I was too hesitant to post this a few months ago (or a year earlier). I just keep reinstalling the Sims 3 until I lost interest in it and switched to Sims 2.

My computer's processor is Intel(R) Pentium(R) Silver J5040 CPU @ 2.00GHz (2.00 GHz), and it meets the minimum requirements. The game still lags even with the lowest graphics. I get that the Sims 3 is an older game, but that doesn't mean I don't play it anymore because it's not compatible with the game. I have mods like NRaas and Smooth Patch installed, and I even installed the Alder Lake patch in an attempt to reduce lag, despite my CPU not being a 12th Gen processor. I have most of my CCs merged; the only CCs I installed are primarily hairs containing 1GB overall.


I don't have a GPU built in as my computer's a prebuilt. I have read posts across Reddit telling me that Intel Pentium is not suitable (at least to say compatible) for The Sims 3. That doesn't stop me from playing the game, even the Sims 2 runs perfectly on all maxed out graphics as well as the Sims 4, even though I don't play it (it somewhat stutters, but it is good in general). I watched a few gameplay videos on YouTube showcasing the Sims 3 gameplay with CCs and Mods. If they run smoothly, then why does mine not? Help me!!!

OK. A few things.
When you encounter problems, don't uninstall. Just remove the 'The Sims 3" folder in your Documents.

However, when you uninstall, make sure to clean your registry before reinstalling. Otherwise, traces of your previous install will stick around. And you might encounter the same problems. the free version of CCleaner has worked for me for years.

The Alder Lake Patch isn't necessary for your processor. Only for the Alderlake processor, which is fairly recent, I think. I think your CPU is from 2019? I suggest to remove the patch. https://modthesims.info/d/667734/in...lake-patch.html

As for your GPU, did you make sure to set it up so it's recognized? How old is it?

Instructions on how to do that here: https://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/...p?topic=26753.0

How much Memory do you have? Everything under 16GB might give you problems with Windows 10/11, which takes a fair amount of memory just running.

Also make sure your Smooth Patch (which version do you have?) limits your framerate. However, make sure it's not conflicting with NRAAS Master Controller. Discussion about this problem can be find in the Smooth Patch thread here and also in some topics over at NRAAS. Personally, I kept to the 1.1 version to avoid that.

For more tips on how to get the game working well, check out this over at NRAAS: https://www.nraas.net/community/TIP...AME-PERFORMANCE


ETA: One more thing I do, not sure if that's necessary anymore but it might not hurt: Unpark your cores to get the most out of your CPU with this. https://bitsum.com/parkcontrol/

Let us know how things are going.

Thank you so much for the advice. I think you're talking about the RAM, right? In that case, my RAM is 4GB. If I am mistaken, then I have 81GB storage remaining. I have the latest version of Smoot Patch as well. Another thing is that since I don't have a dedicated GPU, do I need to tweak the graphics rule?

Well, 4GB RAM is not enough, especially if you have all the Expansion packs. You never said what Expansion packs you have. Even then, that is going to be a problem in any case. If possible, add another memory stick to at least double your RAM.

Check you Deviceconfig file in the The Sims3 folder in 'Documents'. It gives you ratings for GPU, CPU. The higher the number, the better.

Storage isn't a big deal, but in general, you want some empty room on your disk.

A big problem is not having a dedicated GPU. Even if you can play, it's not going to be smooth. Here is a list for compatibility and it includes On-board graphics. Maybe yours is in there. It also talks about the other system requirements.
https://simswiki.info/wiki.php?titl...em_Requirements

It seems to be updated fairly regularly although I haven't updated my rig in about 4 years, so I'm not up-to-date on recent Graphics cards.

From what I've experienced, the "minimal requirements" only means the game can run on that. It doesn't mean the game will run well or not have issues. A 2 GHz processor is slow by high demand game standards, and because of it's many faults, TS3 is a high demanding game. Not having a dedicated graphics card also slows things down. But even on mega gaming computers, TS3 can grind when heavily modded. And as mentioned, 4 GB ram is pushing the low limit for total computer useage, depending on your OS.

So is it best to build/buy a new computer?

Well, my GPU is Intel® UHD Graphics 605, but I can't figure out if it meets the minimal requirements.

Well, in my opinion, what you can afford to put out for a computer or laptop. But understand that because of how EA made TS3, there will most likely always be some problems, when many mods are added, save files get big... in my case, from travel and having too many Sims in mmy games, even with so many mods that improve TS3 performance, like Nraas and Smooth Patch.

Maybe start a new thread, or change the name of this one to hopefully attract attention from some computer techies?

I built my own desktop 10 years ago and then updated motherboard, graphics and processor about 5 years ago. IMO, it's not that difficult and you save money in the long run.

But yes, for playing Sims3 decently, I think @4aall 's computer is just not good enough.

I think with maybe just basegame and one or two of less challenging Expansions packs, it might work (Ambitions, Late Night, Generations), it might do, but I would limit the amount of CC if any. 1GB of hair isn't a good idea, especially if it's not Maxis Match. Having these high poly hairs on a lot of townies will slow things down.

Some info on the Intel graphics: https://www.notebookcheck.net/Intel...U.271818.0.html. Seems it doesn't have its own RAM, which means, it will use the computer's RAM as well. That's where 4GB is nowhere near sufficient if it is taken up by the graphics chip as well.



Sims4 was made for low-end computers and it's a lot lot less demanding than Sims3.

If you decide to get a new computer, check the table for graphics cards. These days a mid-range card and processor will do nicely for Sims3. Just make sure to have decent VRAM for the card, and at least 16GB for the rest. And you still need to do all the things to make the game run well.

Yea, this is why I was hoping that someone with more sense than I would reply to the OP.

What you're saying is that running every EP and SP I have, 5 or 6 GB of hair and total almost 10 GB of mods is a bad idea?

I'm planning to save up for a PC with a Radeon 580X dedicated graphics card, that should run with the Sims 3 fine with heavy CCs. I'm going on a budget around $300

That card should be fine. Just when you have it, makes sure it can get recognized by the game. The above instructions apply.

Most modern gaming PCs should run the Sims3. Just make sure you have a decent processor and at least 16GB RAM. Maybe avoid that Alder Lake processor. I always had AMD processors, so that was not a concern for me.