I don't get it..

[Xebarsis]

The Sims 3 has way too many frame rate tears and random pauses during gameplay. (Not including the 1 AM lag.) I don't understand why because I can play games like Resident Evil 5 on my computer with perfect frame rate and without lag or framerate tears. How can I get my game to run smoothly? Here's a partial of my DxDIAG if it helps (can't fit the whole thing):

Code:

------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 10/2/2009, 00:00:25
       Machine name: XEBARSIS
   Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.090206-1234)
           Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: System manufacturer
       System Model: System Product Name
               BIOS: BIOS Date: 08/20/08 13:30:42 Ver: 08.00.14
          Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU     E8500  @ 3.16GHz (2 CPUs)
             Memory: 2046MB RAM
          Page File: 832MB used, 3106MB available
        Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
    DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
     DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.5512 32bit Unicode

------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
  DirectX Files Tab: No problems found.
      Display Tab 1: No problems found.
        Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
          Music Tab: No problems found.
          Input Tab: No problems found.
        Network Tab: No problems found.

--------------------
DirectX Debug Levels
--------------------
Direct3D:    0/4 (n/a)
DirectDraw:  0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectPlay:  0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow:  0/6 (retail)

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
        Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT 
     Manufacturer: NVIDIA
        Chip type: GeForce 8800 GT
         DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
       Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0611&SUBSYS_C8023842&REV_A2
   Display Memory: 512.0 MB
     Current Mode: 1440 x 900 (32 bit) (59Hz)
          Monitor: ViewSonic VA1912w SERIES
  Monitor Max Res: 1440,900
      Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
   Driver Version: 6.14.0011.8208 (English)
      DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
 Driver Date/Size: 2/18/2009 14:44:00, 6185088 bytes
      WHQL Logo'd: Yes
  WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
              VDD: n/a
         Mini VDD: nv4_mini.sys
    Mini VDD Date: 2/18/2009 14:44:00, 6308224 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B71E3E-4551-11CF-E27B-09E803C2CB35}
        Vendor ID: 0x10DE
        Device ID: 0x0611
        SubSys ID: 0xC8023842
      Revision ID: 0x00A2
      Revision ID: 0x00A2
      Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_C ModeMPEG2_D ModeWMV9_B ModeWMV9_A 
 Deinterlace Caps: {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive 
                   {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch 
                   {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive 
                   {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch 
                   {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive 
                   {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch 
                   {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive 
                   {335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch 
         Registry: OK
     DDraw Status: Enabled
       D3D Status: Enabled
       AGP Status: Enabled
DDraw Test Result: Not run
 D3D7 Test Result: Not run
 D3D8 Test Result: Not run
 D3D9 Test Result: Not run

-------------
Sound Devices
-------------
            Description: Realtek HD Audio output
 Default Sound Playback: Yes
 Default Voice Playback: Yes
            Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_10EC&DEV_0888&SUBSYS_104382FE&REV_1001
        Manufacturer ID: 1
             Product ID: 100
                   Type: WDM
            Driver Name: RtkHDAud.sys
         Driver Version: 5.10.0000.5628 (English)
      Driver Attributes: Final Retail
            WHQL Logo'd: Yes
          Date and Size: 5/20/2008 02:53:00, 4800000 bytes
            Other Files: 
        Driver Provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
         HW Accel Level: Full
              Cap Flags: 0xF5F
    Min/Max Sample Rate: 8000, 192000
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 33, 31
 Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 33, 31
              HW Memory: 0
       Voice Management: No
 EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: Yes, Yes
   I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: Yes, Yes
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No
               Registry: OK
      Sound Test Result: Not run

---------------------
Sound Capture Devices
---------------------
            Description: AK5370          
  Default Sound Capture: Yes
  Default Voice Capture: Yes
            Driver Name: usbaudio.sys
         Driver Version: 5.01.2600.5512 (English)
      Driver Attributes: Final Retail
          Date and Size: 4/13/2008 11:45:12, 60032 bytes
              Cap Flags: 0x41
           Format Flags: 0x444

            Description: Realtek HD Audio Input
  Default Sound Capture: No
  Default Voice Capture: No
            Driver Name: RtkHDAud.sys
         Driver Version: 5.10.0000.5628 (English)
      Driver Attributes: Final Retail
          Date and Size: 5/20/2008 02:53:00, 4800000 bytes
              Cap Flags: 0x41
           Format Flags: 0xFFF

-----------
DirectMusic
-----------
        DLS Path: C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\drivers\GM.DLS
     DLS Version: 1.00.0016.0002
    Acceleration: n/a
           Ports: Microsoft Synthesizer, Software (Not Kernel Mode), Output, DLS, Internal, Default Port
                  Microsoft MIDI Mapper [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal
                  Microsoft GS Wavetable SW Synth [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal
        Registry: OK
     Test Result: Not run

-------------------
DirectInput Devices
-------------------
      Device Name: Mouse
         Attached: 1
    Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
        FF Driver: n/a

      Device Name: Keyboard
         Attached: 1
    Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
        FF Driver: n/a

Poll w/ Interrupt: No
         Registry: OK

-----------
USB Devices
-----------
+ USB Root Hub
| Vendor/Product ID: 0x8086, 0x3A36
| Matching Device ID: usb\root_hub
| Service: usbhub
| Driver: usbhub.sys, 4/13/2008 12:45:38, 59520 bytes
| Driver: usbd.sys, 8/4/2004 05:00:00, 4736 bytes
| 
+-+ Logitech Cordless USB Trackball
| | Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC501
| | Location: USB Receiver
| | Matching Device ID: usb\vid_046d&pid_c501
| | Lower Filters: LUsbFilt
| | Service: HidUsb
| | Driver: hidusb.sys, 4/13/2008 11:45:28, 10368 bytes
| | Driver: hidclass.sys, 4/13/2008 11:45:26, 36864 bytes
| | Driver: hidparse.sys, 4/13/2008 11:45:22, 24960 bytes
| | Driver: hid.dll, 4/13/2008 17:11:54, 20992 bytes
| | Driver: LUsbFilt.sys, 12/18/2008 23:44:00, 28816 bytes
| | Driver: WdfCoInstaller01005.dll, 6/22/2007 11:34:02, 1419232 bytes
| | 
| +-+ Logitech HID-compliant Cordless Trackball
| | | Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC501
| | | Matching Device ID: hid\vid_046d&pid_c501
| | | Upper Filters: LMouFilt
| | | Lower Filters: LHidFilt
| | | Service: mouhid
| | | Driver: mouhid.sys, 8/17/2001 13:48:00, 12160 bytes
| | | Driver: mouclass.sys, 4/13/2008 11:39:48, 23040 bytes
| | | Driver: LHidFilt.Sys, 12/18/2008 23:43:40, 35472 bytes
| | | Driver: LMouFilt.Sys, 12/18/2008 23:43:48, 37392 bytes
| | | Driver: KHALMNPR.Exe, 12/18/2008 23:42:58, 76304 bytes
| | | Driver: WdfCoInstaller01005.dll, 6/22/2007 11:34:02, 1419232 bytes

----------------
Gameport Devices
----------------

------------
PS/2 Devices
------------
+ PS/2 Keyboard
| Matching Device ID: *pnp0303
| Upper Filters: L8042Kbd
| Service: i8042prt
| Driver: i8042prt.sys, 4/13/2008 12:18:00, 52480 bytes
| Driver: kbdclass.sys, 4/13/2008 11:39:48, 24576 bytes
| Driver: L8042Kbd.sys, 12/18/2008 23:43:06, 20240 bytes
| 
+ Terminal Server Keyboard Driver
| Matching Device ID: root\rdp_kbd
| Upper Filters: kbdclass
| Service: TermDD
| Driver: termdd.sys, 4/13/2008 17:13:20, 40840 bytes
| Driver: kbdclass.sys, 4/13/2008 11:39:48, 24576 bytes
| 
+ Terminal Server Mouse Driver
| Matching Device ID: root\rdp_mou
| Upper Filters: mouclass
| Service: TermDD
| Driver: termdd.sys, 4/13/2008 17:13:20, 40840 bytes
| Driver: mouclass.sys, 4/13/2008 11:39:48, 23040 bytes

----------------------------
DirectPlay Service Providers
----------------------------
DirectPlay8 Modem Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.2600.5512)
DirectPlay8 Serial Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.2600.5512)
DirectPlay8 IPX Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.2600.5512)
DirectPlay8 TCP/IP Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.2600.5512)
Internet TCP/IP Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpwsockx.dll (5.03.2600.5512)
IPX Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpwsockx.dll (5.03.2600.5512)
Modem Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpmodemx.dll (5.03.2600.5512)
Serial Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpmodemx.dll (5.03.2600.5512)

DirectPlay Voice Wizard Tests: Full Duplex: Not run, Half Duplex: Not run, Mic: Not run
DirectPlay Test Result: Not run
Registry: OK

-------------------
DirectPlay Adapters
-------------------
DirectPlay8 Serial Service Provider: COM1
DirectPlay8 TCP/IP Service Provider: Local Area Connection 2 - IPv4 - 

-----------------------
DirectPlay Voice Codecs
-----------------------
Voxware VR12 1.4kbit/s
Voxware SC06 6.4kbit/s
Voxware SC03 3.2kbit/s
MS-PCM 64 kbit/s
MS-ADPCM 32.8 kbit/s
Microsoft GSM 6.10 13 kbit/s
TrueSpeech(TM) 8.6 kbit/s

[J. M. Pescado]

I'm not sure what a "Frame rate tear" or a "random pause" is.

[Xebarsis]

I'm not sure what a "Frame rate tear" or a "random pause" is.

It's similar to the 1 AM lag, except it happens 5 times or so every real life minute. Everything remains frozen for a couple seconds during the lag, then the frame rate returns back to normal.

[tizerist]

Just like TS2, this game is destined to never run smoothly.

Things like a high hood population and massive lots don't seem to really have been playtested, so no matter what you do, the game will have awful frame rates. Its not uncommon for my TS3 frame rate to drop to about 3fps for no apparent reason, while games like Race Driver Grid (which is a really cpu intensive game) runs almost flawless.

[myskaal]

I'm pretty sure it has something to do with the constant loading of cues for inactive sims.

Starting a spanking fresh hood with only 1 sim results (at least for me) in a very smooth game (after the initial NPC generation). It's when the population starts rising that the random few second pauses start occurring, beyond just pausing for sim spawning.

[Xebarsis]

Damn you EAxis!

[J. M. Pescado]

The key to preventing these loading hiccups is to install the entire game to RAMdisk. If you install the entire game to RAMdisk, it will never thrash to disk in an attempt to load anything, and therefore not lag. You will need approximately 12 GBs of RAMs to accomplish this, which will get larger with additional expansions. Still, this is not an impossible amount of RAMs.

[Xebarsis]

Ah, well considering I only have 2 GBs of RAM that's not going to be possible for me; that's definitely good to know though.