Guide: Running SimCity 4 on Windows 8

[Indiana Joe 1,750]

Running SimCity 4 on Windows 8

The Almost Definitive Guide

By Indiana Joe, with innumerable contributions by the esteemed community

 September 8, 2015 -- Microsoft ends support for some CD programs including SimCity 4. Latest Windows updates will prevent the CD from working. 

 

Disclaimer: This guide should be applicable to most PCs with modern hardware running Windows 8.
Much of the information is also applicable to Windows Vista & 7.

For further help or clarification, please be encouraged to start a new topic!

 

SimCity 4 was built to run on the 32 bit Windows XP operating system from 2001. Over a decade later, Windows 8 and 64 bit computers can have some trouble cooperating with this old software. This guide will take you through the proper setup of installing SimCity 4 on a modern PC and addresses some common technical problems. By the end, your game should run smoothly.

 

Installing SimCity 4

Spoiler

SimCity 4 has one expansion pack that was released by Maxis in 2004. The Rush Hour expansion added to the transit features of the game. Almost all custom content available in the SC4 community requires this pack to work.

Most game vendors sell SimCity 4: Deluxe Edition, which includes the Rush Hour expansion pack. It functions the same as vanilla (original) SimCity 4 with SimCity 4: Rush Hour installed on top.

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2015: Microsoft has removed support for security features required to run some old CD programs. In short, the CD version of SC4 will no longer work with the latest Windows updates (versions 7, 8, and 10).

If you have CDs for the game, the installer should automatically start after inserting Disc 1. If it does not, the setup can be manually run by navigating to D:\SimCity 4 (or whatever the address of your disc drive is) and double-clicking the installer. Disc 2 is used to finish the installation and run the game (this is assuming that you have the Deluxe Edition. If you have the game and expansion pack separate, install the former and then the latter. The game is run using the Rush Hour Disk Thanks to McDuell for this info).

When installing the game from discs, the installer requires a registration number. This number can be found on the back of the SimCity 4 manual that came with the game, above the list of hotkeys.

 

The game is also available as a digital download from several sources. The following sources are known to distribute legitimate, updated copies of the game:

GOG

Steam

There's also:

Origin  --This EA-run vendor sells an outdated version of the game. As of June 2017, they still distribute the incorrect version. Not recommended!

 

What is a good price to buy SimCity 4 for?

Spoiler

As of 2017, SC4 Deluxe typically retails for $19.99 USD. It can be frequently found on sale for as low as $4.99 USD (such as on GOG); so, if you are on a budget, that is the price to watch for.

 

After purchasing the game from one of these vendors, you may install it on any PC you wish. The game should be fully updated, and requires no patches. The disc version requires 2 patches to be fully updated, as described in the next section.

 

Troubleshooting

 

The game installer freezes in the middle of installation, or will not start at all.

Spoiler

In September 2015, Microsoft removed support for the CD version of SimCity 4, and many other CD programs requiring SafeDisk. These CD programs can no longer be run by Windows after the applicable updates have been installed. More information may be found here:

Windows Update KB3086255 blocks SC4 from starting

 

I can't find the registration key the installer asks for, or I lost it.

Spoiler

The key can be found on the back of the game manual. If you don't have it, the best option is to wait for SC4 to go on sale and buy a digital download version for $5.

 

I don't have any money to buy the game with.

Spoiler

Former United States presidential candidate Mitt Romney does not understand your problem.

 

Patching the Game

Spoiler

The digital download versions, sold by the trusted sources listed above, should be fully updated to version

1.1.641.0 (the version may be checked by hovering the mouse over the SC4 EXE file).

 

CD versions of the game require two patches: The EP1 Update, and the BAT Nightlighting Update. These will update the game to version 1.1.638.0 and then 1.1.640.0. The latter number represents a fully updated disc version of the game.

 

Both patches may be found at SC4Devotion:

EP1 Update  -- be sure to choose the correct region that corresponds to the game you bought.

BAT Nightlighting Update  -- scroll down to the second download on the page. The first download is the BAT tool.

Running those patches in the order listed should automatically update the game.

 

If the updates fail:

You may get a message along the lines of "Old File not found. However, a file with the same name name was found. No update done since the contents do not match." This indicates that either the game is already updated to 1.1.640.0 or higher, or the game cannot be updated. The following reasons can prevent the game from being updated:

• Make sure you are installing the correct version of the patch for your region of the world. Or, more specifically, the region version of your game. If you have the European game, install the European EP1 update.
• A "no-CD" patch has been applied to the game to allow it to be run without inserting the disc. This alters the application and prevents it from being updated. Re-installing the game will remove the patch.
• The game comes from an illegitimate source and does not contain the original files. (Torrented/pirated games are not supported by the SC4 community or its custom content.)
• The game's EXE has been altered in some other way.

If the update will not work even after re-installing, consider purchasing the fully-updated digital download version. Once again, it can be found on sale for as low as $5.00 USD.

 

Important Setup Steps

Spoiler

SEPTEMBER 2015: Microsoft Windows updates for Windows 7, 8.1, and 10 has disabled support for many CD programs including SimCity 4. The digital download versions are the only versions officially supported by Windows now.

SC4 should be set up to properly run on your computer hardware. SC4 Launcher is the easiest way to set up SC4, and can automatically do many of the tricks listed below:

SC4 Launcher

 

Display Resolution

Spoiler

SimCity 4 supports custom resolutions. Many monitors today display in either 1366x768 resolution, or High Definition 1920x1080. These display options are not available from the in-game graphics options. If SC4 is not set to run at your monitor's native resolution, the game may look squashed or stretched. Several people have discovered this after years of playing, and are stunned to realize they have been viewing it wrong the entire time. You don't want to be one of them.

 

Right click on the SC4 icon on your desktop. Select "properties".  There should be a box labeled as the "Target."  In this box should be something similar to:

Quote

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps\SimCity 4.exe"

 

ADD A SPACE TO THE END OF THIS TEXT.  After the space, type -CustomResolution:enabled. Add another space, and type: -r0000x0000 Replace the zeros with the desired resolution.

 

Here is an example of what the target box may look like after setting the custom resolution (this example shows the Steam version of the game, and the x32 at the end of the resolution ensures high-quality 32 bit color is used instead of low-quality 16 bit).

 

Quote

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps\SimCity 4.exe" -CustomResolution:enabled -r1600x900x32

 

Your monitor's resolution can be found by right-clicking on the Desktop and selecting Screen Resolution. SC4 will not support resolutions higher than 2048x1536 in hardware rendering mode. If you have a high-resolution monitor, for best results, halve each value (instead of 2560x1440, use 1280x720). This causes the monitor to use exactly 4 pixels (2 by 2) to display 1 digital pixel, and prevents blurriness.

 

CPU Count:  the most common cause of a crash-to-desktop

Spoiler

Computer processors (the brain of the computer) used to be singular. SimCity 4 was built to run on these single-core processors. Almost all processors are now dual or quad-core. The game is very unstable running on multiple cores. To fix this, you simply add the following tag to the end of the Target box, just like you did for custom resolution:

-CPUCount:1    (pssst...remember to add exactly 1 space between each tag)

Now the processor knows to use only 1 core to handle SC4. The game should no longer crash frequently. Your target box may now look like this:

 

Quote

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps\SimCity 4.exe" -CustomResolution:enabled -r1600x900x32 -CPUCount:1

These tags at the end may be in any order, and any combination can be used or not.

 

Note that the Origin version of the game reportedly does not support Target box tags (there simply is no "Target" box). An alternative to adding this tag:

• ALT + TAB (switch away from) SC4 while it is already running
• open the Task Manager (CTRL + SHIFT + ESC)
• go to the Processes tab
• right click on the SimCity 4 process
• Select "set affinity"
• De-select all the processor cores except one.

This process must be repeated every time you restart SC4, whereas the tag does it automatically.

 

Other Tags

Spoiler

A full list of all the custom tags that may be added to the end of the Target box can be found here. Other commands include running the game in a resizable window and turning the Intro animation off.

-d:DirectX

-d:OpenGL

Adding one of these tags will force the game to use DirectX for rendering, or OpenGL. Depending on your hardware and driver versions, one may behave better than the other. Try switching between these if you have graphical errors.

 

Troubleshooting

Spoiler

If you copied and pasted the example Target line I typed above, SC4 may no longer be able to start. Depending on the vendor purchased from, each game version has a different install location. Make sure to use the correct install location for your game version.

Also remember to put precisely 1 space between each item in the Target box.

The Origin version of the game reportedly does not support Target box tags. An alternative for that is to use SC4 Launcher.

 

Graphics

Spoiler

Getting SC4 to work on modern graphics cards (a.k.a. video cards, GPUs) can be tricky. All computer processors come with built-in (integrated) graphics chips. Intel processors come with Intel HD graphics, AMD has their own as well. These integrated cards are not very powerful and not designed to play computer games. Gaming computers come with dedicated graphics cards. Fortunately SC4 does not require more expensive dedicated video cards, although these will drastically increase performance, especially in huge cities.

Remember to keep your graphics drivers updated. As well as your graphics control programs (Intel Graphics Control Panel, NVidia Control Panel, or AMD Catalyst Control Center).

 

I only have Intel HD Graphics

Spoiler

The game may run fine without any issues if you have an older chipset. 2nd and 3rd generation Intel processors (with HD Graphics 2000 and 3000 respectively) did not seem to have many problems.

Many people report issues Intel HD 4000-series graphics. If you know you have an HD 4000 card, or are have graphical glitches, the simplest solution is to change the game's graphics rendering mode from Hardware to Software. This can be accomplished by selecting Software Rendering in the in-game graphics options menu.

The game is no longer using any hardware other than the processor to display your cities. This drastically limits performance. Please also make a note, for future reference, that Software rendering makes your game incompatible with any plugins that use HD textures. This includes HD water mods and HD terrain mods. However, most choppy graphics issues should be solved.

Software rendering can also be turned on with a Target box tag, and with SC4 Launcher. Other possible solutions to Intel HD graphics problems include changing the game to use OpenGL rendering, rather than the default DirectX. This is also one of the Target box tags available on the big list.

 

I have a Dedicated Desktop Video Card (NVidia GeForce, AMD HD, etc)

Spoiler

Your powerful dedicated GPU crushes puny games like bugs. But SC4 is running horribly. This guide will show you how to force the game to cooperate with your graphics card:

How to configure SC4 to work with your new hardware

One day I may re-write that guide to make it less confusing and more current. If anyone wants to give it a shot, please go for it.

 

I have a Laptop with both Intel HD Graphics and a NVidia Card

Spoiler

FIRST: Follow the steps in the above "Desktop" section to add your card's info to the game's files.

This combo is now popular with laptops. Both cards are used, and the NVidia one is supposed to take over for heavier graphics tasks. Unfortunately SC4 is too old to work with this switching mechanism, and it can be a pain to get it to use the NVidia graphics card. As mentioned in the Intel section, integrated HD Graphics 4xxx don't run SC4 very well.

The first step is to manually set SC4 to use the NVidia card in the NVidia control panel. Right-click on your desktop and click "NVidia Control Panel." On the left menu, choose "Manage 3D settings." Click "Add," navigate to the SC4 EXE, and select it. Then set it to use the NVidia card rather than Intel HD Graphics. (Image of this)

This option alone may work. If it doesn't, continue:

In the NVidia control panel, go to the top bar (with File, Help, etc.), and click the "Desktop" menu. Check "Add 'Run with graphics processor to context menu." Then right-click the SC4 icon, "Run with graphics processor," and click "High performance NVIDIA processor." If your computer rudely informs you that you don't have permission to do that, you need to disable Windows User Account Control temporarily.

After forcing the game to run on the NVidia card once, I personally was able to double-click the SC4 icon normally and it has always used it ever since.

 

I have a Laptop with AMD Card(s)

Spoiler

FIRST follow the steps in the above "Desktop" section to add your card's info to the game's files.

AMD has a similar graphics-switching program for dual-card laptops. SC4 likes to run on only the integrated card (causing a problem if it's the Intel HD 4000 series). Information about AMD switchable graphics can be read here and here. There are fewer documented threads about this subject and further information is welcome.

For help with screen flickering and AMD cards, try some suggestions here:

Screen Flicker

 

I have an AMD Processor with AMD Graphics

Spoiler

There reportedly haven't been many problems running SC4 on AMD processors with integrated or dedicated AMD GPUs. Any further information is welcome.

 

Plugins (Mods) and Fixes

Spoiler

Plugins are files that add to or alter game content. They can be downloaded from a number of SC4 community exchanges, including:

• Simtropolis STEX
• SC4D LEX
• SimPeg PLEX

A full list of SC4 community sites and file exchanges can be found here:

SimCity 4 Exchange Index

 

Different types of plugins are installed to the game differently. After downloading a mod, always extract/unzip the contents if they come in a compressed (zipped) folder. Windows 8 comes with an unzipping utility pre-installed. Right click on the zipped folder and "Extract All." If you need a program that can unzip folders, there are many free to download, including WinRar an 7-Zip.

Look in the folder you have unzipped:

• If there is an installer (.exe) file inside, simply run that and follow the steps.
• If there are simply many game files (.SC4Lot, .dat, .SC4desc, .SC4model, etc) copy and paste these into your plugins folder.
• Always read the file description and readme and look for special installation instructions

 

The plugins folder is typically found in:

Quote

C:\Users\YourName\Documents\SimCity 4\Plugins

 

The "Documents" folder is typically easy to find. It is one of the libraries that appears when first opening Windows Explorer (in Windows Vista, 7, and 8.)

There is another plugins folder. It is located in the SC4 root directory. See the Resources section of this guide to find this location. It is not advised that you place plugins in the root plugins folder. They will typically function properly, however it is easy to forget about plugins placed there; not to mention it is much less accessible. However, this is one way to share plugins between users on a computer. These plugins will show up for all users, whereas the ones placed in your Documents folder will only appear when you start the game under your name.

Be sure to download all the "prerequisite" files that a plugin requires. These are called dependencies. Missing dependencies can cause brown boxes to appear in place of props and buildings that the game cannot find in your plugins folder.

Certain files, such as Regions (maps) and DLL files must be installed a special way. For more descriptions and tutorials on custom content, see the stickied threads in the STEX and Bugs sections of these forums.

 

Essential Bug Fixes

Please see this most excellent post made by Cougar2004 for a complete list of fixes to bugs present in the game. Please read the instructions of each fix carefully:

All you can Modify in SimCity 4

 

The Network Addon Mod (NAM) is the largest and most popular mod made for SimCity 4, which fixes and expands all transit features of the game. Information about it can be read here at Simtropolis and over at SC4Devotion.

 

Resources

Spoiler

Where is SimCity 4 installed (the root directory)?

Spoiler

SimCity 4 will install to a different location depending on what vendor you have purchased or downloaded it from.

 

CD and GOG Versions:

Quote

C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe

 

Steam Version:

Quote

C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\SimCity 4 Deluxe

 

Origin Version:

Quote

C:\Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\SimCity 4 Deluxe

 

Where Can I find *this thing/a mod that does this*?

Spoiler

Google is always a good resource when used properly. Searching for "SimCity 4 water mod" will give you the results you want. Also make use of site-specific searching:

The "site:www.example.com" parameter allows you to search within a website using Google's powerful search abilities (often more effective than the site's own search bar).

 

Help! All the water in my city disappeared!

Spoiler

Please carefully read the instructions on how to use the:

Diagonal Bridge Enabler (Removes Water)

As the title hints, it deliberately removes the water from your cities (temporarily).

 

Help! I have a lot that I can't bulldoze!

Spoiler

"Immortal lots" are a somewhat common game bug. De-zoning and bulldozing the land repeatedly can help.

Otherwise, see this article.

 

Help! I've fallen and I can't get up!

Spoiler

Fortunately, you had Life Alert®. Now you feel safe living alone in your own home, and you don't have to consider assisted living!

 

[Forsma7 1,325]

right I might just straight up to what I think right now...

 

so here, I have this laptop with wondowz 8 as pre installed since last year... so this rig has a dedicated AMD radeon HD7670m and onboard intlek HD4000.. so I try to run some heavy games such as far cry 3 with high enough option it has no problem (even it runs smoothly). I played TS3 with its ep oftenly using this laptop and it can run smoothly with high graphical settings... the problem is, sc4 not even run properly, really laggy and buggy. I've try to force the sc4 to use high performance but it not even use the dedicated AMD radeon. Then I browse the internet for the solution, no luck. most of them say use bios to use only dedicated video card but that option not even available in the bios..

 

thing gone worse when I try to update wondowz 8 into weendoes 8.1. SC4 now has corrupt graphic, cant even play it anymore so my only option is to 'upgrade it back' to wondowz 8. 

 

Now I wont try to use software mode since I had tons of HD mods in my plugins which is viral to my CJ. i wish there's any option to fix this problem as it really annoy me that I cant run favorite game properly with this laptop (currently I played mostly using family PC which I can only access when I'm in my family house in the holiday or some break time)

[Indiana Joe 1,750]

right I might just straight up to what I think right now...

 

so here, I have this laptop with wondowz 8 as pre installed since last year... so this rig has a dedicated AMD radeon HD7670m and onboard intlek HD4000.. so I try to run some heavy games such as far cry 3 with high enough option it has no problem (even it runs smoothly). I played TS3 with its ep oftenly using this laptop and it can run smoothly with high graphical settings... the problem is, sc4 not even run properly, really laggy and buggy. I've try to force the sc4 to use high performance but it not even use the dedicated AMD radeon. Then I browse the internet for the solution, no luck. most of them say use bios to use only dedicated video card but that option not even available in the bios..

 

thing gone worse when I try to update wondowz 8 into weendoes 8.1. SC4 now has corrupt graphic, cant even play it anymore so my only option is to 'upgrade it back' to wondowz 8. 

 

Now I wont try to use software mode since I had tons of HD mods in my plugins which is viral to my CJ. i wish there's any option to fix this problem as it really annoy me that I cant run favorite game properly with this laptop (currently I played mostly using family PC which I can only access when I'm in my family house in the holiday or some break time)

 

Hey Kisa

 

I found some info on this here and here.  Please let me know if that helps you; I will add an AMD section to the guide once I know what works.

[Forsma7 1,325]

Hey Kisa

 

I found some info on this here and here.  Please let me know if that helps you; I will add an AMD section to the guide once I know what works.

 

have try that a lot before hand (I use HP laptop)

 

here, you can see there's no option to make the graphic into fixed mode:

 

and I've set SC4 as high performance as the instruction said:

 

sorry, but there's no luck on doing that

[Indiana Joe 1,750]

here, you can see there's no option to make the graphic into fixed mode

 

The fact that this option doesn't exist probably means you are running an outdated version of Catalyst Control Center.  Try updating Catalyst Control Center and your video driver.

[McDuell 301]

If you have the game and expansion pack separate, install the former and then the latter.  I am unsure which disc is used to run the game with the separate expansion pack--this info would be appreciated).

 

I can confirm that, when having vanilla SimCity with the separate RushHour expansion, you'll need the RushHour disc in the drive while playing.

 

 

Your monitor's resolution can be found by right-clicking on the Desktop and selecting Screen Resolution.  SC4 will only support resolution values under 2000.  The game cannot be run at, for example, 2560x1440 QHD resolution.  If you have a high-resolution monitor, for best results, halve each value (instead of 2560x1440, use 1280x720).  This causes the monitor to use exactly 4 pixels (2 by 2) to display 1 digital pixel, and prevents blurriness.

I recently tried some experiments with super high resolutions for my native 1680x1050 monitor and can confirm that the game runs just fine (with a few quirks) up to at least 2880x1620x32.

However, at super hi res, the GUI will be tiny, and the maximum zoom might be a bit too small for a really detailed view when playing. Furthermore, there is ugly graphics tearing when scrolling vertically. This however can easily be solved by e.g. switching the grid view on and off, or otherways forcing the image to redraw (zone/underground/water view), but it somehow kills the fun playing the game.

The biggest resolution the DirextX renderer can handle seems to be 2048*1536. Everything larger needs to be done with the software renderer. 2048*1536 also seems to be the largest resolution that can be run windowed; if you go bigger, you need full screen.

One last thing: at really high vertical resolutions (>1200), the miniature graphic of big city tiles in region view can be completely messed up after a game save (much more than the infamous non-rendered bottom lines in 1600x1200). Luckily, this is only a visual problem which can be solved by opening and saving the corresponding city tile again in a lower resolution.

Other than that, the game runs flawlessly even in these high resolutions. I concur that these super high resolutions are not meant to seriously play the game because of the mentioned quirks, but more as an instrument for being able to take huge ingame screenshots.

Here are some settings which I already tested and work fine with my hardware (Radeon HD5850, Samsung 22" 1680x1050 monitor):

DirectX and windowed: 1920x1080, 2048x1536

Software and full screen: 2304x1440, 2520x1576, 2880x1620

(It's a pity that I can't test the 3360x2100 resolution because of my hardware limits (the pixel clock is way out of specs of my cable and monitor, so the monitor stays blank). Although I would bet that SC4 might even run at this resolution.)

 

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Don't overlook the -d:opengl option.  It works well on some GPUs.  Not so hot on mine, but it does run.

[Indiana Joe 1,750]

Wow, fascinating McDuell!  I gathered from what I'd read that the game was unplayable due to bugs at those resolutions.  My laptop's 2880x1620 resolution may not be useless after all.  Actually, yes it is.  The screen is only 15 inches.

Don't overlook the -d:opengl option.  It works well on some GPUs.  Not so hot on mine, but it does run.

 

Yep, it's in there.

[NCGAIO 562]

I found some info on this here and here.  Please let me know if that helps you; I will add an AMD section to the guide once I know what works.

then

 

have try that a lot before hand (I use HP laptop)

sorry, but there's no luck on doing that

?????????

Ie: here the solution depends on the equipment but in this regard it seems that will not be of much help.

Then when found some links that talk about the subject and hopes that the User can understand the procedure explained there and then return here to tell if it worked

Just pay some attention to the fact that it refes only a some portable therefore not a hint to all OK!

 

Not to mention the fact that it would be good to warn of the consequences of using some portable with continuously active graphics card ..

 

Not everyone buys a portable just to play, of course!

 

 

Don't overlook the -d:opengl option.  It works well on some GPUs.  Not so hot on mine, but it does run.

 

Yep, it's in there.

 

There where?

OGL solution depends on the library version installed with the system with old nvidia exception that settled with the driver

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Anyone running OGL should have the latest version. 

 

My version for example is glut 2.8 near as I can tell from the distro documentation.  Because OGL is more or less built-in to Linux, it doesn't seem to have a single, specific identifier but a couple of pages of stuff with various embedding systems and interfaces.

 

The main desktop interface is compiz-core 1:0.9.12+14.10.20140918-0ubuntu1 which appears to have been released on Sept. 18th.  The Devhelp system is silent on the main level, but most of the graphics systems involved use OGL at the bottom of the stack.

 

All of this stuff is derived from Debian (upstream from Ubuntu), so it is hard to sort it out without loading Debian, which I don't want because I don't care for it.

 

As far a drivers are concerned, any user with a legacy program needs to know more than the average mom and pop user if they are going to get anywhere.  Retirement disinclines me to chase this when what I have is more or less working.

[Indiana Joe 1,750]

Rough outline of the guide is basically done.  There's undoubtedly many things that need to be added, some that I will think of and others I won't:  so please leave your suggestions!

[ausa07 66]

I only have Intel HD Graphics

The game may run fine without any issues if you have an older chipset.  2nd and 3rd generation Intel processors (with HD Graphics 2000 and 3000 respectively) did not seem to have many problems.

 

Many people report issues Intel HD 4000-series graphics.  If you know you have an HD 4000 card, or are have graphical glitches, the simplest solution is to change the game's graphics rendering mode from Hardware to Software.  This can be accomplished by selecting Software Rendering in the in-game graphics options menu.

Any idea how SC4 will run on the Intel Iris Pro series?

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

 

<snip>

Any idea how SC4 will run on the Intel Iris Pro series?

 

If that's what you have, it is easy enough to ask it to tell you.  There are only three tests to make: -d:[directx|opengl|software].  The machine will tell you just by running the game with each option.  The worst than can happen is that you might have to boot the machine between tests.

 

The best source of information on this kind of question is your machine.

[Indiana Joe 1,750]

Any idea how SC4 will run on the Intel Iris Pro series?

 

That would likely be a Mac and not a PC?  If you're trying to run the Mac version of this game, it's a completely different story and this guide doesn't apply.  Otherwise, I haven't heard anything about Iris Pro.  You'll have to tell us.

[NCGAIO 562]

Well ... That's what I call useful comments.   
 

Any idea how SC4 will run on the Intel Iris Pro series?

Friend ... for Intel environment will continue all the same.

Virtual allocation failures of the video memory for SC4 legacy due to DVMT and also failures associated with WDDM 1.3 parameters that prevent DD7 legacy of D3D correct emulation through the support DX9ex present in the recent OS.

The correct call of the parameters for device graphic used by SC4 only guaranteed in this latest drivers ( with Intel) by Nvidia software compatibility thanks to "wrapper" between DX calls and OS operations

We are working on configurator that allows SC4 correctly receive the parameters but so far has not avoided the mistake of not receive more allocation memory within the DVMT.

Currently the MINTEL group walks toward the software rendering and the total elimination of dependence to discrete GPUs and its attendant problems of drivers and compatibility. (For me a fallacy if it's directed to run games that really has huge buffer requirements today but will force developers from DX11 / 12 and 64-bit.))

.....
 

But this also means the inutility of legacy games without updatings that depend of the features optimizations coded to effectively run that have left or will cease to exist.

The good news is that this future ... is still a distant bit.

For now the solution is AMD.cpu (no DVMT) Nvidia;AMD;Intel; control panel and software rendering or OpenGL (that's the same but allows HD)

More information possibly soon.

[Compdude787 916]

"Intel Iris" is just another term for Intel's integrated graphics, I think.

[Indiana Joe 1,750]

"Intel Iris" is just another term for Intel's integrated graphics, I think.

 

It's the next generation of integrated graphics; just like Intel's CPUs have been the Nehalem, Sandy Bridge, and now Haswell generations.  But the fact that Iris Graphics have a whole new microarchitecture means it *may* be very different from the various Intel HD series.

 

Lots of speculation can be made, but we really need someone to just play SC4 on one of these chips before we know what will happen.

[ausa07 66]

Thanks for the feedback. I am currently looking at buying a new mac (and bootcamping windows 8 ) since I broke my old laptop a few months ago. I'm either going to get one with the iris pro or both the iris pro and the nvidia GeForce GT 750M. I just found out off apple's site that both video cards are supported for simcity 4. I guess I'll have to put that to the test once I get the computer...

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

This will be very interesting.  Will Intel's Iris conform fully to OpenGL?  This might indeed make things very interesting.  Microsoft must eventually get sick of paying to maintain DirectX, when there is a perfectly good open system available.

[Dazzyls 576]

I installed SC4 yesterday and when I first played it again today, I noticed some strange buggs. Do those buggs have anything to do with Windows 8, or not? And if so, how could I get rid of those buggs? I have uploaded a picture of the buggs below.

 

 

Thanks for your help. I appreciate it.

[Indiana Joe 1,750]

I installed SC4 yesterday and when I first played it again today, I noticed some strange buggs. Do those buggs have anything to do with Windows 8, or not? And if so, how could I get rid of those buggs? I have uploaded a picture of the buggs below.

 

Possibly.  Care to share the new computer specs?

[Dazzyls 576]

 

I installed SC4 yesterday and when I first played it again today, I noticed some strange buggs. Do those buggs have anything to do with Windows 8, or not? And if so, how could I get rid of those buggs? I have uploaded a picture of the buggs below.

 

Possibly.  Care to share the new computer specs?

 

 

It's a Sony VAIO

- Windows 8.1

- Processor: Intel Core i5-4200U CPU @ 1.60 Ghz

- 4GB RAM

- 64 bits

Do you know where to find the specs of the graphics card on a Windows 8?

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Can you produce that same screenshot using software rendering?  If it works OK, then we have a pretty good clue.

[Dazzyls 576]

Can you produce that same screenshot using software rendering?  If it works OK, then we have a pretty good clue.

How do I do that and what software?

[Indiana Joe 1,750]

How do I do that and what software?

 

 

This website will show you your video card info.  I have little doubt that you have an Intel HD 4000-series integrated card, which often produce the visual glitches you're showing.  Nonny was referring to Software Rendering mode, which is an option in the in-game Options panel.  It forces the game to not use the graphics chip at all, and use the processor to render the graphics instead.  It's the only for-sure solution to Intel HD 4000 right now, but it slows down the game and it will crash if you try to use any HD mods.

 

Another possible solution involves using OpenGL rendering.  More info about this can be found in the guide under "Setup Steps" -->  "Other Tags"  and of course the "Graphics" section.

[Dazzyls 576]

Nonny was referring to Software Rendering mode, which is an option in the in-game Options panel.  It forces the game to not use the graphics chip at all, and use the processor to render the graphics instead.  It's the only for-sure solution to Intel HD 4000 right now, but it slows down the game and it will crash if you try to use any HD mods.

 

I'll try what NonnyMoose said. And then make the picture without rendering and with rendering mode.

 

Edit: it works normally when it's software rendering! Look at the pictures below:

 

Hardware rendering:

 

Software rendering

 

Should I just keep playing with software rendering, or is there a way to fix it?

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

^ The jury is still out on that.  It may simply be a driver problem (programming) and might get fixed.  If it is a hardware problem with the GPU, the only solution is probably a replacement.

[Dazzyls 576]

Thanks for your help.

So I'll just keep playing with software rendering I think. Does that make the game slower or look less nice?

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Machines are so fast these days it hardly matters.  The game simply uses the GPU as a frame buffer and doesn't use its innards.

 

I play interchangeably because some features work better in hardware (HD textures) and others in software (puzzle pieces).  Switching over is not a big deal for me.  I simply have two scripts.  My default is hardware (DirectX).  This behaviour is a direct result of my weird set up, and is peculiar to my machine.

 

Oh, and my machine doesn't crash if I load a city in software rendering that contains HD textures.  They just look queer.  Windows gives up too easily.

[thanby 0]

I just picked up SC4 Deluxe from Steam and have been trying to get it running on Windows 8.1 but it crashes after about 5-10 seconds every time. I've followed the guide here (and others) and even used the Sim Launcher app to try to troubleshoot but can't seem to get anywhere. During troubleshooting I noticed that it will only crash if I have it in the foreground, if it's in the background it will stay running indefinitely in windowed mode. Unfortunately I haven't yet mastered the art of playing a game that's not the focus of my input devices, so I'm at a loss for what to do. Has anyone else seen this behavior before?