Can’t Play The SIMS 3 on Your Computer?
*** UPDATED 11/24/09 ****
FYI, Sims 3 is 100% compatible with Windows 7 32 and 64-bit. It has the same system requirements as Windows Vista which are posted below. (Sims 2 is also compatible with Windows 7)
I have seen a lot of computer problem complaints the past couple of days on Twitter that were due to people not being able to play the new
SIMS 3 game on their Windows computer. The #1 reason
will not work on your computer is due to a lack of Graphics Processing Power. Before I get into this issue I want to make sure you have all your other bases covered. The following are the MINIMUM system requirements for SIMS 3 (courtesy of TheSims3.com).
If you are unsure of any particular computer specification you may have that is not a problem. Just follow this tutorial and it will show you how to find your important computer system specs.
Windows XP users (all versions of XP)
• Windows XP (Service Pack 2)
• 2.0 GHz P4 processor or equivalent
• 1 GB RAM
• At least 6.5 GB of hard drive space with at least 1 GB additional space for custom content
• 128 MB Video Card with support for Pixel Shader 2.0
Windows 7 and Vista users (all versions of 7 and Vista)
• Windows 7 (all flavors) or Windows Vista (Service Pack 1)
• 2.4 GHz P4 processor or equivalent
• 1.5 GB RAM
• At least 6.5 GB of hard drive space with at least 1 GB additional space for custom content
• 128 MB Video Card with support for Pixel Shader 2.0
Some of you may have paused at the above spec “128 MB Video Card with support for Pixel Shader 2.0” and thought, “WTF is a Pixel Shader 2.0?” Don’t worry, I’ve been an avid PC Gamer since the 90s and know a lot about computers but I am a little embarrassed to admit I was glossy-eyed while reading that spec, lol. Below are a list of video cards that are compatible with The Sims 3.
For nVidia video card owners: FX 5900, FX 5950, 2400, 2600, 2900, 3450, 3650, 3850, 3870, 4850, 4870 and all GeForce 6 series and above are compatible with The Sims 3
For ATI video card owners: 2400, 2600, 2900, 3450, 3650, 3850, 3870, 4850, 4870, Any 9500 and above card and any X300 and above cards are compatible with The Sims 3.
Intel, nVidia and ATI integrated/built-in video cards: Intel Extreme GMA X3x00/X300, ATI Xpress and higher, nVidia TurboCache and higher
IMPORTANT! If your desktop or laptop has an integrated/built-in video card your MINIMUM System Requirements are higher:
• 2.6 GHz Pentium D CPU, or 1.8 GHz Core 2 Duo, or equivalent
• 1.5 GB RAM in Windows XP, 2 GB RAM in Windows 7 and Vista
Mac Minimum System Requirements
• Mac OS X 10.5.7 Leopard or higher
• Intel Core Duo processor or equivalent
• 1 GB RAM
• 7.1GB of hard drive space
• ATI X1600 or Nvidia 7300 GT with 128 MB of video RAM or Intel Integrated GMA X3100
Supported nVidia Video Cards for the Mac: 7300, 7600, 8600, 8800, 9400M, 9600M GT, GT 120, GT 130
Supported ATI Video Cards for the Mac: X1600, X1900, 2400, 2600, 3870, 4850, 4870
Supported Intel Video Cards for the Mac: GMA X3×00 series, GMA 3-Series
Mac Owners Please Note! If you own a G3, G4 or G5 PowerPC AND/OR an integrated INtel GMA 950 series video card, The Sims 3 will NOT work with your system. You need to purchase a new Mac if you want to play The Sims 3.
If you have any PC or MAC questions or problems feel free to ask.
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HELP!
hi, when I installed The Sims 3 it installed perfectly, but when I try to play it it runs it and the only thing that happens is that I hear a beat. I open the task manager and it says that the game is running, but nothing really happens.
my PC Specs are:
* Windows 7 (x32) OS
* Intel Core 2 Quad CPU @ 2.40GHz (2.39 GHz Performance Rated at: 5.258 GHz)
* 2.0 GB RAM
* nVidia GeForce 9500 GT Graphics Card
* Pixel Shader 4.0
Ordering a PC for Sims 3 outside of the USA
Around 3 or 4 other times I've helped people outside of the US order PCs. You can do what they did... look at the PC specs I select for you from the US site. Write them down or print it out. Then go shopping on a website or a store in your country. Try to match the specs the best you can.
thanks for the reply! but i
thanks for the reply! but i don't live in the USA so i can't order an hp. i really wish i could order one. i could totally order the perfect laptop :P
and i don't know anyone who lives in the US so i can't have it sent to their house and i can't go to the US to pick it up...
HP laptops / Core i3 i5 & i7 CPUs for The Sims 3 gaming
Hello,
You are welcome. Thanks for the compliments :)
AMD probably gets paired up with ATI since a few years back AMD purchased ATI. I assume they give discounts to HP, Dell, etc if they buy both the AMD CPU and the ATI video card. Same goes with Intel and Intel chipsets.
The Core i3 are good Sims 3 cpus. The Core i5 and i7 are killer gaming CPUs.
I am not sure of the exact configurations of the HP models you posted. But I did go on the HP site and configured a very good laptop that will run The Sims 3 VERY smoothly.
http://bit.ly/G62t-083010
NOTE: If anyone plans to purchase a PC for gaming I highly discourage you from purchasing a laptop or desktop with an "integrated"/"built-in" video card. Integrated/built-in graphics card are usually the slowest and take up valuable CPU processing power that could be used to process your games more smoothly.
The Sims3Launcher.exe is not a valid Win32 application (4 Megan)
Hi Megan :)
Something similar happened to me in the past with another program. Here is what to do to solve it...
#1, Thoroughly uninstall The Sims 3 using the free version of "Revo Uninstaller". Be sure to use Revo's Advanced uninstall. The video at the end of the article linked below will show you exactly what to do, step-by-step
http://www.cleartechinfo.com/Learn-How-To-Uninstall-Software-Windows-Rev...
#2, Restart your PC after you have completed uninstalling Sims 3 with Revo Uninstaller
#3, Use the free "CCleaner" to clean up any leftover file junk that may cause system errors when you reinstall it. Be sure to use the "Cleaner" and "Registry" options. The video at the end of the article linked below will show you exactly what to do, step-by-step
http://www.cleartechinfo.com/Learn-How-To-CCleaner-Clean-Optimize-Free-U...
#4, I have seen a lot of Sims 3 errors fixed after fully updating Windows using Microsoft Windows Update. You did not post your PC specs so I am not sure what version you have. I created 2 tutorials. 1 Shows you how to update Vista. The other shows you how to update Windows 7.
Vista - http://www.cleartechinfo.com/Learn-How-To-Update-Vista-Using-Windows-Upd...
Windows 7 - http://www.cleartechinfo.com/How-To-Update-Windows-7-Microsoft-Windows-U...
#5, Install Sims 3 again from scratch. After the install update Sims 3 to the latest updates/patches.
#6, Restart your PC after the updating Sims 3 then attempt to play it again
hi~ firstly, i'd just like
hi~ firstly, i'd just like to say thanks for all the great info above and thanks for answering all of our questions!
alrighty, so i'm looking into getting a laptop and i'm pretty good with computers and laptops but i just wanna double check with how well sims 3 runs on them. do you have any idea how well the game runs with an integrated INTEL HD GRAPHICS chipset? (along with an i3 or i5 processor)
here are a few of the laptops i'm currently looking at: HP DV6-3054, HP DM4-1050, HP DV6-3008. and i've noticed that the AMD processors will get paired up with ATI RADEON MOBILITY graphic cards where as INTEL will be with INTEL chipsets. i personally have always used INTEL so i don't know how AMD is from experience. do you? what's the biggest differences between them as far as performance goes?
thanks in advance!
It installed perfectly on my
It installed perfectly on my computer, and I've played it before on my computer. Than one day, my computer died while I was playing it, and now it won't work at all. I have uninstalled and reinstalled the game a million times but a box keeps popping up when i try to play it....
C:/Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\The SIms3Launcher.exe is not a valid Win32 application.
Sims 3 DVD disc is not recognized by computer (for james)
This is an all too common problem. I have seen many different solutions from your cleaning your DVD drive to buying a new one. I prefer the solution below.
Here is a workaround for the Sims 3 disc not being recognized on your PC issue....
- Download the Sims 3 game via the, "EA Download Manager"
http://eastore.ea.com/store/ea/html/pbPage.welcome#01
- You will need a Sims 3 serial to download it free of charge (since you already paid for it). To find the serial just look at the back of the Sims 3 manual that came with the game. The serial code is located there.
help mee!!!!!!!!
i have just bought the sims 3, i put the disc into my computer but nothing is comming up, i have windows 7, and i have all the need that the game needs, but nothing is happening the screen is just staying the same, i can hear tht the disc is working, i have even gone into the disc drive bit in the start menu but nothing is happening, can you help me please???
Hello Harriet, I am a little
Hello Harriet,
I am a little confused. Do you mean it worked perfectly when Vista was installed but now it gives errors after you installed Windows 7?
Was Vista 32 or 64-bit? Also is Windows 7 32 or 64-bit?
help?
I literally have installed windows 7 onto my laptop (used to be a vista one) and Sims 3 ran fine on that!! no hardward changes have been made (that i'm aware of) and it's coming up with this error!!!
Any help? :(
New Pc
Thanks joey :D
RE: Coby 10-inch Ultra Portable PC Netbook
I am sorry the Sims 3 is not compatible with Netbooks. They do not have the processing and graphics power that the Sims 3 requires to run.
RE: HELP! ANYBODY? @_@ (for Emily)
Hi Emily,
I checked the specs on the Aspire 5251-1513. I am sorry to say the CPU is not fast enough for Sims 3.
RE: PLEEEASE HELP!!
Hello Bitsy,
Place the Sims 3 disc in your computer. Then go to "My Computer" or "Computer" and search for your DVD drive. Open that up. Do you see anything in there?
RE: Help! (for Leah)
Hello Leah :)
I am assuming The Sims 3 base game was running perfectly before you installed the expansion pack?
If No, then please explain the problems you were having. The steps below might not fix your problem. Also post your CPU, RAM and Graphics card specs please.
If Yes, it was running perfectly then proceed to the steps below to fix your problem.
Step 1, fully update Windows XP/Vista/7 with all the latest updates via Windows Update. The video at the end of the articles below will show you how to exactly do this.
Windows 7 - http://www.cleartechinfo.com/How-To-Update-Windows-7-Microsoft-Windows-U...
Vista - http://www.cleartechinfo.com/Learn-How-To-Update-Vista-Using-Windows-Upd...
Step 2, Update your graphics card software drivers to the latest update
Step 3, Restart your PC and start up Sims 3
RE: Will sims 3 work on this? (for Edde)
Yes. That system is 100% Sims 3 compatible :)
DELL INC 0H8164 PC
- Intel Pentium 4 520
- 1 GB RAM
There is a good chance your Dell computer will have an available slot for the installation of a new graphics card, which will make your PC Sims 3 compatible. I am not 100% your computer has one though.
I need you to 1st turn off your PC, then open up your card. Look for a PCI-Express x16 slot. Look at the image below. I show you what a PCI Express x16 slot looks like.
http://www.cleartechinfo.com/images/InPost/blog/MB-info_001.jpg
If you do have one I recommend the ATI Radeon HD 4650 graphics card for your system. It will be 100% Sims 3 compatible. It you want something higher in performance I recommend the ATI Radeon HD 4850. You should find the 4650 for under $65. The faster 4850 will be around $110.
RE: Ambitions? (for Jessica)
Hi Jessica,
Did you have any problems with the Sims 3 base game before you installed the Ambitions extension pack?
RE:Screen goes black then returns to desktop when starting Sims3
Thanks for the tip Rob! Great info! :)
RE: Will my new laptop play sims 3?? (for Tamara)
Hi Tamara,
The 4 GB of RAM and the Radeon HD 4570 will run the Sims 3 very well. The spec I am not sure about is the CPU, the AMD Athlon x2 processor M300. It will probably be compatible but it might slow up gameplay unless you play at the absolute lowest monitor resolutions/graphics settings.
RE: It worked O_O
Izabella, that is very odd that the problem fixed itself, lol. You kind of stumped me here, lol.
My best guess is that your computer updated itself between the time it did not work and the time it worked. The 2 updates that can fix the Device 0 problem when your system is 100% compatible is the Microsoft Windows Update (getting all the latest updates) and updating to the latest software drivers for your graphics card.
Windows does have an auto-update feature that could have easily updated your system. Your graphics card might have came with some software that could have automatically updated your graphics drivers.
As I said that is just my best guess as to how it fixed itself. haha
RE: New PC (for Andrew)
Hi Andrew,
The Vostro Slim tower 230 is 100% compatible with the Sims 3 :)
RE: Graphic Error and shows some coding during execution..
Hello Vova :)
Try the following 3 things to solve your problem.
Step 1, fully update Windows 7 with all the latest updates via Windows Update. The video at the end of the article below will show you how to exactly do this.
http://www.cleartechinfo.com/How-To-Update-Windows-7-Microsoft-Windows-U...
Step 2, Update your MSI Radeon HD 4350 to the latest drivers.
You will find the driver update for your graphics card at 1 or both places below:
http://www.msi.com/index.php?func=downloadindex
and/or
http://game.amd.com/us-en/drivers_catalyst.aspx?p=win7/windows-7-32bit
Step 3, Restart your PC and start up Sims 3
for Lindsey (using Speccy) Sims 3 problem
Hi Lindsey.
Checkout the video tutorial in the article linked below. It will show you exactly what to do. I need 3 specs, CPU, RAM amount and Graphics card info.
http://www.cleartechinfo.com/How-To-Lookup-Windows-Computer-System-Infor...
imm not smart wit techh stuffzz
i cant do this on my own plzz help me
what.?.!.?.!.
i am not good at this tech stuff and i need to no... "can i play sims 3 on a Coby 10-inch Ultra Portable PC Netbook 1ea.?." does anyone no can you plzz help me.!. im desprite.!.
HELP! ANYBODY? @_@
I have a acer aspire 5251-1513 with AMD processor.. will my computer work with Sims 2 ????
PLEEEASE HELP!!
A few months ago, I got the Sims 3 game. I am pretty sure i have the system requirements, because my dad said we did. So i put it in my computer, and waited. Absolutely nothing happened. i waited about 5 more minutes and still it didn't pop up. I am pretty sure its not a funky disc, because it works on my brother's laptop. So i can play it on his. But he is going to move out soon and he won't let me play it whenever i want. So i really need to get it working on this computer. Can you please help? Do you know what to do?
Help!
I have the same problem. I upgraded my sim game, but now it just says that my game is't compatible with the expansion pack. What do i do ?