Welcome to our specialized laptop buying guide, focused on helping you find the best laptop for playing Sims 4. As a fellow Sims enthusiast, I've spent countless hours enjoying the intricate details and immersive gameplay of this incredible life simulation game. With a game as intricate as Sims 4, it's essential to have a laptop that can deliver smooth performance while also ensuring your sims' lives are as vibrant and detailed as possible.
To find the best laptop for Sims 4, I've meticulously reviewed an extensive laptop spreadsheet comprising recent releases, comparing specs and reviews from both professional and user-generated sources. After narrowing down the top laptops based on the game's specific requirements and various price ranges, I've curated this guide to help you make an informed decision. Factors like graphics performance, processing power, and display quality play a crucial role in determining the optimal laptop for your Sims 4 experience.
As an active participant in the Sims community, I understand the importance of having a laptop that can handle the game's expansions, custom content, and mods. Whether you're an avid builder, storyteller, or simply love to explore the many challenges and surprises that the game offers, this guide will ensure that you have the best laptop for Sims 4 tailored to your preferences and budget. So, let's dive in and find the perfect laptop to bring your sims' world to life.
Graphics
Nvidia continues to dominate the laptop GPU market. They recently released their RTX 40 series cards, however, these are not yet available on laptops and the latest notebook cards available are the RTX 30 series (such as RTX 3070 Ti). Desktop GPUs are now a lot more power-hungry, and so the gap between the power-limited notebook graphics and the desktop graphics cards has widened in recent years. Nvidia has also discontinued their Max-Q label for the RTX graphics cards, which means that an exact GPU wattage is determined by the laptop manufacturer (OEM) and this results in a wide variance in graphics performance even in laptops with the same GPU chipset.
The Sims 4 is playable on integrated graphics, however, it's not recommended. The game's requirements are also not too high, so any dedicated graphics card will be overkill. If you're looking for a gaming laptop that can also run The Sims 4 well, you'll need to consider the latest generation of Nvidia graphics cards, such as the RTX series. For example, a minimum recommendation would be a GTX 1650, while a recommended card would be an RTX 3050. If you're looking for a high-end gaming laptop, then an RTX 3070 should be sufficient.
It's important to know if a graphics card is suitable for gaming or not. To do that, I suggest looking at benchmarks such as 3DMark and Unigine, since these are more relevant than synthetic gaming benchmarks. If you want a gaming laptop that can handle other demanding titles well, look for one with a higher refresh rate display (144Hz or even 240Hz).
Below is a table of the recommended GPUs for different budgets and laptop sizes.
| Budget | Recommended GPU |
|---|---|
| Low | GTX 1650 |
| Mid | RTX 3050 |
| High | RTX 3070 |
Processor
The Sims 4 is one of the most popular games right now, and it's available on PC. If you're considering buying a laptop for playing the game, you'll want to know which CPU is best for the game. In this section, we'll take a look at what the current CPU market has to offer, and what you'll need for gaming versus working on your laptop.
How much Processor do you need for gaming?
The Sims 4 isn't too demanding on the processor, so you don't need to go for a top-of-the-line processor to get good performance. Single-core performance is more important than multi-core performance for this game, so you should look for a laptop with a CPU that has good single-core performance.
For gaming, Intel and Apple's silicon chips are the most popular. Intel has released their 13th-generation processors, while Apple has released their own ARM-based M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max and M2 system-on-chip modules which offer exceptional single-core performance and battery life. AMD has managed to take 20% of the CPU market with their 6th-generation Ryzen processors; they offer good performance, and are especially good if you need a good battery life in a PC laptop. All these chips have adopted a hybrid performance/efficiency core design based on big.LITTLE.
How to know which CPUs are best?
The best way to compare processors is to look at the benchmark scores for different models. We recommend using Cinebench R23 and PassMark scores, as they are more accurate than other benchmarks like 3DMark or PCMark.
Below is a table with recommended processors based on price bracket. All of them will perform well for The Sims 4, but for more intensive gaming, you may want to consider going for a higher-end H-series processor as these laptops usually have better cooling and can be overclocked.
Recommended Processors for The Sims 4
| Price Range | Processor |
|---|---|
| Budget | i5-1135G7 |
| Mid-range | i5-11300H |
| High-end | Ryzen 7 4800H |
Memory
When shopping for a laptop for Sims 4, RAM is one of the most important specifications to consider. While the game will run on virtually any laptop with at least 8 GB of RAM, if you want to make the most of the game’s graphics and sound, then you’ll want a laptop with more memory. For mid-range laptops, 16 GB of RAM is preferable, while high-end laptops should have 32 GB or more.
Most modern laptops, such as those equipped with the latest-gen Intel and AMD CPUs, support both DDR4 and DDR5 RAM. While DDR5 is still relatively new and expensive, it’s slowly becoming more common as it matures as a technology.
It’s important to remember that RAM is not the be-all and end-all for gaming performance. The amount of RAM doesn’t matter as much in Sims 4 as it does in other games because the game is single-threaded and can’t take full advantage of more threads available with more RAM. Latency and frequency also play a role in gaming performance and should be taken into consideration when choosing RAM for gaming.
At the end of the day, the amount of RAM you need depends on your budget and what kind of laptop you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a gaming laptop with a lot of RAM, then expect to pay a premium price. As a general guideline, here’s what to expect at each price point:
- Minimum: 8 GB
- Recommended: 16 GB
- High-end: 32 GB or more
FAQ
Q: What laptop is best for playing Sims 4?
When it comes to playing Sims 4, you have a range of options depending on your budget and desired performance. For the best experience, we recommend a laptop with at least a Ryzen 7 4800H or an i5-11300H processor and a RTX 3070 or RTX 3050 graphics card. However, if you're on a tighter budget, there are more affordable options available that can still handle the game well.
What are the minimum system requirements for Sims 4 on a laptop?
The minimum system requirements for Sims 4 on a laptop are an i5-1135G7 processor, a GTX 1650 graphics card, and 8 GB of RAM. These specifications will allow you to run the game at lower settings and may not provide the smoothest experience, especially in more demanding situations or with mods and expansions.
Can I play Sims 4 on a budget laptop?
Yes, you can play Sims 4 on a budget laptop. With the minimum requirements mentioned earlier, you should be able to run the game on lower settings. Keep in mind that a budget laptop may struggle with more demanding situations or when using mods and expansions. For a smoother experience, we recommend considering a laptop with at least a Medium level of performance.
What specs do I need for smooth gameplay in Sims 4 on a laptop?
For smooth gameplay in Sims 4 on a laptop, we recommend a laptop with at least a Medium level of performance. This means having an i5-11300H or better processor, an RTX 3050 or better graphics card, and 16 GB of RAM. These specifications will ensure smoother gameplay even in more demanding situations and when using mods and expansions.
Is a dedicated graphics card necessary for playing Sims 4 on a laptop?
While it's possible to play Sims 4 on a laptop with integrated graphics, having a dedicated graphics card will greatly enhance your experience. Integrated graphics are generally not as powerful as dedicated graphics cards, which can result in lower performance and reduced graphical fidelity. If you want to play Sims 4 at higher settings and with a smoother framerate, we recommend opting for a laptop with a dedicated graphics card, such as the GTX 1650, RTX 3050, or RTX 3070.
How much RAM do I need for Sims 4 on a laptop?
The recommended amount of RAM for Sims 4 on a laptop is 16 GB. This will provide enough memory for the game to run smoothly, especially when using mods and expansions. While it's possible to play the game with 8 GB of RAM, you may experience performance issues in more demanding situations or with a higher number of mods and expansions.
Can I play Sims 4 on an Intel Core i3 laptop?
While it's technically possible to play Sims 4 on an Intel Core i3 laptop, we recommend opting for a laptop with at least an i5-1135G7 or an i5-11300H processor for a better experience. The higher processing power of these processors will help ensure smoother gameplay, especially in more demanding situations or when using mods and expansions.
What laptops are recommended for Sims 4?
There are several laptops that we recommend for playing Sims 4. For a premium option, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 priced at $280 is a fantastic choice. If you're looking for a more affordable option with excellent performance, the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro 16 priced at $700 is a great pick. If you're on a tighter budget, the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro starting at $600 offers a balance of performance and affordability. For those seeking the best performance and are willing to invest, the ASUS ROG Strix Scar priced at $2,310 is a top-of-the-line option.
Can I run Sims 4 with integrated graphics on a laptop?
Yes, it's possible to run Sims 4 with integrated graphics on a laptop. However, keep in mind that integrated graphics are generally not as powerful as dedicated graphics cards, which can result in lower performance and reduced graphical fidelity. To ensure a smoother experience with higher settings and better performance, we recommend opting for a laptop with a dedicated graphics card, such as the GTX 1650, RTX 3050, or RTX 3070.
How to choose a laptop for optimal performance in Sims 4?
When choosing a laptop for optimal performance in Sims 4
4 Best Laptops for Sims 4
Alternatives
Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5
- Exceptional processor (Ryzen 7 5700U)
- One of most affordable laptops with an AMD Ryzen 7 processor
- Underwhelming graphics card (Radeon RX Vega 8 (Ryzen 40005000))
- No IPS Panel (subpar viewing angles)
2.HP Victus 15
HP Victus 15: A budget gaming laptop that delivers good performance at an excellent price.- Excellent price
- Good gaming performance
- Can double as a work laptop
- Bad battery life
- Rather plain design
Summary
The HP Victus 15 is a budget gaming laptop that offers good gaming performance and can double as a work laptop. It has an excellent price point, but its battery life is not the best and it has a rather plain design.
Alternatives
HP Victus
- Smooth gameplay at 1080p.
- Fast SSD.
- No VRR to reduce screen tearing.
- Slow response times on the display.
3.HP Envy
HP Envy: A powerful and feature-packed laptop for creative apps and light gaming.- Plenty of CPU and GPU power
- New 120Hz screen refresh rate
- High-res webcam
- Sleek design
- Merely adequate base screen
- Optional OLED has fewer pixels than before
- Bulky and heavy
Summary
The HP Envy offers plenty of power with its CPU and GPU, a new 120Hz screen refresh rate, and a high-res webcam. While it has a sleek design, the base screen is merely adequate and the optional OLED has fewer pixels than before, making it a bit bulky and heavy.
Reviews
Alternatives
ASUS ROG Strix G15
- High-performance CPU and GPU
- Good workmanship
- Skimpy connectivity
- Coil whine in certain situations
4.Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16: A mid-priced powerhouse for Sims 4.- Strong overall performance
- Big, bright, and fast display
- Per-key RGB lighting
- Some flex to keyboard deck
- Poor battery life
Summary
The Lenovo Legion Pro 7i Gen 8 is armed with a powerful 13th-gen Core i9 CPU and RTX 4090 graphics, making it a great choice for playing Sims 4. With its strong overall performance, big and bright display, and per-key RGB lighting, it offers an immersive gaming experience. However, it does have some flex to the keyboard deck and poor battery life.
Reviews
Alternatives
HP Omen 17
- QHD display with 165 Hz
- Expandable working memory
- Slightly below-average performance for a RTX 4080
- High noise level
Table of the Best Laptops for Sims 4
| Laptop | Price (approx) |
| SAMSUNG Galaxy Book3 Pro 360 2-in-1 | $180 |
| HP Victus 15 | $880 |
| HP Envy | $1,710 |
| Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16 | $3,800 |
