A salesman talked me out of buying a desktop tonight (for real) cause he said the disc version of Sims 3 (1.67) doesn't work with Windows 11. Does anyone know anything about this? He actually sounded like one of the few who knew what he was talking about when it comes to Sims 3.

He said the only way around it is to find a computer for sale with Windows 10 or buy a new computer and buy Windows 10 to put on it. Any advice?

First of all, there is nothing in Win 11 that could make TS3 any unhappier than Win 10 does. If it is really true that the retail discs cannot be installed on it, this is the first I've heard of it. Unfortunately I have no effective way to test this out for myself.

Second of all, a digital license for Win 11 such as one that would come with an OEM pre-install will also work on Win 10, so if a rollback were required there would be no need to repurchase the operating system.

I would have pressed the salesperson for more info on why they think a retail disc install won't work on Win 11 when it does on Win 10. But I'm afraid chances are they did not really know what they were talking about.

I trusted him rather fast because he did a small rant on EA trying to force Sims 3 players to upgrade to Origin and Sims 4, which I totally agreed with.

Thanks so much for the advice, igazor. That's really good to know. I'll try installing my discs on Windows 11 first before I roll it back just to see what happens.

Now I'm a little gunshy about going back to the store. I've learned my lesson. Don't talk to salesfolk. Go get what you came for and researched. So can I get opinions on any cons with playing Sims 3 on this desktop? I know it's overkill for Sims 3 and overpriced due to the name as well probably but I like it. And knowing I can roll back to Windows 10 (thanks again, igazor) is a huge relief.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/alienware- ... Id=6499893

I also know most techies don't like Best Buy but I've had bad experiences with computers in the past and want to be able to do a quick return if needed.

I think you should buy two of those systems and send the "extra" one to me. Will send shipping instructions and an address under separate cover.

In case that wasn't enough to answer the question, here's my real answer. I have no great hate for BestBuy, it;s just that they don't usually live up to their name when it comes to pricing on almost identical systems/products that are available elsewhere and from retailers that do not have physical storefronts. Sometimes their sale pricing can be surprisingly good though, and they are always worth considering when comparison shopping.

But it seems you are not shopping for a bargain. You have done your homework (or in your case probably didn't need to as you aren't new to any of this) and know what you would like to have. If the added expense, if there even is any in this case, for shopping at BestBuy is worth it for the convenience and peace of mind if something should go wrong, then of course it's worth it.

Alienware is a brand name that got taken over by Dell over 15 years ago. I can't really see myself ever paying more for just the brand name, which is I'm afraid is what has happened, but they still turn out quality builds and many players are very happy with their Alienware purchase decisions. There is no technical reason to avoid the brand name like it's the plague or anything like that.

So that's a pretty wishy-washy answer in the end I guess, but there is nothing inherently "wrong" with that purchase decision if this is what you want. I do take it though, that you have other uses in mind for this system besides playing TS3, because for just that yes this system is way over-powered, or are perhaps looking forward to poking around with games and other software in the future that have not yet been released without having to worry about this system obsolescing prematurely.

Thanks for all the information. I do have other uses for it besides TS3; my desktop now runs Sims 3 perfectly fine but not so much the other stuff. However, I also want to be able to continue to play TS3 for years to come! (And Alienware has such pretty lights! ) The salesman just scared me when he said Windows 11 won't play discs. And I remembered something else he said, the computer I want is actually on Windows 10 but he said when I boot it up it will force a Windows 11 update unless I go into BIOS settings. I asked could their techs keep it from doing that and he said they could but wouldn't.

I'm not worried about Windows 11 and discs anymore but I would like to stay on Windows 10 so I won't have to deal with updates! I really don't like the forced updates they started doing with 10.

There's 2 of these computers left. If I can get that $1800 past my husband you'll receive a package soon. What is it they say about fools and their money?????

ZeeGee post_id=90090 time=1658026891 user_id=13415 wrote: What is it they say about fools and their money?????

What "they" say is not always true, but I do believe the one about nothing being foolproof because they keep developing and releasing bigger and better fools. Or something like that. Anyway, I'll cancel any plans I had to stand outside for a week awaiting this particular delivery. It's a bit warm where I am this time of year for such extended outdoor activity, anyway.

Booting into the BIOS is easy, you just have to hold down or keep tapping the correct key to get in there (sometimes F2, sometimes F8 or some other one) before Windows begins loading. When my users see me tapping away at a workstation that requires a BIOS adjustment on startup, they always ask me what game I am playing -- at the office, which of course makes no sense. I am sure you can imagine what kind of not very informative replies I give them.

But as we have said you should be fine with Win 11 anyway. Whatever the fuss is about reading discs I am sure can be overcome one way or another, if it's even a "thing." Hope you conclude this purchase successfully and enjoy your new system when it arrives!

Hmmmm, wasn't it that Alienware PC they warned about at Gamers Nexus? Must look it up.

Ok, so they call the R13 a "dumpsterfire", and the R10 "Hilariously bad". But the R12? Must find reviews for that one.

This german guy is a computer expert, and he has reviewed the R12: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9Am2KRbYCs

I bought a new computer from BestBuy in June that came with Windows 11. I installed my disc version of Sims 3 (1.67) with no trouble. It is running fine. This is the one I bought: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/cyberpower ... Id=6489032. I upgraded the RAM to 16GB and the SSD to a 1 TB. I had to use an external DVD drive, but it went smoothly. I own all the expansion and stuff packs. The game is playing great.

Cororon post_id=90099 time=1658151362 user_id=5627 wrote: Hmmmm, wasn't it that Alienware PC they warned about at Gamers Nexus? Must look it up.

Ok, so they call the R13 a "dumpsterfire", and the R10 "Hilariously bad". But the R12? Must find reviews for that one.

This german guy is a computer expert, and he has reviewed the R12: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9Am2KRbYCs

.
Tech Jesus absolutely loves writing scathing reviews of anything he can get his hands on. Not that he's wrong exactly, but you can only watch a clip of an exploding power supply so many times before you want to scream I get it, Gigabyte is trash and Newegg is the devil for forcing people to buy this stuff and I'll only ever shop at Microcenter ever again so can you please just leave me alone?!

Having said that, I'd never recommend an Alienware only because at that price point, you can get a custom PC with equal components and better build quality and cooling. And it would come with pretty lights too.