My mom is now paying $900 for a custom built "gaming" computer, and it comes with Quad core. I've heard Dual core is best for Sims 3, and the guy will switch it to that if I want to, but I don't know if the Quad core will make my sims better or anything. If it does, I'm keeping it, if Dual core is better, I'll ask him to switch. Which one is better for Sims 3?

EDIT: I don't know the rest of the specs, but I wrote down the list of things that was recommended in buying a computer and the computer guy is looking at that. I have all expansions, though my computer right now can't play Pets at all.

Anyone? It's a quick yes or no question, I think. My mom just wants to know what to say to the computer guy, and since I don't know, I need your help

Generally quad is better than duo; you know, 'cos 4 is bigger than 2...?

The Sims franchise wasn't ever programmed to take advantage of multi-core processor and multi-threading technology, so whatever you get is kinda moot Sims-wise. But having quad-cores does not mean Sims 3 won't work. If they don't work, EA would have a lawsuit on their hands to set such a limitation on people's system purchase.

Having said that, a duo-core @3.0GHz is better than a quad-core @1.7GHz.
Also, if you're a single-minded person who plays games and not do anything else, a quad-core is a waste of money. If you're the kind like me who do 10 things at once while gaming and modding and watching TV episodes and 'surfing the net and chatting ... well you get the idea, the more cores the better.

Alright, I'll just keep the quad core in then. I LOVE multitasking, I usually have like 5-10 windows up at once I bet it would just cost more money anyway to switch I just got to convince mom to see if I can get a GB or two more of RAM (this one comes with 4 GB, which is alright I think but not the best), and I'm set.
Though I haven't watched TV shows on the computer, that's a cool idea

I really appreciate your help, and everybody else who has helped me. While my mom is really computer illiterate (though has many other loveable traits, don't get me wrong!), I'm not super good with them either. At least not enough to be good at deciding on getting the best computer for the Sims 3
*big virtual hug for all my sims friends*