Gradual Slowdown and Freezing

[CinderEmma]

The problem I'm having is as follows: After spending roughly 5 to 10 minutes in Sim Creation, the framerate begins to drop, and interface lag becomes apparent. The slowdown lasts anywhere from 2 to 5 minutes, after which the game freezes entirely. At this point, the only way to escape is to close the game via the task manager. Opening the Task Manager also becomes slow and unresponsive at this point.

I have only seen this issue in Sim Creation recently, but I have had crashing issues throughout the game before. I am unsure whether or not this particular issue affects the main game, or only Sim Creation.

Here are the things I have tried:
- Updated to the most recent version: 1.36
- Removed all custom content to run the game clean.
- Backed up my game files and had it reinstall.
- Monitored CPU and GPU temperatures during play. Both remained stable and within safe limits

EDIT: And my specs are fine btw, it shouldn't be crashing at all. I just got a new computer this last Christmas, and I checked if it would work with Sims 3. It was working fine for a while with it. I will post specs if needed though (just remind me where to look for them XD)

Thanks to my boyfriend for writing this up!

[simsample]

General - Post System Specs
We need more information before we can help with your issue.
Please post a Quick summary of your System Specs
Instructions on finding them are here: Game Help:System Specs.
Please Do NOT post your complete DxDiag report in your thread.


It does not matter how new your computer is; what matters are the specifications. Please post the above information so that we can check.

[CinderEmma]

Sorry, here it is :)

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System Information
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Time of this report: 7/20/2012, 14:58:41
Machine name: DEFAULT-PC
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (6.1, Build 7601) Service Pack 1 (7601.win7sp1_rtm.101119-1850)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd.
System Model: H61M-S2P-B3
BIOS: Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-2100 CPU @ 3.10GHz (4 CPUs), ~3.1GHz
Memory: 4096MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 4014MB RAM
Page File: 1630MB used, 6394MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 11
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
User DPI Setting: Using System DPI
System DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent)
DWM DPI Scaling: Disabled
DxDiag Version: 6.01.7601.17514 32bit Unicode


---------------
Display Devices
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Card name: Intel(R) HD Graphics
Manufacturer: Intel Corporation
Chip type: Intel(R) HD Graphics Family
DAC type: Internal
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_0102&SUBSYS_D0001458&REV_09
Display Memory: 1696 MB
Dedicated Memory: 64 MB
Shared Memory: 1632 MB
Current Mode: 1366 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Generic PnP Monitor
Monitor Model: HP LE1851w
Monitor Id: HWP2840
Native Mode: 1366 x 768(p) (59.790Hz)
Output Type: HD15
Driver Name: igdumd64.dll,igd10umd64.dll,igd10umd64.dll,igdumd32,igd10umd32,igd10umd32
Driver File Version: 8.15.0010.2696 (English)
Driver Version: 8.15.10.2696
DDI Version: 10.1
Driver Model: WDDM 1.1
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 3/19/2012 16:31:56, 8087040 bytes


-------------
Sound Devices
-------------

Description: Speakers (VIA High Definition Audio)
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_1106&DEV_0397&SUBSYS_1458A000&REV_1000
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Type: WDM
Driver Name: viahduaa.sys
Driver Version: 6.00.0001.9200 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
Date and Size: 12/22/2010 09:22:44, 2156656 bytes

------------------------
Disk & DVD/CD-ROM Drives
------------------------

Drive: C:
Free Space: 755.3 GB
Total Space: 953.8 GB
File System: NTFS
Model: ST31000524AS ATA Device

[ellacharmed]

Sims 3 - Game Problems
Please go through this FAQ and follow the instructions, doing each step in order and not skipping anything:

Game Help:Sims 3 Game Problem
Most issues with the game can be resolved by following those steps.


That's not a supported system - you have Integrated Graphics. Or does that system have switchable graphics mode? What is the 2nd graphics card, if you do?

Have you done step#3 of the FAQ?
If it is still crashing after that, we have a longer Crashing Checklist (linked in the FAQ and my signature) for you to work through. And if that also didn't solve crashings, then answer the questionnaire and post back here with the information.

[CinderEmma]

I'm currently waiting for my birthday to get the updated graphics card, I just don't have the money to get it right now. Do you think that could be the problem? I'm been keeping my graphics on the low end, and I have been able to play at some points since Christmas without crashing. Visually everything seems fine until it crashes.
I did do step 3, but I moved a few files back before testing (savedsims, screenshots, something to do with the library?). I should try it again without any files, and see if the problem rests with the files I moved back. I did step three completely, absolutely the same result. I'll also do the questionnaire, and edit in the results.