Specific Upgrade Question.

[cancerously]

I am currently running TS2 on a Toshiba Satellite with an Intel Core 2 Duo CPU with a 2 GHz processor and 3 GB of RAM.

This computer is rather old and laggy, but whenever I run TS2 it works well. But I will probably be getting a new computer sometime next year.

My plan is to buy a new Macbook Pro and install Windows Vista Home Premium on it so I can still play TS2 (and I have no desire to upgrade to Windows 7 or 8. I love Vista. A lot.) but the problem is the new Macbook Pros have a quad core and I don't know how well TS2 will take to having those.

I'm basically wondering if this will work. I don't want to part with TS2. If all else fails, I can just take everything off this laptop and perhaps expand to 4 GB of RAM, but there will probably be a point at which this laptop stops working entirely. I already occasionally have startup issues with the game.

Thanks!

[ajaxsirius]

According to this http://www.modthesims.info/wiki.php?title=Game_Help:Dual_Core_Issues , "TS2 can not make use of multi-core".

It means the extra cores are not supposed to cause problems. Only the fact that you have more than one may cause issues. That link has steps you can follow to solve them. I don't recommend doing it if you have no problems.

[whiterider]

Indeed. You won't see much gain from having a quad core with TS2 (except to a limited degree, in that you can have Windows and everything else using one/three cores to leave one full core solely for use by TS2), but it won't cause any problems either.

More important to think about is graphics, as a lot of MacBooks have crappy integrated graphics chips.

I have to say, though, if you're gonna pay for a Mac and then wipe it and install Windows... I reckon you're either mad or have more money than sense. Possibly both. ;)

[cancerously]

Lol I'm not going to wipe it. I'm going to partition the hard drive and put Vista on one of the partitions. I'll have both Lion (or perhaps SnowLeopard?) and Vista. I do not want to part with Vista until I literally have to. Macs are also more portable than PCs. In my opinion anyway. They start up faster and they don't get cat hair/snack crumbs stuck between the keys. They're easy to keep clean. The system specs are better than the 3+ year-old laptop I've got now anyway.

[ellacharmed]

Loving Vista more than 7? Seriously?
I skipped Vista and went from XP directly to 7. While 8 is more suited to tablets at this point unless I can get rid of those desktop icons thingies, I do like the fact that there's no Start Orb any longer.

Do you only play Sims 2? Not going to get newer titles, in the future, ever? No Sims 3, ever?

Macs are also more portable than PCs. <snipped> The system specs are better than the 3+ year-old laptopIMO, this a load of hogwash. You're not looking at the right models.

Have you checked MSI, Clevo, Asus, Toshiba gaming lines (as mentioned in the Sticky)? If you just like the form-factor of the Mac Book Pro, then you go for form more than functions and may have to sacrifice performance, and I rest my case. Though, there have been lots of copy-cats, some with better specs the last I check. Or soon-to-be copy-cats eg, the silver/gray IdeaPad U300s (YUM!), among others. No dedicated GPU in that Ideapad since you want portability vs gaming-desktop-replacement but so do some of the MBPs, so level playing field there. Some of the above-mentioned laptop models have the advantage over MBP in upgradability factor. There's nothing else anyone can say once you use Mac's sleek-looking unibody finish as an argument, but I trust my counter-points above show that there are still options available. :)

Anyway, I'd recommend you read lots of forums with "OS X" "Sims" in the search and see what sort of issues folks are facing. Especially if you intend to play other games than Sims 2 only.

[cancerously]

I play Sims 2 and Sims 3. But I strongly prefer TS2. I was also looking into getting a pc with the following and someone told me they're not good for TS2. I don't know what I should be looking for, exactly.

2nd Gen Intel® Core™ i3-2330M processor
Features a 3MB L3 cache and 2.2GHz processor speed.
Intel® Core™ i3 processor
Features smart 4-way processing performance for HD quality computing. Intel® HD graphics provide extra graphics power for your laptop when you need it.
6GB DDR3 memory
For multitasking power, expandable to 8GB.
Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support
Records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL media; also supports DVD-RAM.
15.6" LED-backlit TFT-LCD high-definition widescreen display
With TruBrite technology and 1366 x 768 resolution showcases movies and games in stunning clarity.
Intel® Wireless Display
Wirelessly transmits streamed or downloaded movies, TV shows, music, photos and more from your laptop, network or the Internet to your TV (NETGEAR Push2TV adapter required, not included).
640GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 rpm)
Offers spacious storage and fast read/write times.
Intel® HD graphics
Feature 64-1696MB shared video memory for lush images with vivid detail. HDMI output for connection to an HDTV.
Media control buttons
Include eco Utility, mute, CD/DVD control, volume and wireless on/off.
Built-in webcam and microphone
Make it easy to video chat with family and friends.
Multiformat media reader
Supports Secure Digital, Secure Digital High Capacity, SDXC, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO, MultiMediaCard and xD-Picture Card formats.
1 USB 3.0 and 3 USB 2.0 ports
For fast digital video, audio and data transfer.
Built-in high-speed wireless LAN (802.11b/g/n)
Connect to the Internet without wires.
Built-in 10/100 Ethernet LAN
With RJ-45 connector for quick and easy wired Web connection.
Weighs 5.8 lbs. and measures just 1.4" thin
For easy portability. Raised tile keyboard with 10-keypad allows comfortable data entry.
Long battery life
Of up to 6 hours and 23 minutes to give you more time away from an outlet.
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit operating system preinstalled
Provides a stable platform for word processing, Web navigation, gaming, media storage and more.
Software package included
With Adobe Acrobat Reader and more. Microsoft Office Starter 2010 also included (product key card required for activation; sold separately).
ENERGY STAR qualified
Designed to use less energy and meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy.
Intel, Pentium, Celeron, Centrino, Core, Viiv, Intel Inside and the Intel Inside logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.
Fusion X2 finish in platinum
Offers a stylish appearance.

[HystericalParoxysm]

Definitely not. Integrated Intel graphics is weak and prone to failure. You want an actual proper graphics card. There are suggested builds in the stickies.

[cancerously]

Here's some of the specs for what I'm running now. If I need to post something else let me know. I don't understand how this is different from the specs of the other computer and I don't actually know if I have a proper graphics card or not.

Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit
Intel® Centrino® Processor Technology featuring:
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T5800
- 2.0GHz, 2MB L2, 800MHz FSB
Mobile Intel® GM45 Express Chipset
Intel® WiFi Link 5100AGN (802.11 a/g/n)

3 GB RAM

Mobile Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD with 128MB-
1294MB dynamically allocated shared graphics memory

[ellacharmed]

And today I was in the store and considering getting a PC instead because they're cheaper and everything and I found a PC that I love. A lot. It has the following specs:

2nd Gen Intel® Core™ i3-2330M processor
Features a 3MB L3 cache and 2.2GHz processor speed.
Intel® Core™ i3 processor
Features smart 4-way processing performance for HD quality computing. Intel® HD graphics provide extra graphics power for your laptop when you need it.
6GB DDR3 memory

Then I came back and posted those specs on here was told that "intel integrated graphics" are bad. I don't even know what that means. But right now it seems like I am running that. And my graphics are fine. My game runs a little slowly sometimes, but my computer is 3+ years old and I have a lot of CC installed. I also run my game at the highest settings. Here's what I'm running right now:

Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit
Intel® Centrino® Processor Technology featuring:
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T5800
- 2.0GHz, 2MB L2, 800MHz FSB
Mobile Intel® GM45 Express Chipset
Intel® WiFi Link 5100AGN (802.11 a/g/n)
3 GB RAM
Mobile Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD with 128MB-
1294MB dynamically allocated shared graphics memory


I honestly don't understand the difference. It seems like both computers are intel integrated.
Again, I implore you to read the stickies. There's nothing I can explain more than what has been mentioned in these stickies/FAQs. These in particular
http://www.modthesims.info/showthread.php?t=330401
Game_Help:TS3_System_Requirements (under massive re-edits, excuse the mess. The names of the integrated cards are stated and all located towards the top section of the table, with all RED "No"s)
FAQs explaining why integrated/onboard graphics are bad
Game_Help:Onboard_Graphics
Game_Help:Your_Computer_is_Like_a_Car


There might be others who will try to convince you that these cards work with Sims games, but I read a lot of Sims and tech forums where people with these cards complaint at, and I assure you, these laptops may load the game and let you run for a few months while it is still new, a couple years at most if you're extremely lucky. But they won't last you a long time (4years and above) like a properly equipped machine would. And while it may load and run initially, you'll run it at low resolutions, experience more crashings and have issues like all those with fur transparency/fluffiness issues are complaining about.

But then, there's no 100% guarantees with electronics, as there's a lemon in each batch. You may be saddled with a new discrete graphics that you need to RMA (return for a replacement). But if you have the money to keep buying new laptops (every 6mths or a year) when the old one dies prematurely due to overheating and overstrain, then you're extremely lucky and I'm really happy for you. :up:

[cancerously]

Again, I implore you to read the stickies. There's nothing I can explain more than what has been mentioned in these stickies/FAQs. These in particular
http://www.modthesims.info/showthread.php?t=330401
Game_Help:TS3_System_Requirements (under massive re-edits, excuse the mess. The names of the integrated cards are stated and all located towards the top section of the table, with all RED "No"s)
FAQs explaining why integrated/onboard graphics are bad
Game_Help:Onboard_Graphics
Game_Help:Your_Computer_is_Like_a_Car


There might be others who will try to convince you that these cards work with Sims games, but I read a lot of Sims and tech forums where people with these cards complaint at, and I assure you, these laptops may load the game and let you run for a few months while it is still new, a couple years at most if you're extremely lucky. But they won't last you a long time (4years and above) like a properly equipped machine would. And while it may load and run initially, you'll run it at low resolutions, experience more crashings and have issues like all those with fur transparency/fluffiness issues are complaining about.

But then, there's no 100% guarantees with electronics, as there's a lemon in each batch. You may be saddled with a new discrete graphics that you need to RMA (return for a replacement). But if you have the money to keep buying new laptops (every 6mths or a year) when the old one dies prematurely due to overheating and overstrain, then you're extremely lucky and I'm really happy for you. :up:

Thanks. I had not read those stickies yet. I never found them. D:
It's just hard for me to fully... get it, because I think I'm using intel integrated graphics now. I've never had a problem with the graphics at all. That's really the issue I'm having here. I mean I'm not trying to be difficult. I just don't... get it.

[ellacharmed]

If you've never had a problem, and it is still working (albeit the lags), why are you getting a new system? Lagging (discounting game bugs and known issues) should not occur outside of the game. If you get lagging (not due to fragmented HDD or a full HDD space or an upkeep issue), then do housekeeping - clear out unused Programs, clear remnants of Registry, defrag, scan for virus/malware/spyware - which is basic tasks done on monthly or a regular schedule. If you get lagging in the game, even after doing the suggestions in "Intermittent Freeze" wiki, then that again supports the "onboard graphics is not build for gaming" theory, doesn't it? Though I suspect part of the cause is the processor is not up to the task while trying to render the graphics on the onboard graphics.

For what its worth, after doing all the suggestions in the "Intermittent Freeze" wiki, I don't have lags in my Sims 3 games (all EPs + SPs + some 500mb-1gb of CC, depending what I'm testing or building) and I get the properly fluffed fur for my pets, when playing on my properly equipped Desktop with supported hardware. Not more or less than others, at any rate; discounting the known zooming issues and other causes inherent in the game coding, which I believe no amount of hacks can correct.

The fact that you need to upgrade/purchase another actually supports the fact that onboard systems cannot last beyond the 2years average lifetime of a laptop when used heavily. If one don't play a resource-intensive game on that laptop, it could last longer.

If you don't mind answering these:
How long have you had this laptop?
Based on the earliest website reviews, it was released in quarter 4 of 2008, so that gives at maximum a 3 year period of ownership. Depending when you bought it, the average of 2 years of laptop lifetime fits.
How often do you play the Sims game?
Once a day of how long a period for each gameplay session (Load, Save, Quit)?
A 1hr session, once a day? A 4-6hrs marathon, once a day?
A 1hr session, twice a day with time for the laptop to cool in between?
What's your gameplay style?
Lots of Building or lots of CAS screentime?
Lots of gameplay and switching Households?
Do you play other games than Sims (2 or 3)?
What titles?
And gameplay session for each title also applies