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puzzlezaddict's avatar
puzzlezaddict
Hero+
3 years ago

Re: Sims 3 64-bit keeps crashing on MacBook Air

@chefdetribu98  Your newer Mac should handle Sims 3 just fine, even all packs together.  The game itself has its problems, and the 64-bit version has a few extra problems, but those wouldn't be the Mac's fault.  The one thing you should definitely do is play on a hard flat surface, or on a raised surface, so its vents aren't blocked—no playing with the laptop resting on a blanket on your lap.  These Macs can cool themselves properly, but only if the cooling apparatus is allowed to run as designed.

As for battery, you'll absolutely want to play with the laptop plugged in at all times.  Not doing so will cause the Mac to throttle performance to try to preserve battery and might account for at least some of the crashing on your older Mac.  (It's still be low requirements; I'm just saying this isn't helping.)  If you're worried about the battery in your new Mac, download a free third-party utility that limits charging to 80%, so you can play with the laptop charging without inadvertently overcharging the battery.

Generally speaking, a computer that can handle the load of a demanding application can run that application indefinitely without incuring any meaningful damage.  As long as the hardware isn't overheating, the source of long-term use-related damage is voltage, but it would take something like 10 years to see a difference on a properly-built computer.  And really, what's the point of having a powerful new Mac if you're not going to harness all that potential?

Point is, install Sims 3 on the new MacBook Pro, play with the laptop plugged in, use a program to limit the charge level, and you'll be fine.

2 Replies

  • chefdetribu98's avatar
    chefdetribu98
    3 years ago

    Thank you so much for your help, I’ll download it on my new Mac and follow your advice. I agree, a newer computer is actually for this purpose. 

    It is amazing how much you help fellow players, thank you so much for your amazing feedback and help 🙂


    As a final quick question, do you have any recommendations as to the charging limit applications? That’s the first time I’m hearing such application exist and wanted to ask. 

  • puzzlezaddict's avatar
    puzzlezaddict
    Hero+
    3 years ago

    @chefdetribu98  I've seen a few out there but haven't tested enough to have my own opinion.  The most important feature is that it's free: you don't need and shouldn't have to pay for this.  A "portable" tool, meaning you don't have to install it, is also preferable in general, both for convenience and security, but not strictly necessary.  "Open source" means others can examine the code, which offers some protection against malicious actors, but only if people are checking.  This is the most useful when there are lots of downloads or a few mentions on sites like Stack Exchange that have members who code.

    Beyond that, look for something that feels usable to you.  It doesn't have to be a perfect tool, for example if the criticisms say a tool is frequently off by 5%, just set it to charge to 75% instead.  And don't overthink this—there are plenty of good-enough solutions, and you don't need the tool of your choice to be perfect.

    One not-so-great solution is the built-in macOS "Optimized battery charging" setting, which in my case and many others, has never properly limited the charge level.

    This is advice for installing third-party software in general, by the way.  A few minutes of googling can be a tremendous help both for usability and for the long-term health of your Mac.

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