Sims 4 System Requirements: Can Your PC or Mac Run It?

The Sims 4 runs on modest hardware. At minimum, EA lists 64-bit Windows 10, an Intel Core i3-3220 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200 processor, 4 GB of RAM, a DirectX 11 graphics card with 128 MB of video memory and 25 GB of free space. For smooth play, EA recommends an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, 8 GB of RAM, a GeForce GTX 650 or Radeon HD 7750 and 50 GB of space.

Last checked: November 9, 2026, against EA's official Sims 4 FAQ and the Steam store page.

PC system requirements

	Minimum	Recommended
Operating system	64-bit Windows 10	64-bit Windows 10
Processor	Intel Core i3-3220 3.3 GHz (2 cores, 4 threads) or AMD Ryzen 3 1200 3.1 GHz (4 cores)	Intel Core i5 (4 cores) or AMD Ryzen 5
Memory	4 GB RAM	8 GB RAM
Graphics	128 MB video RAM with Pixel Shader 3.0: NVIDIA GeForce 6600, ATI Radeon X1300 or Intel GMA X4500 or better	1 GB video RAM: NVIDIA GTX 650, AMD Radeon HD 7750 or better
DirectX	DirectX 11 compatible	DirectX 11 compatible
Storage	At least 25 GB free	50 GB free
Screen	1280 x 720	Not listed
Internet	Needed to activate the game	Needed to activate the game

EA's storage figures include at least 1 GB of extra room for custom content and saved games. The Steam store page lists slightly higher numbers, 26 GB minimum and 51 GB recommended, so plan for the larger figure if you buy there.

The minimum graphics list includes integrated chips, so you don't strictly need a separate graphics card. The recommended cards date from 2012, so most graphics cards from recent years are faster.

Mac system requirements

	Minimum	Recommended
Operating system	macOS 10.15 (Catalina) with Metal support	macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later
Processor	Intel Core i3-3225 3.5 GHz (2 cores, 4 threads) or better	Intel Core i5 (4 cores) or better
Memory	4 GB RAM	8 GB RAM
Graphics	Metal support, Intel HD 4000 integrated graphics or better, 256 MB video RAM	Intel HD and Iris graphics from the HD 4000 series or newer
Storage	At least 25 GB free	At least 50 GB free
Internet	Needed to activate the game	Needed to activate the game

The Mac version is digital only and runs through the EA app. When you get The Sims 4 on one EA account, you can play both the PC and Mac versions, and packs bought on one carry over to the other.

PlayStation and Xbox

The Sims 4 is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. There are no hardware requirements to check on console, but you'll need free storage for the game and any packs.

Console versions don't support mods or custom content. Packs bought on console stay on that platform, and saves can't be moved between console and PC.

Account and internet needs

You need an EA account and the EA app to install and register the game on PC or Mac, even if you download it through Steam. An internet connection is required to activate it. After that, EA says you can play offline.

Some features still need a connection. The in-game Marketplace, added in 2026, only works online, apart from viewing the content you already own.

Storage grows with every pack

The 25 GB minimum covers the base game. Each expansion, game pack, stuff pack and kit adds more, and EA notes that every pack has its own minimum requirements. If you own many packs, leave plenty of headroom beyond the 50 GB recommendation, and keep extra space free for game updates. Our list of all Sims 4 expansion packs shows how many there are.

Mods and CC also take space and can lengthen loading times as a collection grows. Our guide to installing Sims 4 mods and CC covers where those files live.

Older computers

Current versions of The Sims 4 need a 64-bit operating system on PC and Metal graphics support on Mac. Older 32-bit versions of Windows are no longer supported. If your computer can't meet those two basics, it can't run today's game, even if the rest of its hardware looks fine.

How to check your own computer

On Windows:

Open Settings > System > About. You'll see your processor, installed RAM and whether Windows is 64-bit (under "System type").
Open Task Manager, choose Performance and click GPU to see your graphics card and its dedicated memory.
Type dxdiag into the Start menu search to open the DirectX tool, which shows your DirectX version.

On Mac, open the Apple menu > About This Mac. It shows the processor or chip, memory, graphics and macOS version.

Compare those numbers with the tables above. If you're between minimum and recommended, the game will run, but you may need lower graphics settings in a busy neighborhood.

Frequently asked questions

Can my PC run The Sims 4?

If you have 64-bit Windows 10 or newer, a processor at least as fast as an Intel Core i3-3220 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200, 4 GB of RAM and 25 GB of free space, the base game will run. For smoother play, aim for an Intel Core i5 or Ryzen 5, 8 GB of RAM and a GTX 650 or Radeon HD 7750 class card.

How much RAM do you need for The Sims 4?

The minimum is 4 GB of RAM and EA recommends 8 GB. The same figures apply on Mac. If you play with many packs or mods, more memory helps.

How many GB is The Sims 4?

EA asks for at least 25 GB of free space for the base game and recommends 50 GB, while Steam lists 26 GB and 51 GB. Every pack adds more on top of that, so a large collection needs much more room.

Does The Sims 4 work on Windows 11?

Yes. The game needs 64-bit Windows 10 or newer, and Windows 11 is 64-bit only. Make sure your other hardware meets the requirements too.

Can you play The Sims 4 on a Mac?

Yes. You need macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later with Metal graphics support, and the game installs through the EA app. One copy gives you both the Mac and PC versions on the same EA account.

Can you play The Sims 4 offline?

Yes, once the game is installed and activated online with your EA account. Online features, such as the Gallery and the in-game Marketplace, need an internet connection.