The Sims 3 on Mac?

[Shmeggo]

I'm currently playing The Sims 4 on a MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Early 2015), and it has been running beautifully. However, I would still like to play The Sims 3 from time to time. I had The Sims 3 for my PC before I purchased my MacBook and it ran well, but I've read many negative things about The Sims 3 running on Mac. Crashing constantly, lots of lagging, etc. Would it be worth it to reinstall The Sims 3 on my MacBook, or would it be better not to? I wouldn't want to do anything to negatively effect the performance of my computer!

Here are a few of my specs, in case it helps:
OS X El Capitan, Version 10.11.4
Processor: 2.7 GHz Intel Core i5
Memory: 8 GB 1867 MHz DDR3
Graphics: Intel Iris Graphics 6100 1536 MB

Thank you in advance!

[MrsFlynn]

I'd say it's worth it. But I love Sims 3.   You may still encounter problem such as lag, crashing and slowness in Create a Sim, Create a Style and Build/Buy modes. But game play should do okay on at most med. settings. The graphics is integrated, not dedicated. Which can cause problems.

Give the install a try, see how it runs.

BluebellFlora has a lot of useful help articles.
https://bluebellflora.com/the-sims-3-mac-help/

[Shmeggo]

Thank you for the detailed response, MrsFlynn! I love The Sims 3 too, so I think I am going to give the install a try and see how it goes. I'm enjoying The Sims 4, but I think The Sims 3 will probably always be my favorite.

BluebellFlora's site was also very helpful. Thank you, thank you!

[MrsFlynn]

You're welcome!! Happy to help. Let us know how it goes?

Welcome to the forum!!

[Shmeggo]

Absolutely! I'm so sorry for the delay in responding. I wanted to get a bit of game time in, so I could give a more thorough response on how The Sims 3 runs on Mac. I'm pleased to report that it wasn't as bad as I expected (or heard about!). The graphics are a little sketchy, but I think that's probably due to the integrated vs. dedicated issue you mentioned. However, The Sims 3 is definitely playable on a Mac at medium settings! The only other thing to be aware of is the game does crash more frequently when compared to how it ran on my PC. Saving often is a must, but I suppose that's good practice anyway.

All in all, I'm SO happy I decided to reinstall The Sims 3. I wouldn't say there's a huge difference in quality between how it ran on my PC and how it runs now on my MacBook. Thank you for the warm welcome and for giving me the push I needed to do the install, MrsFlynn!

[MrsFlynn]

Yay!! I'm happy to hear it's running well for you!! If you haven't yet, get a cooling mat for your laptop to help keep it cooler. It may not help fully against over-heating, but it will keep it cooler.

Yes, saving every so often using Save As is a must!! Even with having a "gaming laptop" I still use Save As often. The thought of loosing anything makes me sick.

[Shmeggo]

Thank you! I'm thrilled to death that I'm still able to play! The cooling mat is such a great idea; I didn't even think about purchasing one for my laptop. I think it may allow for some extra Simming since my computer can err on the warm side after a couple hours or so of playing.

Oh, absolutely! I've learned my lesson very well from lost gameplay, builds, and Sims (I'll always save them to the bin every now and again when in CAS) in the past!

Thank you again for all of your help! I'm convinced that this is the most helpful forum on the Internet.

[MrsFlynn]

I usually export my family and houses and what community lots I've made and back them up on an external hard drive. Sometimes I even save my whole Sims 3 folder.

How To: Save Sims 3 Files From the Library (Exporting Files)
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=20751.msg380782#msg380782

The cooling mat may not give you a ton of extra time, I'd say maybe a half hour. Though, if you find your laptop getting too-hot. Get out of game, wait a few minutes (5-10 mins.) to let it cool down and then jump back into game.

The longest I've been able to play is about 2 - 3 hours. However, I have a fan booster built into my laptop that I usually turn on before playing. I wouldn't recommend trying to push it that far. I really don't want it to do damage your laptop.

Thank you for the compliment. I too think this is one of the friendlier Sims forums.

[Shmeggo]

That is a great idea. Thank you for sharing! I really need to get better about backing my files up.

I usually can only play for around 2-3 hours straight myself before I notice my laptop getting a bit too warm for my liking. I will try the cooling mat to see if it helps. Although, taking breaks is always good after a long session of gameplay.

Your advice has been wonderful! I'm learning so much more about how to help my laptop run The Sims 3 (and The Sims 4). Thank you!

[MrsFlynn]

Yeah, you're not suppose to be able to fry an egg on your laptop. *Snicker*

It is a very good idea to give your computer a break every now and again. Specially if you're playing on a laptop. Overheating computer parts can be very bad!! I burnt a video card once. I swore off laptops for a long while after that as my punishment. And learned from that, even if you're using a laptop at a desk, a cooling mat is a great investment.

[Shmeggo]

Probably not!

Good to know! I think I'll begin researching cooling mats because I wouldn't want any singed computer parts. I'm willing to try anything to help my laptop run games better!

Thank you again for everything, MrsFlynn. You've been most helpful!

[MrsFlynn]

This is the one we use.

Targus Chill Hub and Chill Mat = Price: $26.95
https://www.amazon.com/Targus-4-port-Laptop-17-Inch-AWE81US/dp/B0084V5FD4

Not sure that I'd fully recommend it though, as it's got a hard-plastic bottom (No cushion) and only two fans. -- What I do like about it is that it has extra usb ports and it was pretty cheap when we got it.

Here's one I'd recommend - though I don't have it. It's got more fans to help keep things cool, and has two usb ports.

Cooltek Angle Adjustable Ultra-thin Laptop Cooling Pad = Sale: $19.95
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F9C92Y8

[Shmeggo]

Thank you so, so much for the links! These will give me a good starting point.

I think I'll start by looking into the second one. I like the extra USB ports as my laptop only has two (one of which is taken up by my wireless mouse). The sale price doesn't hurt either.

Thank you again, MrsFlynn!

[MrsFlynn]

You're welcome!!