Best Laptops For Sims 4: Reviews, Ratings & Comparisons

Why Sims 4 Players Need the Right Laptop

The Sims 4 is a large game with multiple, optional DLC (Download Content), add-ons, extras, and specials. In total, the game requires a lot of hard drive space, space for game saves and extras, as well as the right amount of memory, graphics card capabilities, and sound cards.

Having a sub-par laptop will result in reduced game performance (if the game will even load at all). To get the most enjoyment from your game purchase, you will need the right set up, more than the minimum system requirements, and a great battery.

The right, high-quality laptop will give you a lot of benefits, including:

Laptops For Sims 4 Compared

Sims 4 Laptop Settings & System Requirements

Sims 4 System Minimum Requirements

As of March 2021, the minimum requirements have changed slightly. This is mainly due to older operating systems (OS) no longer supported by their creators, specifically macOS Lion (10.7) and Windows 7. It is also worth noting that 32-bit systems (OS and chipsets) are no longer supported; you must have a 64-bit system.

Recommended Laptop Specs

As stated before, the recommended specs are what you should have to get the most enjoyment and playing experience from the Sims 4 game and DLC. Below is a list and explanation of those recommended specifications.

Processor

Memory/RAM

The Sims 4 is a memory-intensive game, requiring constant calls for memory demands over the average computer usage rates. For this reason, having at least 8gig of RAM is recommended. More will be better, but with 8gig, you won't notice any lag in the game.

If you have 16gig or more installed, there won’t be a noticeable improvement in the game, but the rest of your running processes and applications will run smoother as a result.

Storage Drives

Graphics Card

Any graphics card over the minimum recommended types will be sufficient. The Sims 4 isn’t a graphically intense game. However, your graphics card will need to support pixel shading to render the depth of the game graphics.

It is recommended you use an NVIDIA GTX 650 or better graphics card. For full HD support and graphics, you should choose the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super or better.

Most integrated graphics cards will be ATI Radeon cards. However, if you prefer ATI over NVIDIA, the ATI Radeon HD 5850 or better will be sufficient for this game.

Operating System

Monitor/Display Panel

The size of your monitor or display is entirely up to you. However, for the best experience with Sims 4, you should have a high-definition (1080p) resolution on at least a 15-inch widescreen (16:9). Some Simmers use a 13-inch screen and enjoy it very much. However, if you use a 13-inch screen, your resolution and graphics card need to be on the higher end.

Battery Life

Price & Warranty

Purchasing a new laptop to only play a single game is almost a waste. New model laptops can get expensive, and with all of the requirements for the Sims 4 game, your laptop should be able to do a lot more than simply play the game.

The price you pay should include everything else you need from a computer, including networking, Office software capabilities, and more. You also need to ensure that your new laptop comes with a good warranty. A period of at least 12 months is decent, but anything over 2-years is optimal.

1. Acer Predator Helios 300

Our Top Pick

The Predator line from Acer is one of the most sought after gaming laptop lines of all time. Not only is the Predator series ideal for all gaming, but it is also set up for gaming and priced for all budgets. The Acer Predator Helios 300 is the best laptop for Sims 4, and our top pick.

The Laptop boasts the 9^th generation Intel i7 which can be clocked up to 4.25gHz, along with the GeForce Nividia gaming graphic card. Add in that you get 16GB of Ram to power the machine, and you have a laptop that can take on any modern game.

The Sims 4 runs smooth and simple on this laptop with little to no effort to set up and install Origin or the game. Once the initial laptop and Windows 10 setup is completed and you are connected to the internet, you can install Origin, Sims 4 and log in to start playing in less than 5 minutes.

The powerhouse laptop offers one of the best cost to value ratios on the market, providing you a seamless transition from gaming to office work and back. But that's not why you are here. The laptop has a 256GB SSD that will speed up your load times, cache your repetitive screens, and keep you in the game longer.

All told, there isn’t a better laptop for playing Sims 4 available right now that can outclass the Acer Predator for the price.

2. MSI GF63 Thin

Best Value Gaming Laptop For The Sims 4

The MSI GF63 is designed to run quieter and stay cooler than other gaming laptops. Because of these features, it is our runner up for the best gaming laptop for the Sims 4. It isn't as top-end as our top pick when it comes to the specs, but it is more affordable for a wider range of budgets.

You will get 8GB of RAM powering a 512Gb SSD for smooth and quick operations. There won't be any lag or delay in loading, playing, or screen adjustments here. The motherboard holds the Intel Core i5 (9^th generation) chipset as well as the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti graphics card for unparalleled display clarity and high-definition shading.

You will have plenty of room on the hard drive for your game and saves along with all the space required by the Windows 10 OS. While this rig was designed for modern, rapid movement games (First person shooters and MMORPGs), The Sims 4 comes to life like never before in the graphics environment the team at Maxis only dreamed of.

You can take advantage of the long-press mechanical keyboard, and the audio set up that lets you fine-tune the built-in surround sound to suit your needs. Everything you could want out of your Sims game will be available with the MSI laptop.

3. Acer Aspire 5

Best Cheap Laptop For Sims 4

If you are looking to buy a laptop for playing Sims 4 that ticks all the boxes and doesn’t break the bank, the Acer Aspire 5 is the best cheap laptop for Sims 4. There isn't anything fancy about this laptop. It doesn't have exciting lights coming from every possible place, nor will it get you first place in a gaming convention contest.

What it will do is play the Sims 4 without any trouble. The Intel i-5 chipset (8^th generation) meets the recommended 2.4gHz specs for the game, and the high-definition graphics will be more than enough to render your Sims on the screen in great detail.

You will also enjoy the lightweight and extreme portability of this laptop. Acer makes a lot of durable models, and the Aspire 5 is one such model. You won't get a lot of flimsy parts here, and they have done away with the additional bottom-access compartments. This model is sturdy, reliable, and light enough to take with you anywhere.

With over 9 hours of battery life, you don't even need to make sure that you are near an outlet for playing time. You should note, though, that with the computer in the standard set up, playing the game will kill the battery in about 5 hours, so you won't get to experience the full capacity.

However, that should be plenty of time to play during your breaks, on lunch, and the ride home before you have to plug it in again.

4. Asus ROG Strix Scar III

Best High End Laptop For The Sims 4

The Republic of Gaming (ROG) is the Asus moniker for the most intense and full-featured gaming aspects of any computer. The Strix Scar III is the ROG development rolled into one. If you want the best high-end laptop for the Sims 4 or any other game, this is the model for you.

Boasting 16GB of Ram pushing a 1TB SSD and the Intel quad-core i7 (9^th generation) chipset, you will have more power, control, and detail for your Sims 4 game than ever before. Watch your Sims move in ultra high definition using the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card with 6GB of graphics memory.

There will be zero lag, no delay, and super-fast booting to get you in the game faster. You will have plenty of space for your game install, saves, and extras with the 1TB SSD storage. The Strix Scar III also makes use of the Asus Keystone, an NFC-style modded USB that takes settings, saves, and profiles of games from one device to another.

If you ever wanted to turn pro playing Sims 4, the Scar III will be your ticket to the top. While the cost is higher than most other laptops on this list, it is also one of the highest values you can get. From graphics to speed and storage, there is little to upgrade, and the investment will keep you playing for years before you even consider another computer.

5. Dell G5 15

Best Dell Laptop For Sims 4

In 2008 when all other technology companies were backing down, Dell took a chance and started pushing harder. Through the recession, Dell came out as the number one computer company for both business and pleasure. They still hold that spot and use even better technology to stay there.

The best Dell laptop for the Sims 4 is the Dell G5 15. using a 6-core Intel i7 (9^th gen) clocked at 4.5gHz, you won’t miss a thing in your game. Blazing fast storage loads and saves your game with the press of a button, and the dual fans keep the entire rig cool and comfortable.

While this laptop is a little on the heavier side, you won’t mind when you see the thin bezel display and ultra high definition graphics. For the price, the G5 15 is one of the best overall laptops on the market, let alone in the gaming world.

The 15.6-inch screen and FHD graphics come to life at blazing speeds thanks to the CPU and 16GB of RAM. If you ever feel you need more, the system can hold up to 32GB of RAM and is easily upgraded.

All in all, this may be one of the best investments you can make with the benefit of Sims 4 being among the games you can play for hours without interruption.

6. HP

Best HP Laptop For Sims 4

How to Install Sims 4 on a Laptop

When you purchase the Sims 4 from a retailer, you will no longer receive an install disc of the game. Instead, you will get an install disc for the Origin server, which is what is now required to play EA games through your PC.

Laptop Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Modern laptops need very little maintenance to keep running. However, this doesn’t mean they don’t need any. You should have a few supplies on stand by to keep your laptop looking and running like new.

A can of air is essential to keep the keyboard free of dust and debris. You should also have electronics screen wipes handy to get smudges, dirt, and dust off of the screen without scratching it.

About once a month (or more if you use the laptop daily), you should also use the can of air to clean out the ports and connections as well as the exhaust vent and fan cover.

It is recommended that you also buy a laptop case to help protect the laptop during transport. There are anti-virus and firewall software programs that you should install and use as well to help protect the computer from viruses, malware, and other nefarious acts.

For the most part, the Sims 4 game and the Origin interface won't cause you any problems. In rare instances, the game or Origin can freeze, or begin to skip. If this happens, you will need to shut down the program and relaunch the game.

Save your game often and make sure you shut it down completely when you aren’t playing. Following these few tips will have you Simming for long, enjoyable hours to come.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Can the Sims 4 be played on MacBook’s?

Can the Sims 4 be played on Windows 10?

Yes. Sims 4 fully supports Windows 10. It is also recommended to use Win 10 as your OS for the game. Windows 7 is supported, but since it has reached End of Life, it isn't the best option. Windows 8 and 8.1 will reach End of Life in 2023, so Windows 10 is the current supported OS for PCs.

Can I play Sims 4 online?

The Sims 4 has a community layer through the Origin server. Here you can get news, updates, and share or view game screenshots. There is a Sims 4 multi-player mode available; however, it is not supported or endorsed by EA, so technically, it isn't a viable option for the game.

Can the above laptops work for other versions of the Sims game?

All of the listed laptops for the Sims 4 will play the other 3 versions of the Sims games. Legacy mode may need to be enabled for Sims and Sims 2, though this will depend on your version of the game and how you install it.

Will installing Sims 4 slow down my laptop?

No. As long as you install the Origin server-client and play the game as intended, there won't be a noticeable degradation of your laptop. However, if you attempt to multi-task and play Sims 4 while doing other computer functions, you may notice that the additional resources can cause some aspects to slow down.

What are all the Sims 4 expansion packs currently released?

There are currently 8 expansions for Sims 4, and each will cost you between $10 and $40 to purchase (average price $19.99), which you can do right through the Origin interface. The current expansion packs are: Discover University, Island Living, Get Famous, Seasons, Cats & Dogs, City Living, Get Together, and Get to Work.

How many GB does Sims 4 take up?

The install of the Sims takes up at least 15gig. You are also required to have at least an additional 1gig of free space for game saves.

Is it possible to get Sims 4 for free on my laptop?

EA gave the Sims 4 basic version away for free for two weeks in min 2019. At the time, the Deluxe version was also discounted. However, that promotion is over. Any other attempts on how to get Sims 4 for free on laptop are not legal and won't be supported.

Conclusion