Laptop for playing Sims 4 - 10yo cousin request!

Rowley Birkin QC

As the designated "technology" person in my family, I've been asked to source a laptop for my 10 year old cousin who wants to play the Sims 4 as cheaply as possible. Problem is I haven't had to buy my own laptop / PC for a while so not familiar with anything anymore.

Recommended specs are:

• Operating system: 64 Bit Windows 7, 8, 8.1, or 10
• Processor: Intel core i5 or faster, AMD Athlon X4
• Memory (RAM): 4 GB RAM
• Hard drive (free space): At least 9 GB of free space with at least 1 GB additional space for custom content and saved game
• DVD drive
• DVD-ROM drive required for installation from disc only
• Graphics card (video): NVIDIA GTX 650 or better
• Direct X version: DirectX 9.0c Compatible

Budget is very very tight, currently around €250 and climbing slowly with odd jobs etc. I've managed to convince her that it's better to keep saving rather than blow the money on something that won't actually work. Any help or direction appreciated.

Thanks!

Rowley Birkin QC

Looking here at the moment: https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/st/refurbished-core-i5-laptops?tref=i5catlink

breadmond

https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/asus-a556uq-core-i3-7100u-4gb-1tb-nvidia-geforce-940mx-dvd-rw-15.6-windows-a556uq-xo1470t/version.asp

This is the cheapest laptop on there that I could find with dedicated graphics. It should run the Sims I think although performance won't be stellar. I know it has an i3 and the recommended specs say i5 but I don't think that's a huge issue. At the price point you're looking for it will be very hard to find a decent gaming machine I'm afraid. You may be better off going second hand now that I think about it

Rowley Birkin QC

Thanks, second hand is definitely an option and as I said she is willing to keep saving if necessary. I've explained the frustration of trying to play a game on a machine that won't run it comfortably. It brought back memories of trying to run Command and Conquer on an old Gateway years ago. :mad:

breadmond

Something like this https://www.adverts.ie/laptops/intel-i7-processor-16gb-ram-hp-elitebook-11-6inch-screen-very-lightweight/15851932 with a decent processor, lots of RAM and Intel HD4000 will also probably run it but how well I'm not sure

RossieMan

That's an elite book, and 11 inch.
Would you play on that?


You'll definitely need to up the budget a bit to get decent performance.

Rowley Birkin QC

Screen size is probably a good shout actually. 14" is probably minimum really?

As I say, I haven't gamed on or bought a laptop in ages.

TerrorFirmer

Even 2nd hand you won't get much better than the laptop linked to for £349. That's very good value actually, cheapest I've ever seen a 940MX class card that low. It would run Sims 4 pretty well at high settings and is a big step up over any Intel HD integrated offering.

Your options are to a) up the budget or b) accept you'll only be able to play it at lowish settings really.

Rowley Birkin QC

Thanks, are you referring to this one?

https://www.laptopsdirect.co.uk/asus-a556uq-core-i3-7100u-4gb-1tb-nvidia-geforce-940mx-dvd-rw-15.6-windows-a556uq-xo1470t/version.asp