Home
Copied from my CSGf post.
Since I'm sure most laptops (especially AMD-powered CPU ones, and/or HP-branded ones *grumble*) may crash or overheat on SC4, I thought I'd give some tips.
Use a cooling pad
Not the cheap $5, 3-fan ones that break in 5 minutes, though. Use one that is a notable brand, and/or has more than 1 way of keeping your laptop cool. I'd reccomend the Cooler Master NotePal X2, as it has three features that keep your laptop cool:
Use on a desk or other non-heat-trapping surface
I know, I've played SC4 while laying down on my bed before and having it overheat. Using on a wood or metal surface will obviously help as it does not trap the heat given off by your laptop (or at least very little heat).
Add "-CPUCount:1" to your SC4 shortcut
SimCity 4 was created in the ancient times of 2003, when multi-core CPUs were very rare. Adding this to your shortcut link will make SimCity 4 run on a single core, as SC4 does have a hard time running on that dual-core processor of yours!
If all else fails, get a good reviewed laptop
I would reccomend you'd stay away from the common brands (HP, Dell, Acer, etc) as they usually cut corners to make the computers a lot cheaper. Instead, go with a brand that is not as well known (ASUS, Lenovo, etc), they may be a bit more expensive but they are worth it! Also, make sure it has an Intel processor (most notably a "Core i3/i5/i7" processor), as Intel processors as of recent (aka based off a specification with the word "Bridge" in it) have been made more efficient than most AMD processors, so they run faster and a lot cooler. Now, that doesn't mean you should stay away from AMD, sure, the FX processors have been getting a lot better, but IMO, Intel runs a lot more effeciently.
If there is anything I should add, feel free to say so.
Since I'm sure most laptops (especially AMD-powered CPU ones, and/or HP-branded ones *grumble*) may crash or overheat on SC4, I thought I'd give some tips.
Use a cooling pad
Not the cheap $5, 3-fan ones that break in 5 minutes, though. Use one that is a notable brand, and/or has more than 1 way of keeping your laptop cool. I'd reccomend the Cooler Master NotePal X2, as it has three features that keep your laptop cool:
- Huge 140mm fan - more air.
- Aluminum mesh absorbs heat - this is why MacBooks are made out of aluminum, but in my opinion, do not get a Mac.
- Small stands to lift your laptop an inch or two, for better circulation.
Use on a desk or other non-heat-trapping surface
I know, I've played SC4 while laying down on my bed before and having it overheat. Using on a wood or metal surface will obviously help as it does not trap the heat given off by your laptop (or at least very little heat).
Add "-CPUCount:1" to your SC4 shortcut
SimCity 4 was created in the ancient times of 2003, when multi-core CPUs were very rare. Adding this to your shortcut link will make SimCity 4 run on a single core, as SC4 does have a hard time running on that dual-core processor of yours!
If all else fails, get a good reviewed laptop
I would reccomend you'd stay away from the common brands (HP, Dell, Acer, etc) as they usually cut corners to make the computers a lot cheaper. Instead, go with a brand that is not as well known (ASUS, Lenovo, etc), they may be a bit more expensive but they are worth it! Also, make sure it has an Intel processor (most notably a "Core i3/i5/i7" processor), as Intel processors as of recent (aka based off a specification with the word "Bridge" in it) have been made more efficient than most AMD processors, so they run faster and a lot cooler. Now, that doesn't mean you should stay away from AMD, sure, the FX processors have been getting a lot better, but IMO, Intel runs a lot more effeciently.
If there is anything I should add, feel free to say so.
