Are you a casual gamer looking for the best platform to play the Sims on and join the millions of others who have already taken the plunge. But which type of computer will give you the best gaming experience, is a desktop or laptop better for The Sims 4.
The good news is you’ve come to the right place. I used to use a desktop PC for gaming. Now I swear by Razer laptop for playing The Sims 4 and yes I must admit, it is overkill. In this blog post, I will discuss whether a laptop or desktop computer is best for this simulation game.
In short, a desktop PC offers more power and better performance than laptops for Sims 4, meaning they have a better cost-to-performance ratio. Desktop PCs are also cheaper than similarly configured laptops. Thus, desktops will give you higher FPS for smoother gameplay and better visuals, key when creating the perfect Sim.
What Are The System Requirements for The Sims 4?
The system requirements for The Sims 4 are nothing to get too concerned about, these are basic specifications that your computer must have in order to run this popular simulation game. But, even the best laptop specs for Sims 4 or desktop PC are really low.
Here are the minimum system specs for playing The Sims:
Operating System | Windows 8, or Windows 8.1 |
Processor (CPU) | 1.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, AMD Athlon 64 Dual-Core 4000 |
Memory (RAM) | At least 2 GB RAM |
Hard Disk Space | 10 GB of free space with at least 1 GB for custom content |
Graphics (Video Card) | NVIDIA GeForce 6600 or better, ATI Radeon X1300 |
DirectX | DirectX 9.0c compatible |
Display | Full HD (1080p) 120Hz Refresh Rate |
On the other hand, here are the recommended system requirements for Sims 4. These specifications will give you the best possible gaming experience while playing this game.
Operating System | 64-bit Windows 10 or 11 |
Processor (CPU) | Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 3 or better |
Memory (RAM) | 8 GB of RAM |
Hard Disk Space | 25 GB of free space with at least 10 GB of custom content |
Graphics (Video Card) | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or better |
DirectX | DirectX 11 compatible |
Display | Full HD (1080p) 144Hz Refresh Rate |
Choosing a laptop or desktop for Sims 4 that meets these specifications means that you will be able to play the game smoothly, without any lag or stuttering. You will also be able to enjoy the game’s advanced features and graphics at their highest possible (ultra) settings.
Now that we have got that out of the way, let’s move on to the key differences between a desktop PC Vs laptop you want to consider for an optimal gaming experience.
What Are The Advantages Of A Desktop PC for The Sims 4?
When comparing a gaming laptop vs gaming PC you should know that PCs are generally more powerful, they come with larger and more powerful processors including CPUs and GPUs, they have more memory, and more storage space.
Desktop computers have far better graphics cards than any gaming laptop, making them more ideal for playing high-end video games. (The Sims 4 is not considered high-end). Furthermore, desktops are typically cheaper than laptops and can be easily upgraded if necessary.
For those who want more power and performance, custom-built gaming PCs are a good way to go. PCs offer more flexibility when it comes to upgrading parts and have the potential to provide even better graphics and performance than most modern gaming laptops can.
What We Like
- Better Price/Performance Ratio
- Affordable Top-Notch hardware
- Better Cooling System
- Far Easier To Upgrade
- More Affordable Prices
What We Don’t Like
- Being Tied To A Desk
- Must Be Confident With Tech
- Loads Of Wires
- Lots to Clean
What Are The Advantages Of A Laptop for The Sims 4?
On the other hand, laptops are much more portable than desktops and can easily be taken to a friend’s house for some gaming fun. While laptops don’t usually offer as much power as desktops, modern gaming laptops can still handle most games quite easily.
Gaming laptops come with dedicated graphics cards that can keep up with some of today’s most demanding games and can easily run The Sims 4. Also, laptops take up much less space and can easily fit in a backpack if needed. Also, as new models are being released, gamers can now find laptops that are powerful enough to handle modern games at reasonable prices.
Overall, laptops provide an easy way for gamers to bring their favorite games on the go without compromising performance or having to lug around a bulky desktop PC. Whether you’re a Sims 4 fan or just looking for some gaming on the go, laptops are an excellent choice.
What We Like
- Portable Gaming At Its Best
- Can Be Used For Work
- Good Option If Short On Space
- Desktop Performance Without Wires
- Easier to Clean
What We Don’t Like
- Can Run Hot (Cooling Pad Is A Must)
- Battery Life Can be An Issue
- Much Harder To Upgrade
- Expensive
Some Important Factors to Consider
There are several factors to consider when choosing between a desktop and a laptop for playing The Sims 4. Here are the five most important factors:
- Performance: The Sims 4 is not a very graphics-intensive game, so you do not need a computer with the most powerful processor or graphics card to run it smoothly. However, desktops tend to have more powerful components than laptops, so they can deliver higher frames rates. If you want to play The Sims 4 at its highest settings without any lag or slowdown, desktops are the better choice.
- Portability: If you want to play The Sims 4 on the go, a laptop is the obvious choice. Laptops are much more portable. Keep in mind that gaming laptops tend to be heavier and bulkier than standard laptops, so if portability is your top priority, look for a lighter model with decent graphics that will run the game.
- Upgradability: One advantage of desktops is that they are far easier to upgrade than laptops. If you want to improve the performance of your computer with a new GPU, it’s much easier to do that with a desktop PC. Laptops, on the other hand, are generally more difficult to upgrade, and some components may be impossible to replace like the CPU and GPU.
- Price Differences: Desktops are generally more affordable than laptops when it comes to gaming performance. You can get a far more powerful desktop for a fraction of the price of a powerful gaming laptop with similar specs. If you’re on a tight budget, a desktop is the better choice.
- Space: If you have limited space in your home or apartment, a desktop may not be the best choice. Desktops tend to take up more space than laptops and require a dedicated desk or table to fit a monitor, keyboard, and all the accessories you may use. If you don’t have a lot of space, a laptop is a more practical option and you can add a monitor later if need be.
Is It Better To Use A Desktop Or Laptop For Sims?
It really depends on what your needs are when it comes to playing the Sims. If you’re looking for a great gaming experience, then a desktop is probably the best option due to its affordability and performance. If you have limited space, then a laptop may be the better choice.
Ultimately, the choice is yours: just make sure that you are considering what others game you want to play. Most games are more demanding then The Sims 4 and therefore require a higher-spec computer. As well as considering your budget and the your available space.
Which Laptop Is Best For Sims 4?
The best laptop for Sims 4 depends on your budget and other needs. The Sims 4 is not very demanding so you do not necessarily need a high-spec laptop. Unless you plan to use the computer for other games or tasks such as video editing. That said, a good laptop for The Sims 4 should have an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and a dedicated graphics card.
Some popular models include the Acer Aspire 5. This laptop is lightweight and powerful enough to handle all of your Sims 4 needs. This laptop has a 15.6” full HD display that gives you clear, crisp images for an immersive gaming experience. It also has plenty of storage and RAM.
If you want to play the game at higher settings, or plan to run all mods or custom content, it would be worth investing in a slightly more powerful laptop. The Acer Nitro 5 or the ASUS TUF 15 are excellent budget gaming laptops with excellent features like backlit keyboards.
More Helpful Content: If you are on a tight budget, here you will find my recommendations for the top cheap laptops for Sims 4 that won’t break the bank.
Which Computer Is Best For Sims 4 and Mods?
The best computer for Sims 4 and mods would also depend on your budget. The good news is you can pick up some really cool desktop PCs for under $500 that would be more than adequate for running this computer game. The PC should have 8GB RAM, and Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor, a dedicated GPU and an SSD as the storage drive.

Conclusion
Overall, there is no one-size-fits-all answer when choosing between a desktop or laptop for The Sims 4. It all depends on your priorities. A suitable all-in-one PC for Sims tends to be more powerful but less portable, while modern laptops are still viable options.
If you prioritize performance and upgradability, opt for a desktop PC. If you prioritize portability, opt for a laptop. If you’re on a tight budget. Then a desktop is the cheaper option and gaming laptops with dedicated GPUs are more expensive than standard laptops with integrated graphics. Ultimately, it all comes down to your individual needs.
Thanks For Reading, Cya In The Next One!
More Helpful Content: Have you decided? If so, come back here and check my other The Sims 4 Tips and guides to help you enjoy your gaming experience.