Re: Computer specs

by puzzlezaddict
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Computer specs

[ Edited ]
★★★ Apprentice

I am looking to buy a new gaming computer. I know nothing about computers and specs.

 

I do have Sims 3 and all the packs (except for the Katy Perry one) and Sims 4 and all the packs, I also have quite a bit of CCs. I also have several other games from Steam and Epic, that I would love to play on High/Ultra, meaning I need a very strong computer.

 

I was looking at some computers:

 

https://smile.amazon.com/SkyTech-Blaze-Gaming-Computer-Desktop/dp/B07RHBLV7F/ref=pd_day0_hl_147_2/14...

 

https://smile.amazon.com/SkyTech-Legacy-Mini-Computer-Desktop/dp/B07PJMD5GX/ref=sr_1_8?crid=35YGP29U...

 

https://smile.amazon.com/SkyTech-Gaming-Computer-Desktop-Motherboard/dp/B073XF34WZ?ref_=ast_bbp_dp&t...

 

https://smile.amazon.com/SkyTech-Gaming-Computer-Desktop-Motherboard/dp/B073XF2J59?ref_=ast_bbp_dp&t...

 

and was wondering if these were okay, and if they are which is better. If there are other suggestions I would love to hear that too.

 

Please and thank you

Message 1 of 19 (1,546 Views)

Accepted Solution

Re: Computer specs

@dlarlQma  The first one is better overall.  The key is that its processor is two years newer and much stronger, meaning that you'll be able to keep this computer for longer, maybe upgrading one or two parts if necessary rather than having to buy an entirely new system.  (It's harder to upgrade a processor because that often requires a new motherboard as well, probably a new CPU cooler and possibly even faster RAM, at which point you might as well just get a new computer.)

 

The advantages of the second computer are that it has more RAM and a slightly stronger graphics card.  But you can easily add another 8 GB memory yourself, or have a computer shop do it for you; the 8 GB RAM stick should cost around $40.  Although an Nvidia 1660 is a bit slower than a 1660 ti, it's still more than strong enough to run Sims 4 on ultra settings.  And again, if the card can't handle a new game you want to play in two or three years, you can just get a new card without replacing anything else about the computer.

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I don't work for EA. I'm just trying to help fellow players with their games.

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Message 14 of 19 (2,037 Views)

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Re: Computer specs

@dlarlQma  All of those computers would be strong enough to run all Sims 3 packs and the current Sims 4 packs on ultra settings.  I'd cross the last two off though because they're both more expensive than the first one, while their only advantage is their extra memory, and you can install more RAM fairly easily if you want.  The single most important component in determining how well a computer runs a given game is almost always the graphics card, and Sims games are no exception.

 

Between the first two, the second one's graphics card is a bit stronger.  It also has 16 GB RAM, which, while not necessary (again, you can always install more), is nice to have.  The processors are equivalent, and they probably have exactly the same hard drive.  But whether the stronger card and the extra memory are worth the higher price tag to you will probably depend on which other games you'd like to play.  If you list them, I can check their specs as well, and then see whether there might be a better option for what you want to do.  SkyTech is probably the brand you want though, especially if you're looking to get the strongest graphics card for the price.

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I don't work for EA. I'm just trying to help fellow players with their games.
Message 2 of 19 (1,536 Views)

Re: Computer specs

@dlarlQma  The first one doesn't even have a dedicated graphics card (strong though its integrated card may be), so it's out.  The second one is the same as the second one you linked in your original post.  The third, fourth, and fifth are all variations on the same computer, but the important point is that the graphics card isn't as strong as the ones in either of your first two original choices.  Since the Dell is the same price or more expensive in any of its configurations, it's probably not the way to go.

 

I'd be happy to look for other options for you if you'd like.  Just let me know your preferred budget, as well as any details that matter to you other than being able to play Sims 3 and Sims 4.

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I don't work for EA. I'm just trying to help fellow players with their games.
Message 4 of 19 (1,487 Views)

Re: Computer specs

@dlarlQma  The second and third options in your most recent post are the same models as the first and second ones in your initial post.  The first option in your latest post is almost the same as the second one, except its processor is a bit weaker.  Since the two are the same price, you can cross that off the list.  The last option has a significantly weaker processor and graphics card than the other options, so cross it off too.

 

As for the external SSD, there's not much point in getting one unless you really want the portability.  The external connection is slower than an internal one, so you wouldn't get the full benefits of having a solid state drive.  For cheap external storage, spend $80 and get a 2 TB HDD.  If you want another SSD, get an internal one.  Here are some good options:

 

(cheaper but good quality)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HCQ618F/?tag=pcpapi-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GBRG2G8/?tag=pcpapi-20

 

(high-end)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078DPCY3T/?tag=pcpapi-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L31K2MK/?tag=pcpapi-20

 

Internal drives are easy to install.  Any computer case will come with drive bays and mounting brackets; you can easily screw a 2.5" drive into a 3.5" drive bay if it's more easily accessible.  Then the drive just needs two cables: power and data.  Here's a video of how to install one (the process is the same for SATA SSDs and HDDs):

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZsMpqxythc&feature=youtu.be

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I don't work for EA. I'm just trying to help fellow players with their games.
Message 6 of 19 (1,456 Views)

Re: Computer specs

★★★ Apprentice

i have decided to go with this pc

https://smile.amazon.com/ask/questions/Tx3D7DYQBJEVSYT/?questionId=Tx3D7DYQBJEVSYT

 

and according to the comments, if i want to upgrade my memory storage i would need a m.2, so i was thinking this would fit my bill https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GCLLKDC/ref=crt_ewc_img_oth_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DE...

 

but later in the future, if i need it (or something similar to this)

Message 7 of 19 (1,450 Views)

Re: Computer specs

★★★ Apprentice

Another question, is there a big difference between 4gb and 6gb?

 

https://skytechgaming.com/product/legacy-mini-amd-ryzen-7-1700-nvidia-gtx-4gb-gddr6-500gb-ssd-16gb-r...

 

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PJMD5GX/ref=crt_ewc_img_dp_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A89QP6D3VDW1W

 

that seems to be the only difference between the two computers but the 4gb is $20 cheaper, not a whole lot of difference, but i was curious.

Message 8 of 19 (1,447 Views)

Re: Computer specs

[ Edited ]

@dlarlQma  The 4 GB listed is actually a typo—an Nvidia 1660 ti only comes in the 6 GB variant.  Those two models are precisely the same computer, and the price difference is just because SkyTech doesn't have to share profits with Amazon if you buy directly from the company.

 

You don't need an M.2 drive to upgrade your storage either.  Any B450M motherboard is going to have multiple SATA ports, meaning you'd have the space to plug in a second SATA drive (SSD or HDD).  The motherboard will also almost certainly have at least one M.2 slot, but there's no reason you'd need to use that slot rather than a SATA port.  So you could add whatever type of drive you wanted.  Just make sure to read the board's manual beforehand so you know which slot or port would be best to use.

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I don't work for EA. I'm just trying to help fellow players with their games.
Message 9 of 19 (1,436 Views)

Re: Computer specs

★★★ Apprentice

is the 6gb another memory space? why does graphic card come with gb?

Message 10 of 19 (1,411 Views)