least 2.4 GHz; quad-core or higher is great but not required in a desktop. In practice, pretty much any desktop CPU that's less than three years old will be fine, so that includes any 8th-gen or later Intel i3 or higher, or any Ryzen. The U-series CPUs aren't great for Sims 3, but they require laptop motherboards that you wouldn't be using.

As a practical matter, it's probably worth spending extra on the processor for the sake of futureproofing. Unlike most parts, it's harder to swap out a CPU, and installing a new one usually means a new mainboard as well, which essentially means a new computer. If you plan on keeping this computer for a while, the extra money is a good investment: it means you can upgrade the graphics card in a few years without worrying about a bottleneck at the CPU.

Graphics card: For full HD resolution (1920x1080), an Nvidia 1650 or higher is fine, or even a 1050 ti or higher from the earlier generation; the new Radeon 5x00s are more than fine, as are the older RX 560 and above. For higher resolutions, you'd want a bit stronger card, but even an Nvidia 1660 should be good enough for high fps.

Memory: 8 GB RAM is plenty for the game and Windows, but 16 GB is nice to have for other reasons. RAM is cheap right now too, so there's no reason not to get at least 16 GB unless you're really trying to cut corners.

Storage: Sims 3 loads much faster on a solid state drive, both in terms of the initial load and travel screens and opening CAS, Build/Buy, and Edit Town. A 256 GB SSD is enough to hold the game, your saves, plus plenty of custom content, but you'd probably need to manage free storage carefully to leave Windows enough room to maneuver. Maybe you're fine with that, but a 512 GB SSD or larger would make things easier, and you might want it anyway if you're planning to install other games as well. But despite the longer waits, the game (and any game) will still run fine on a mechanical drive once it's loaded.

If you want to list the parts you're considering, I'd be happy to take a look. And be careful not to cut corners on the motherboard or the power supply—a problem with either one can brick your system even if everything else is working fine.

migitpoo73

Thanks so much and Happy Simmin