PC Games

'The Sims 3' PC requirements revealed

PC Games News

By Hector Cortez Dec 17, 2008, 18:03 GMT


Your Talkback on this Story

Note posts made on our older Talkback system will still show below. However, new posts can only be made via the new system (above). We will export the old comments to the new shortly. You can still comment as a guest on the new system but it also allows you to login using various social network and other accounts.

Other features coming soon.

Talkback

page: 1  2 

justin is me 1212Feb 21st, 2009 - 23:18:45

wat english please

Report this comment

Slippers1213May 17th, 2009 - 01:23:40

Ya really I don't speak computer peeps.
I'm totaly jazzed for this game,
but will my computer handle this?!

Report this comment

oigjMay 21st, 2009 - 12:44:50

well the req are not that bad... it could work even on my outdated computer. Cheers for Ea!

Report this comment

XanadosMay 21st, 2009 - 20:04:27

Essentially, it's Sims 2: Improved. If you can run Sims 2, you would just need a slightly faster computer to run Sims 3.

As far as gameplay is concerned, a lot of what a Sims 2 player would say, 'Man, I wish I was able to...' is what they've improved upon.

On a side-note, I kinda wish they would have put more energy into Spore than into a 'new' Sims (and all the expansions that are sure-to-follow).

Report this comment

Joe in PAMay 22nd, 2009 - 17:46:52

* For those unfamiliar with computer terminology, you can skip to the break *

I can't agree with the comment that the specs are even close to what was needed for The Sims 2. The graphics engine for The Sims 3 is completely different; it's a true 3D engine, whereas The Sims 2 used a 2D/3D engine.

The official minimum spec for The Sims 2 was:

# 600 MHz P3 processor
# 32MB video card (GeForce 2 or Radeon 7200)
# 256 MB RAM (Windows XP)

vs.

# 2GHz P4 processor
# 128MB video card (Pixel Shader 2.0 supported)
# 1.5GB RAM

That's a CPU one generation newer, running roughly 6x faster, using a video card that's at least 3 generations newer with 4x the RAM and an API that wasn't even available when The Sims 2 was out, not to mention over 7x the RAM.

------------------------------------------

You just can't say 'will it work on my computer' and expect an easy answer. Computers aren't like consoles: there are so many different configurations that it's impossible to tell someone for sure that a piece of software will work or not.

If you have a store-bought machine, you can usually look up the specs online at the manufacturer's website. Compare those to the ones listed in the article.

Otherwise, based on the minimum spec posted, I'd say any machine older than 24 months *might* have trouble with the Sims 3. Again, you're better served to do some research, jot down your particular computer's specs and save it for future reference.

As a caveat, even though your machine may not meet the minimum spec, it doesn't mean it won't run the software. But it does mean that you will most likely get a disappointing game experience even if you turn all of the graphics settings down to the bare minimum.



Report this comment

Syed shahzebMay 24th, 2009 - 12:38:59

Oh! i have to buy a new computer for ,
no problem anything for thesims3

Report this comment

ToriMay 30th, 2009 - 23:59:56

Times like these I wish I was more computer smart, but I guess I dont know enough about them lol,, I dont know how to change the graphic settings :( I cant even figure out what my computer settings are or what kind of Video Card to buy, I did talk to a friend and added memory to my computer and bought a 500GB hard drive but I am still stuck on the Video Card part I do know I have windows XP LOL

Report this comment

Liam BMay 31st, 2009 - 19:17:17

Hey guys.. i just got a new computer and i get the whole RAM and Processer but im abit shakey with the graphics and video card stuf.. could anyone tell me if the spec below is good enuogh to run sims 3?


Intel® Core 2 Quad Q6600 processor
2.40GHz, 1066MHz FSB, 8MB Cache
Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium
4GB DDR2 667MHz memory
640GB SATA hard drive (7200rpm)
NVIDIA® GeForce 7100 graphics
Blu-Ray Reader and DVD Rewriter
12-in-1 media card reader
8x USB ports (4x front, 4x rear)
1x IEEE 1394 FireWire® port

Report this comment

James D'arcyJun 2nd, 2009 - 00:11:15

I found another site with complete listings for The Sims 3 PC Specs. I won't copy & paste article here.

www.bigfatcheats.com/index.php?/Latest/The-Sims-3-PC-Specs.html

Report this comment

Mad Sims 3 PlayerJun 3rd, 2009 - 01:50:40

I got it and the graphics on Sims 2 were better than what I have for Sims 3... i guess its my comp... hopefully not the game... i would be so mad if it were Ea that made the graphics so bad. Cuz on the commercials the graphics are awesome!!

Report this comment

netyireJun 3rd, 2009 - 11:16:57

Liam B: Yup, it'll run fine on those specs. Have fun!

Report this comment

LeeJun 3rd, 2009 - 16:29:07

Just wondering whether my pc sec would run this game any help would be much appreciated as my Pc is custom built...this is all the information i can find.

Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
AMD Athlon xp 2800+
2.09 ghz
1.00 GB of RAM
NVIDIA GeForce 6600agp
Sony DVD RW DRU-700A
Memory 74.6 GB

Report this comment

Kelsey.Jun 3rd, 2009 - 18:16:40

Help fast, please.

I have Windows Vista.
AMD 64 Athlon X2.
It's an Inspiron 1521.

And basically my Sims 2 Deluxe game is messed up.
I don't know if it is my computer, or the game itself.
But I can't play it longer than 30 mintues without the graphics smearing everywhere.

I was planning on buying the Sims 3 today, but I dunno if I should.
Advice? Details? Information? Help?

Report this comment

mazajacJun 4th, 2009 - 17:26:28


i dont understand the graphics so would appeciate some help
i brought my laptop about 2 months ago and the graphics are ATI Radeon™ X1200 Graphics
any idea if this will work as i dont want to buy a comp yet as got to wait till after my holiday and am dying to play the sims 3
thanks in advance

Report this comment

SimMaster3000Jun 5th, 2009 - 03:01:04

If you just go to www.systemrequirements.com and Click 'Can You RUN it?' and pick The Sims 3 on the scroll bar then click okay it will tell you if you mee the requirements for the game and if you dont what you need to meet them

-SimMaster3000

Report this comment

KCGSJun 5th, 2009 - 03:20:42

1.) For those who do not speak computer, here is a website that looks at your computer\'s hard drive and specifications and tells you whether or not you can run it. Hence, the name Can you RUN it? Go to Google, and type in Can you RUN it? It is a virus free website, I've tried it, but you have to download a plug-in for the website.

2.) For those who \'speak some computer\' it just means that your computer will need to have a 2.4 GHz processor or higher. And at least 2GB of RAM available in order to play the Sims 3 how it was supposed to play. And if you do not know the specifications of your computer or laptop, you can check it via clicking on \'My Computer\' in the startup menu. And then find and click system properties.


Report this comment

LeeJun 6th, 2009 - 10:17:17

Id just like to thank SimMaster3000 and KCGS for there help the website was perfect and the good news is i can play Sims 3 whooop! Having never played Sims before it should be interesting, thank again

Report this comment

Annoyedwiththesims3Jun 6th, 2009 - 20:22:37

Right, I have the sims 3 and have been searching for there 'shader model 2' thing, found loads of answers sutch as 'buy a new one' or 'upgrade your old one'
How?? Where From?? No-one is really helpful on websites

Report this comment

.Jun 7th, 2009 - 21:25:30

if i download the sims3 to my windows xp sp1 .. what will happen.?

Report this comment

Jaja1Jun 10th, 2009 - 08:15:31

My laptop meets all the requirements for the sims 3 except for my video card which only has 64mb of video ram.

I know that's way below the 128mb minimum, but would it be worth trying the game? I can't upgrade the video card on my laptop.

Thanks for your help!

Report this comment

page: 1  2 

Latest Headlines in PC Games

Bookmark and Share Share

The Sims 3

Featuring a brand new engine that has been in development for nearly three years, The Sims 3 allows you to immerse your Sims in an open living neighborhood right outside ...more

  • US Release: 2009-06-02
  • UK Release: 2009-06-05

Related Articles

'The Sims 3 World Adventures' announced

External Links

Official Site 

From Sites We Like

Latest PopEater News

It's the End of the World, and We Love It
Put Down the Phone: Celebrity Voicemail
Travolta Family Makes First Red Carpet Appearance Since Jett's Death
'Glee' Star Kevin McHale: 'I'm Really Good at Not Moving My Legs'
Fans Walk Out on Tracy Morgan During Raunchy Routine

Latest Cinema Blend News

Joel Silver Finally Revives Sgt. Rock By Bringing Him To The Future
Belgian Actress De France Joins Damon In Hereafter
Mad Men Creator Weiner Delays His Feature Directing Debut
Len Wiseman Is The Next Guy To End The World
Shazam Screenwriter Talks Casting For Captain Marvel

Latest Tech Herald News

NASA and Mayan priests working to quash 2012 fears
AT&T offers Lightning connectivity anytime and anywhere
Electronic Arts splashes the cash for Playfish
EA drops 1,500 jobs as Activision trumpets Modern Warfare 2
Modern Warfare to sell 5 million copies in 24 hours
USA