Laptop for playing Sims 4 - 10yo cousin request!

Rowley Birkin QC · 22-08-2018 11:23AM #1

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 · 22-08-2018 11:40AM

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

breadmond · 22-08-2018 11:54AM

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 · 22-08-2018 11:59AM

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 · 22-08-2018 12:03PM

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 · 22-08-2018 12:09PM

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 · 22-08-2018 12:13PM

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 · 22-08-2018 01:46PM

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 · 22-08-2018 02:20PM

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

Laptop for playing Sims 4 - 10yo cousin request!

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