Forum Discussion

gumuroo's avatar
gumuroo
6 years ago

Sims 4 overheating and loud fan after Catalina update

Have asked on the troubleshooting thread, but no reply. After updating to Catalina my mac overheats and the fan is super loud just by starting Sims 4. I have updated the game since the update, it is ...
mac
dzm06's avatar
dzm06
6 years ago
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.
gumuroo's avatar
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's avatar
    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's avatar
    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?

About The Sims 4 Technical Issues - Mac

Do you have technical issues with The Sims 4 on Mac? Get help from the community here!8,126 PostsLatest Activity: 5 hours ago

Community Highlights