Which Mac laptop is best for Sims 4?
I don't know if this has been asked lately, but I had extremely helpful advice from users on the old forum about this around seven years ago.
Last time, Bluebellflora and others pointed me to a Mac Pro 15 inch 2017 16gb, which had two graphic cards - radeon pro and intel hd graphic - and a fan. The Sims 4 has run brilliantly on it and I've been really glad that I got it.
Unfortunately after heavy use the hardware is beginning to show its age a bit, even though the Sims still works just fine. So, I am starting to look around at what Mac laptops are available to replace it. I have some specific questions, but any tips at all will be gratefully received.
1. Is M3 good enough or do you need to go M3 pro or M3 max?
2. My current laptop has a fan, but I understand the new ones are all solid state so this is no longer something to think about?
3. Probably this is a stupid question, but I am have a big saved game and I am most concerned not to lose it when I get a new laptop. I back up my current game on an external harddrive. If I get a new laptop that is compatible with this external hard-drive, will I be able to just plug it in and transfer my current save over with no issues? Are there any pitfalls to be aware of when doing this?
4. General call out - what Mac laptop do you have, and do you recommend it?
The last thread I could find on this topic was on the old forum: https://answers.ea.com/t5/Mac/Which-MacBook-is-best-for-Sims-4/td-p/7117235/page/2 Sorry if I'm duplicating a new one though. I'm still trying to get the hang of the new forums. I will delete and copy this post over if necessary.
1. Is M3 good enough or do you need to go M3 pro or M3 max?
M3 will be good enough but as always, and probably echoing what I said 7(!) years ago, the more power the more you're future-proofing yourself :) I still have mine installed on my 2017 15" and it plays ok. I also have it on the first M1 MacBook Air model and it runs great. I also have it installed on the current model 16" M3 Max and it is amazing.
2. My current laptop has a fan, but I understand the new ones are all solid state so this is no longer something to think about?
Your current one has two fans and the M3 16" MacBook Pros have dual fans too. The 14" has one fan and the M-series MacBook Airs are completely fanless. This is completely unrelated to the solid state drives which is the internal storage, nothing to do with fans.
3. Probably this is a stupid question, but I am have a big saved game and I am most concerned not to lose it when I get a new laptop. I back up my current game on an external harddrive. If I get a new laptop that is compatible with this external hard-drive, will I be able to just plug it in and transfer my current save over with no issues? Are there any pitfalls to be aware of when doing this?
Yes, no problem at all and no pitfalls.
4. General call out - what Mac laptop do you have, and do you recommend it?
See my answer to no. 1.
