SleepyD2k Guides - Updating Your Computer for The Sims 4

Most people who have a computer that plays The Sims 3 will not need to buy new computers to play The Sims 4. You can find out if your computer will play the game at: http://cyri.systemrequirementslab.com/cyri. Some may just need to update to get better performance. Below is a guide that will help those who want to update their computers:

Operating System
Although the minimum operation system required is Windows XP SP3 (32-bit), I would upgrade to at least Windows 7 SP1 (64-bit). The reason for this upgrade is that Windows XP is no longer supported by Microsoft and when more patches and content comes out EA usually raises their minimum operating system requirements. Also, to fully take advantage of the newer hardware, you will need to have a newer operating system installed.

Processor
The processor you will need for the game should be designed for gaming. The minimum core required for The Sims 4 is two and it won't use more than 2 cores. Quad core processors don't out perform dual core processors on games that only use 2 cores. This is because the quad core processor won't use more than two cores to play the game. When comparing processors in the same tier, look at the GHz. The GHz is the speed of the processor. The higher the GHz, the faster the processor. If upgrading your processor, make sure it is compatible with the RAM and the motherboard. I only suggest upgrading to a quad core if you plan on playing other games that require a quad core or you plan on doing a lot of multi-tasking while you are playing The Sims 4. Unless you have the extra money to spare, I don't suggest upgrading to a hexa core right now because prices probably will come down in a year or two as it becomes more mainstream. If you wish to upgrade your processor make sure it is at least three tiers above the current one you have. If you wish to get a better processor than the minimum required for The Sims 4, make sure it is at least three tiers above the minimum required processor for The Sims 4. You can find information on processor tiers at: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-cpu-review-overclock,3106-5.html.

Memory
The minimum RAM required for The Sims 4 is 2 GB. If you are using a 32-bit operating system, the most the game will use is 2 GB so there is not need to upgrade RAM. The most RAM the 32-bit operating system will use is 4 GB (included VRAM). The game is coded in 32-bit so the most RAM the game will use is 4 GB in a 64-bit system. The most RAM the 64-bit operating system will use is 8 TB (including VRAM). For a 32-bit system, I suggest going for the maximum (4 GB). For a 64-bit system unless you play 64-bit games, I suggest going for 6 GB of RAM. I also suggest checking prices on parts versus a new system if you are planning to update your RAM from DDR2 to DDR3. When you upgrade from DDR2 to DDR3 you will need a new motherboard and a processor. Unless you have the extra money to spare, I do not suggest upgrading to DDR4 right now because the prices will probably come down in a year or two as it becomes more mainstream. When you buy new RAM make sure the speed is compatible with the motherboard and processor. Try to buy RAM that is the fastest speed your processor supports http://www.cpu-world.com/.

Video Card
Make sure the video card is compatible with the motherboard. If your motherboard has a PCI Express slot it will be compatible with most video cards on the market. If you video card is not compatible with the motherboard, it won't fit into the PCI Express slot. If you wish to upgrade your video card make sure it is at least three tiers above the current one you have. If you wish to get a better video card than the minimum required for The Sims 4, make sure it is at least three tiers above the minimum required video card for The Sims 4. You can find information on video card tiers at: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107-7.html.

Power Supply
If your computer runs on more currents than your current power supply can handle, you may need to upgrade your power supply to work with the upgraded computer.

Tips for Finding the Best Prices
For finding the best prices on computer parts, I recommend Price Watch http://www.pricewatch.com/. Price Watch allows you to compare prices between multiple sellers and the prices are usually lower than websites like Fry's, Newegg, or Amazon. Always look on other websites for sales.

Sources:
http://www.pricewatch.com/
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107-7.html
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-cpu-review-overclock,3106-5.html
http://www.cpu-world.com/
http://cyri.systemrequirementslab.com/cyri

This is helpful, although I'm on the fence as to whether I'll be upgrading my pc or just replacing. Aside from the graphics card, I already have the works. 8 Gigs of ram, 1Tb HD, and an i7 quad core. The graphics card itself is a GT440 so I'm thinking I'll at least want to upgrade someday if not for games then for graphic design & animation once I start getting regular work

If you update for graphic design and animation, you are going to need at least 16 GB of RAM. I would suggest waiting until DDR4 RAM is released before making the jump. I also would suggest a hexa core but also wait until prices come down on that. Basically, you will be building yourself a whole new computer because you will need a new motherboard, power supply, video card, and processor. Graphic design can be intense. For the Sims 4 you look to be fine. The game is not going to fully use what you have unless you plan on multi-tasking a lot in the background.