Suggestions :)

[Kristy1234]

Hi everyone :)

Been doing some research on laptops that I can play The Sims 3 on...bottom line I am confused!! I want to get something that will run newer games...I basically play AOE III and Sims 3 but I do want a laptop that allows me to play any other games that come out and may take my fancy.
Since this website is solely for Sims 3 I will ask here...what is a laptop I can buy for $900 or under that will support The Sims 3 and the add on's. I am after an Asus btw.

Thank you to anyone who can help, any advice is appreciated,

Kristy :p

[whiterider]

There isn't one. $900 isn't enough to buy a gaming laptop, although it could probably get you a gaming desktop (much cheaper) and a cheap laptop for work/school.

[Kristy1234]

Okay...I thought that might have been the case. What would you recommend....spending a little more for a gaming laptop or buying a desktop and laptop? I want to get the best value for money. What are some gaming desktops that you would recommend if I went that way because I really don't have a clue about them. I want to do some research on both laptop and desktop because the tax return sales will be coming up soon :)

Thank you whiterider

[Kristy1234]

Would I save a lot of money by building my own desktop?

[Kristy1234]

Can someone please help me to put together a full desktop set up - including screen? I really would appreciate the help as I have no idea what to choose to build a computer. I just want something that will run The Sims 3 and most of the expansion packs.

[whiterider]

The cheapest option is to build a gaming desktop, and buy a cheap laptop, yes.

A good place to start is the system requirements for TS3: Game Help:TS3 System Requirements. The "big three" components you buy will have to meet the requirements there - that is, CPU, amount of RAM, and graphics card. Some of the newest graphics cards available aren't on that list, so if you're looking at cards which aren't on that list, a good rule of thumb is to ignore the first number, and compare the second two/three numbers with the latest (bottom) row of the list.

Do remember, though, that some graphics cards aren't on the list not because they're too new, but because they just suck. ;) Google for reviews, and remember to check the dates on the reviews, to get an idea of how new/strong a graphics card is.

You will also want to think about what you need to buy, and what you already have which you can reuse. Use this list a reference:
Motherboard and CPU
RAM (memory)
Graphics card
PSU (power supply unit) (this is important, don't skimp on it!)
Case
Hard drive(s)
CD/DVD drive(s)
Wireless card, if you use wifi at home
Monitor
Keyboard and mouse
Speakers or headphones

It's a lot to think about, I know :p I recommend you write down the various models etc. you look into, because you won't remember them all, trust me. We have some useful info, especially about brands (although the individual models get released too fast for us to keep up), in the 'Help building/buying a new computer" sticky in this forum. tomshardware.com also has lots of useful articles comparing components in a given price range, and explaining the various strengths and weaknesses, and the value for money of each. Tomshardware also has some articles describing full builds such as the $600 gaming PC build (http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/build-gaming-pc-overclock,review-32406.html), which you might find is a useful starting point to adapt to your budget and needs. Bear in mind that, although you will come across references to SLI and Crossfire (installing two graphics cards in one computer), there's not much evidence that TS3 benefits from this kind of setup - it's better to have one great graphics card for TS3 than two pretty good ones.

If you let us know where you live, we may be able to suggest good places to look at for buying parts. Don't go to Best Buy or PC World. There are suggestions for some places, such as the US , Australia, and various EU countries in the sticky I mentioned above.

And finally, don't let yourself be overwhelmed by all the numbers. ;) Many of them don't matter much; the rest can be explained.

[Kristy1234]

Thank you for all this info...I will make sure to write things down yes...I can't remember what happened 5 mins ago let alone all this info lol.
I live in Australia :) I have been looking at Newegg but that's not Australian right?
I also thought today that I might be able to ask a company that has done repairs on my laptop if they would be able to help me design a desktop. Thank you also for the 'gaming PC build' this is useful.

[Kristy1234]

What about these three? Would any play everything comfortably? All from umart

$699
Product Description:
1 Years return to base Warranty
AMD FX-4100 CPU - 3.6GHz
Gigabyte / ASUS AMD970 MotherBoard
8G (2x4G) DDR3-1600MHz RAM
500GB 7200RPM SATAIII Hard Disk
22X DVD Burner
ATI HD7770 1GB Graphics Card
CoolerMaster Centurion 5 II Black Tower Case W 500W PSU

$739
Product Description:
1 Years return to base Warranty
Intel Core i5 3450 CPU - 3.1Ghz
Gigabyte / Asus H77 Motherboard
8GB (2x4G) DDR3-1600MHz RAM
500GB 7200RPM SATAIII Hard Disk
22X DVD Burner
ATI HD7770 1GB Graphics Card
Thermaltake V4 Mid Tower Case Black Edition with 500W PSU

$489
Product Description:
1 Years return to base Warranty
Intel Core i3 2120 3.30Ghz 3MB Cache LGA1155 CPU
Gigabyte / Asus H61 MotherBoard
4GB DDR3-1333MHZ RAM
500GB 7200RPM SATAIII Hard Disk
22X DVD Burner
ATI HD6450 1GB Graphics Card
CoolerMaster RC-Series Case With 420W PSU