The Sims 3
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Estimated FPS across quality settings and resolutions
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The Sims 3 FPS by GPU
Estimated framerates for 14 reference GPUs · pick a resolution and quality
Full benchmark grid · 14 GPUs × 4 qualities × 3 resolutions
1080p performance
| GPU | low | medium | high | ultra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTX 5090 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps |
| RTX 4090 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps |
| RX 7900 XTX | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps |
| RTX 5080 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps |
| RTX 4080 Super | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps |
| RTX 4070 Ti | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps |
| RTX 4070 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 897 fps |
| RX 7800 XT | 999 fps | 999 fps | 973 fps | 790 fps |
| RTX 3080 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 946 fps | 769 fps |
| RTX 4060 Ti | 999 fps | 999 fps | 894 fps | 726 fps |
| RTX 3070 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 815 fps | 662 fps |
| RTX 4060 | 999 fps | 920 fps | 736 fps | 598 fps |
| RTX 3060 | 986 fps | 789 fps | 631 fps | 513 fps |
| GTX 1660 Super | 715 fps | 572 fps | 457 fps | 372 fps |
1440p performance
| GPU | low | medium | high | ultra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTX 5090 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps |
| RTX 4090 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps |
| RX 7900 XTX | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps |
| RTX 5080 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps |
| RTX 4080 Super | 999 fps | 999 fps | 999 fps | 993 fps |
| RTX 4070 Ti | 999 fps | 999 fps | 966 fps | 785 fps |
| RTX 4070 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 828 fps | 673 fps |
| RX 7800 XT | 999 fps | 912 fps | 729 fps | 593 fps |
| RTX 3080 | 999 fps | 887 fps | 710 fps | 577 fps |
| RTX 4060 Ti | 999 fps | 838 fps | 670 fps | 545 fps |
| RTX 3070 | 955 fps | 764 fps | 611 fps | 497 fps |
| RTX 4060 | 863 fps | 690 fps | 552 fps | 449 fps |
| RTX 3060 | 739 fps | 591 fps | 473 fps | 384 fps |
| GTX 1660 Super | 536 fps | 429 fps | 343 fps | 279 fps |
4K performance
| GPU | low | medium | high | ultra |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RTX 5090 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 883 fps | 718 fps |
| RTX 4090 | 999 fps | 999 fps | 820 fps | 666 fps |
| RX 7900 XTX | 999 fps | 920 fps | 736 fps | 598 fps |
| RTX 5080 | 999 fps | 867 fps | 694 fps | 564 fps |
| RTX 4080 Super | 999 fps | 815 fps | 652 fps | 530 fps |
| RTX 4070 Ti | 805 fps | 644 fps | 515 fps | 419 fps |
| RTX 4070 | 690 fps | 552 fps | 442 fps | 359 fps |
| RX 7800 XT | 608 fps | 486 fps | 389 fps | 316 fps |
| RTX 3080 | 591 fps | 473 fps | 379 fps | 308 fps |
| RTX 4060 Ti | 559 fps | 447 fps | 358 fps | 290 fps |
| RTX 3070 | 509 fps | 407 fps | 326 fps | 265 fps |
| RTX 4060 | 460 fps | 368 fps | 294 fps | 239 fps |
| RTX 3060 | 394 fps | 315 fps | 252 fps | 205 fps |
| GTX 1660 Super | 286 fps | 229 fps | 183 fps | 149 fps |
Where to buy
The Sims 3
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$19.99
Minimum Hardware
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Genres
About
The Sims 3, released in 2009, is a life simulation game that allows players to create and control unique characters, known as Sims, while shaping their lives in a richly customizable neighborhood. With features like Karma Powers, players can influence their Sims’ fates, from granting them instant beauty to creating unexpected enemies. This engaging gameplay, paired with its blend of creativity and strategy, has kept players invested in their virtual worlds for years.
In terms of PC performance, The Sims 3 is relatively accessible, even for older systems. To achieve stable FPS and smooth gameplay, a minimum GPU of entry-level capacity is recommended, with scores around 33 or better. Players should aim for at least 2 GB of RAM, allowing for optimal performance without significant lag. Lower graphics settings can enable even modest setups to run the game effectively, ensuring that most players can enjoy it without high-end hardware.
Considering its 80/100 rating, The Sims 3 is certainly worth playing for fans of simulation games. Its unique mechanics and engaging storytelling elements create an immersive experience that appeals to a broad audience, making it a timeless choice for both casual and dedicated gamers alike.
Performance profile
June 2009 release. The Sims 3 targets mid-2000s-to-early-2010s hardware — any modern entry-level GPU (GTX 1650 tier or newer integrated graphics) handles it at 1080p Ultra without breaking a sweat.
Simulation titles like The Sims 3 are heavily CPU-dependent — physics, AI and world state dominate the frame budget. Prioritise a CPU with strong single-thread performance and fast RAM over raw GPU power.
Extremely light — The Sims 3 runs at 60 FPS 1080p on any integrated GPU (Intel Iris Xe, AMD Radeon Graphics) or a decade-old discrete card like the GTX 1050. A current-gen RTX 4060 pushes 4K Ultra without effort.
Storyline
Create over a million unique Sims and control their lives. Customize everything from their appearances, to their personalities and even the home of their dreams. Then, send your Sims out to explore new locations around town and to meet other Sims in the neighborhood. With all-new quick challenges and rewarding game play, The Sims 3 gives you the freedom to choose whether (or not!) to fulfill your Sims’ destinies and make their wishes come true. Powerful character design tools let you make exactly who you want. Robust building features allow for precise control over your Sims' home. And your Sims can explore a huge neighborhood to their heart’s content. Day or night, work or play, the world is your Sims' oyster. It’s easy and fun to make your unique Sims look just right. From the face and body shaping options to the vast and ever-growing range of clothing choices to the intriguing personality types, you can create the character of your dreams… or even make yourself! Sims can roam freely throughout the town. Visit the local bistro, check out the new nightclub, get a few reps in at the gym, whatever strikes your Sims' fancy is theirs to pursue… and they’ll never have to wait in line! Whether or not you believe in destiny, you can help your Sims achieve their dreams. During their lifetimes, Sims will want different things based on their individual personality traits. Fulfilling these desires gets you points to spend purchasing new items for your Sims. And it’ll give you a nice warm feeling, too.
