What Specs Do You Need to Run Sims 4 With All Packs?

If you’re dreaming of creating elaborate worlds and stories in The Sims 4 with every expansion, game, and stuff pack imaginable, you’ll need to ensure your computer is up to the task. Running The Sims 4 base game is one thing, but loading it up with all the extra content requires a more robust system. Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need for a smooth, enjoyable gaming experience.

The bottom line is this: To run The Sims 4 with all packs, you need a system that exceeds both the minimum and recommended specifications for the base game and expansion packs. Here’s a breakdown of what you should be aiming for:

Minimum Requirements (for basic functionality, may experience lag and lower settings):

• Operating System: 64-bit Windows 10
• Processor (CPU): Intel Core i3-3220 (2 cores, 4 threads) or AMD Ryzen 3 1200 (4 cores) or better. Note that these are the minimum for expansion packs. For the base game only, Intel Core 2 Duo 1.8 GHz or AMD Athlon 64 Dual-Core 4000+ or equivalent are the absolute minimum.
• Memory (RAM): 4 GB RAM, but it’s best to aim for 8 GB even for the base game.
• Graphics Card (GPU): 128 MB of Video RAM, NVIDIA GeForce 6600 or better, ATI Radeon X1300 or better, Intel GMA X4500 or better.
• Free Disk Space: At least 50 GB, but aim for 60GB or more to account for save files and custom content.

Recommended Specifications (for a smoother experience, higher settings and all packs):

• Operating System: 64-bit Windows 10
• Processor (CPU): Intel Core i5 (4 cores) or faster, or AMD Ryzen 5 or better.
• Memory (RAM): 8 GB RAM or more – 16GB is ideal for smooth experience with all packs and custom content.
• Graphics Card (GPU): 1 GB Video RAM, NVIDIA GTX 650, AMD Radeon HD 7750, or better.
• Free Disk Space: 51 GB minimum, but realistically, with all packs and custom content, you should have at least 60GB, and 100GB or more is recommended. An SSD (Solid State Drive) is highly recommended for significantly faster loading times.

Key Considerations for Running Sims 4 with All Packs

1. RAM is Crucial: While the base game may run on 4GB, all packs combined plus custom content will quickly max out 4GB, causing lagging and possibly crashing. 8 GB is considered the minimum for playing with a few packs and custom content, while 16 GB will provide the most comfortable experience with all packs and plenty of custom content. For an even smoother experience, some users even recommend 32GB, especially if you use heavy mods.
2. CPU Matters: The game’s performance relies on your CPU to handle simulations and calculations. A quad-core processor is a good minimum, but a better CPU is better, particularly when playing with lots of households in multiple worlds. An Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 or better will give you the power needed.
3. GPU is Important: Sims 4 is more GPU intensive than CPU intensive, so a dedicated graphics card, rather than integrated graphics, is best. While the minimum graphics cards will run the game, they’re unlikely to cope with all expansions on higher settings. Aim for a dedicated video card with 1 GB of VRAM or more for the best experience.
4. Storage Matters, Especially Speed: With the base game needing 15-18 GB and all packs easily taking up another 25-30 GB+, plus saved games and custom content, you will want 100GB of storage or more. Using a Solid State Drive (SSD) will give you dramatically faster loading times compared to traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs).
5. Operating System: 64-bit Windows 10 is the optimal OS for Sims 4 and the latest expansion packs.
6. Custom Content and Mods: Adding custom content (CC) and mods can significantly increase the game’s demands. The more CC you use, the more resources you will require, especially RAM and storage space.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What’s the absolute minimum RAM for The Sims 4?

The absolute minimum RAM for Sims 4 is 4 GB, but this will likely cause problems when using multiple packs. It’s advisable to have 8GB as a bare minimum, especially with any expansions or custom content.

2. Is 8GB of RAM enough for The Sims 4 with all packs?

While 8 GB of RAM can run The Sims 4 with all packs, you might experience some lag or stuttering, especially if you use a lot of custom content or mods. It is recommended to have 16 GB of RAM for a smoother experience.

3. How much storage space do I need for all Sims 4 packs?

The base game requires 15-18 GB and with all packs you’ll likely use 40 GB of storage space just for the game itself. Add in saved games and custom content, and aim for at least 100GB of free storage.

4. Is a Solid State Drive (SSD) necessary for Sims 4?

While not mandatory, an SSD is highly recommended. It will dramatically speed up loading times, allowing the game to load faster and perform more efficiently. HDDs are a slow option in comparison.

5. What is more important for Sims 4, CPU or GPU?

Sims 4 is more GPU-intensive than CPU-intensive, although both are important. Make sure you have a capable graphics card (GPU) for the best performance.

6. Will The Sims 4 run on my laptop?

Yes, The Sims 4 can run on most laptops, provided they meet the minimum system requirements. Check your laptop’s specs and ensure they match the recommended requirements for a better gaming experience.

7. What CPU should I get for Sims 4 with all packs?

Aim for an Intel Core i5 (4 cores) or better, or an AMD Ryzen 5 or better for optimal performance. Older CPUs may struggle when dealing with multiple expansions and high settings.

8. Can I run The Sims 4 on Mac?

Yes, The Sims 4 has a Mac version. Make sure your Mac meets the recommended specifications. Check the system requirements for Mac, which is usually a Mac OS X 10.11 or later, Intel Core i5 processor or better, and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680, AMD Radeon RX 560 or better.

9. Why does The Sims 4 take up so much space?

The Sims 4’s size comes from the base game’s content and all the packs you have installed. Each pack adds new assets, which add to the game’s overall size.

10. Is 500 GB enough storage for Sims 4?

A 500GB SSD is more than enough for Sims 4, all its expansions and a good amount of custom content. You are unlikely to use it all up even if you use it for saved games too.

11. Is it necessary to buy every Sims 4 pack?

No, it’s not necessary to buy every pack. You can enjoy the game with just the base game or a few select packs, but having more packs will add content to the game and thus require more storage space and processing power.

12. Will more RAM make Sims 4 run better?

Yes, more RAM can contribute to a smoother experience, especially when you have all the expansions. Aim for 16 GB or more to ensure the game runs without stuttering.

13. Can I merge custom content files to improve performance?

Yes, merging custom content files can reduce loading times and improve overall performance. Tools such as Sims 4 Studio allow for merging of custom content.

14. Is a 256GB SSD enough for Sims 4?

A 256 GB SSD is enough for just The Sims 4, all the packs and saved games, and perhaps some basic apps. If you want space for additional media, documents, or other game installations, it may not be enough.

15. How much does it cost to buy all Sims 4 packs?

The total cost of all Sims 4 DLC in 2023 is around $995 USD. This is subject to change, but the price gives some insight into the cost of buying every pack, which can be a significant investment.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy The Sims 4 with all its expansions and custom content without any frustrating lags or crashes. Happy Simming!