If your laptop requires Laptop mode, not just low visual settings, to run well, I
highly recommend using it and switching to Maxis Match hair CC... unless you're looking for excuses for a new laptop purchase.
As for keeping lag down, here are some things you can do:
- Use lower visual settings. Start with turning reflections and water effects way down. Don't use high mode lighting.
- Only play with your power bar plugged in.
- Always use a laptop cooling pad when playing.
- Play in windowed mode, not fullscreen.
- Leave Sims' culling and population settings on their defaults.
- Play in smaller lots.
- Don't pack your lots with extra interactable objects.
- Play in smaller households.
- Use lower-poly (not HQ/alpha) CC.