12 Ultimate laptops for Sims 4 in 2023

As an avid Sims 4 player, I understand that finding the best laptop for Sims 4 can be a daunting task. The game's wide range of expansions and custom content can result in varying performance demands, making it essential to pick the right device to fully enjoy your virtual world. This guide will help you navigate through the unique requirements and preferences of Sims 4 players, ensuring you can find the perfect laptop for your gameplay experience.

Having spent countless hours reviewing an extensive laptop spreadsheet of recent releases, I have compared specs and reviews from both professionals and fellow Simmers alike. This thorough analysis has allowed me to narrow down the top laptops based on topic-specific requirements and price ranges. While playing Sims 4, you'll want a laptop with a powerful processor, dedicated graphics card, and sufficient RAM to handle the game's expansions, as well as any custom content you may add.

Many Sims 4 players value a high-quality display for enjoying the game's stunning visuals and building intricate creations. Additionally, the Sims community thrives on sharing ideas and creations on platforms such as The Sims Resource, ModTheSims, and the Sims 4 subreddit, making connectivity and portability essential features. By taking these factors into account, this guide will help you find the best laptop for Sims 4 that meets your specific needs, allowing you to create, explore, and share your virtual world with ease.

What's the best processor for playing Sims 4?

It's 2022 and the world of laptop processors has changed. Apple has released their own ARM-based system-on-chip modules, AMD has taken 20% of the market, and Intel is still waiting for the 13th-gen processors to hit laptops. All of these modern silicon chips adopted the hybrid performance/efficiency core design

Now, Sims 4 doesn't require a powerful laptop, so you can get away with a mid-range machine. If you want to do more than just play Sims 4 and run other games or do some content creation, you'll need a processor with a higher TDP up to ~130W.

To rank the processors, I'll compare the single-core and multi-core performance of different CPUs using the PassMark and Cinebench R23 scores since they are two commonly used benchmarks for gaming laptops.

Here's what I recommend based on budget:

Price Bracket	Recommended Processor
< $900	i5-10500H
$900 – $1200	i5-11400H
> $1200	i9-11900H

If you're looking for a gaming laptop, make sure to get a model that has an Nvidia or AMD GPU with enough power to run the latest games at medium settings. For a budget option, go for an Intel U-series processor, which should be sufficient enough for most games on low settings. Either way, don't forget to check the benchmarks of the laptop you plan on buying to make sure it meets your expectations!

The right graphics

Nvidia has been dominating the laptop GPU market for some time, and they recently released a few RTX 40 series cards – unfortunately, they're not yet available on laptops, but the RTX 30 series of cards (such as RTX 3070 Ti) are already available. Unfortunately, desktop GPUs have become a lot more power-hungry in recent years, widening the gap between desktop and notebook graphics cards. This gap is likely to widen even further with the new Max-Q label being discontinued by Nvidia. Now, exact GPU wattage is determined by each laptop manufacturer, resulting in variance of graphics performance even within the same GPU chipset.

When it comes to playing Sims 4 on a laptop, you don't need a high-end GPU to get good results. The game isn't very demanding and can be run on mid-range GPUs. If you're looking to get the best performance out of your laptop, you'll need to invest in a high-end GPU, but it's often unnecessary for gaming. When comparing GPUs, 3DMark is widely used and easy to find online test results, but if you want more in-depth analysis – look for benchmarks from tech sites such as Tom's Hardware or notebookcheck.net.

As far as recommendations go, we'd suggest the following:

• Minimum: GeForce GTX 1650
• Recommended: GeForce RTX 3050
• High-end: GeForce RTX 3070

No matter which option you choose, make sure you understand what you're getting into and what kind of performance to expect from your purchase. Taking your time to research and compare prices between different GPUs can really pay off and help you make an informed decision when purchasing a laptop for gaming.

Choosing the right memory for Sims 4

As of late 2022, laptops have become much more powerful, with the mid-range ones typically coming with 16 GB of RAM, and the high-end ones 32 GB or more. The latest-gen Intel and AMD CPUs support both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, though the latter is still expensive and needs time to mature as a technology.

When it comes to playing Sims 4, memory is an important factor. The more RAM you have, the better your gaming experience will be. The good news is that RAM is one of the components that is easy to upgrade later on, so don't worry too much about getting the most out of the gate.

For a smooth gaming experience in Sims 4, you'll need at least 32 GB of RAM. We recommend 64 GB for a decent experience and 128 GB for an excellent one. In addition to the amount of RAM, other factors like frequency and ECC (error correction code) should also be considered when deciding on a laptop for gaming.

When it comes to budgeting, if you're looking for a laptop specifically for gaming, we recommend allocating at least $1,000 for a mid-range model with 32 GB of RAM, $1,500 for 64 GB, and $2,000 for 128 GB or more. Keep in mind that these prices may vary depending on your location and the specific specs you choose.

Got Questions? We've Got Answers!

Q: Can I play Sims 4 on a laptop?

Absolutely! Sims 4 is a popular game that can be played on a wide range of laptops. As long as your laptop meets the minimum system requirements, you'll be able to enjoy the game.

What laptop specs do I need to play Sims 4?

To play Sims 4, you'll need a laptop with at least a 32 GB of memory, an i5-10500H or higher processor, and a GeForce GTX 1650 or better graphics card. These specs will ensure smooth gameplay and an enjoyable experience.

Is a gaming laptop necessary to play Sims 4?

While a gaming laptop is not necessary to play Sims 4, it can greatly enhance your gaming experience. Gaming laptops are designed with powerful processors and dedicated graphics cards, which can handle the demands of the game more efficiently. If you're a serious Sims 4 player or want to explore other graphically-intensive games, a gaming laptop would be a wise investment.

Can I play Sims 4 on a budget laptop?

Yes, you can play Sims 4 on a budget laptop. However, it's important to note that the game may not run as smoothly or with all graphics settings enabled. If you're on a tight budget, look for laptops that meet the minimum system requirements and have decent performance. The HP Victus and the Acer Predator Helios 16 Ph16-71 Ph16-71-71av are great options in the budget range.

How much RAM is required to run Sims 4 on a laptop?

To run Sims 4 smoothly on a laptop, you'll need at least 32 GB of RAM. This amount of memory ensures that the game runs without any noticeable lag or slowdowns. If you want to future-proof your laptop and have some room for multitasking, consider opting for a laptop with 64 GB or even 128 GB of RAM.

Can a MacBook Air run Sims 4?

Yes, a MacBook Air can run Sims 4, but it's important to note that the game may not run as smoothly on this lightweight laptop. The MacBook Air's integrated graphics and lower-end processors may struggle to handle the demands of the game, resulting in lower frame rates and reduced graphics settings. If you're a MacBook user, consider opting for a MacBook Pro or an iMac for a better gaming experience.

What is the best laptop for playing Sims 4?

The best laptop for playing Sims 4 will depend on your budget and requirements. If you're looking for a budget option, the HP Victus and the Acer Predator Helios 16 Ph16-71 Ph16-71-71av offer good performance at an affordable price. For a more mid-range option, the ASUS TUF F15 FX507ZM-ES74 is highly recommended. If money is no object, the ASUS ROG Strix Scar, Sager NP9371W, and Dell XPS 17 9720 are top-of-the-line laptops that will provide an exceptional gaming experience.

Can I play Sims 4 on an Intel Core i3 laptop?

While it's technically possible to play Sims 4 on an Intel Core i3 laptop, it may not provide the best experience. The i3 processors are generally entry-level processors with lower clock speeds and fewer cores, which can impact gaming performance. To ensure smooth gameplay, it's recommended to have at least an i5-10500H or higher processor.

What graphics card do I need for Sims 4 on a laptop?

To play Sims 4 on a laptop, you'll need at least a GeForce GTX 1650 or better graphics card. The GeForce RTX 3050 and GeForce RTX 3070 are even better options for a more immersive gaming experience with higher graphics settings. These graphics cards ensure smooth gameplay and vibrant visuals.

Can I run Sims 4 with integrated graphics on a laptop?

While it's technically possible to run Sims 4 with integrated graphics on a laptop, it may not provide the best performance. Integrated graphics typically have lower performance compared to dedicated graphics cards, which can result in lower frame rates and reduced graphics settings. If you're serious about playing Sims 4, it's recommended to have a laptop with a dedicated graphics card such as the GeForce GTX 1650 or higher.

6 Best Laptops for Sims 4

Table of the Best Laptops for Sims 4

Laptop	Price (approx)
Acer Nitro 50 N50-640-UA91 Desktop	$660
HP Victus 15	$880
Lenovo Legion 5i Pro 16	$1300
ASUS ROG Strix Scar	$2050
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i 16	$3800
Dell XPS 17 9720	$5600