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Re: Sims 4 overheating and loud fan after Catalina update

When you say “overheat,” are you saying that macOS actually throws an error and shuts down? Or that the fans are running more than they used to, but otherwise things keep working?

Keep in mind that a 2015 laptop does not have the most modern CPU or GPU, and that The Sims 4 is using the OpenGL graphics library in the OS. Catalonia puts more stress on the CPU and GPU than earlier OS versions. And with a laptop that has been in service for several years it’s very possible the cooling vents might be partially blocked. It might be a good idea to force some compressed air through the vents to help dislodge any dust or lint that might be impeding cooling.

Finally - it might be worth going to the Sims 4 preferences and seeing if reducing graphics settings, etc helps minimize the problem.

3 Replies

gumuroo
6 years ago
The fans are running more than normal and the computer gets hot, but otherwise, it is working yes. The mac was in for service for a check-up a couple of months ago and the battery and top case was replaced, so would they have cleaned it then or should I still try compressed air? My graphic settings are set to low. The CPU and GPU make sense, that could be the reason since it is not a very new laptop.
dzm06
6 years ago
@gumuroo Difficult to really say what it might be, then. On my 2017 MBP running Catalina TS4 causes the fans to spin (though at what I'd call "medium" level) and the CPU average to run at ~140% when in-game (as opposed to sitting at the main menu, etc).

There are third party utilities you can get that show you the sensor readings of how hot your CPU and GPU are, and what the RPM of the fans are. Those data can help you to better judge if things are running too hot, or if the computer is just leaning into a heavy workload but is not being stressed by it.

Keep an eye on things. Let me know if it seems to be getting worse.
Bluebellflora
Hero+
6 years ago
@gumuroo

Are you running anything else when you play? You may have stuff running in the background which is using extra CPU. Which icons do you have in the top right menu bar where your the clock is? Your Mac has integrated graphics so good that you have everything on low. How much RAM do you have?