Hestherm
Thanks. When you say your folder is clean are you saying you have no previous data in the folder and that you set up a new save and still having the issue? If so I would hazard a guess you have two potential issues happening 1) your Mac is simply struggling with the increased resources needed for the game due primarily to the low spec Intel CPU and 2) you have other resource hungry apps and background processes running on your Mac using precious resources the game needs to properly function.
If in fact you have a lot of CC, Mods, Tray items, screenshots and saves that you have copied into the new clean folder that will most likely be the culprit.