Sims 3 on Macbook?

[lyssalou89]

Will the Sims 3 run efficiently on the aluminum Macbook 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo? I have 2GB of stock RAM, what kind of RAM would you suggest using to upgrade it to 4 GB? Thank you!

[peepboon]

I upgrading using crucial :D

I think the sims will run ok, not at FULL settings, prob the lowest if you want it to run smoothly.

BTW, anyone else read that Sims 3 has been leaked? Not just the windows version, also the Mac version was leaked

[jav6454]

Will the Sims 3 run efficiently on the aluminum Macbook 2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo? I have 2GB of stock RAM, what kind of RAM would you suggest using to upgrade it to 4 GB? Thank you!

OCZ or Crucial

[bchreng]

I've used only Crucial brand memory to upgrade my Macs over the years have have had nothing but positive experiences with them. As peepboon mentioned, the Sims should run on your system, but it won't be pretty. Even with the memory upgrade. The CPU and GPUs in our Macbooks just aren't powerful enough to run a game like that smoothly on the highest settings.

[Barbie]

The Sims 3 runs beautifully on my solid-state MacBook Air, rev. 2, so your MacBook won't have any problems whatsoever !!!

Barbie :)

[timROGERS]

The Sims 3 runs beautifully on my solid-state MacBook Air, rev. 2, so your MacBook won't have any problems whatsoever !!!

Barbie :)

What are the specs of your Macbook? :)

[Barbie]

What are the specs of your Macbook? :)

A 1.86Ghz Core 2 Duo processor with double the cache of a unibody MacBook (6MB), 2GB of memory and the 128gigabyte really speedy solid-state drive.

Sims 3 is gonna play very well on MacBook.

Barbie.

[Vulcan]

It will run fine :)

Right now, I'm running the Sims 3 on my WhiteBook with a 2.1GHz, X3100, and 4GB of RAM.

[likemyorbs]

the sims 3 runs awesomely on my aluminum macbook with 4gb ram, i love that game!

[peepboon]

Yep, runs smooth as a mother

[keith1569]

thats great news!! i was thinkin of mabe getting it today! ha

[bchreng]

You guys realize that he's talking about the Sims 3 and not Sims 2 right? How are you guys playing part 3 when it's not due out in stores for at least another week? :confused:

[MaTUC]

It's on the web right now:( (mm like 1 week ago actually) ... have it in your computer on some hours:(.. too bad this happened...

[Andrew07]

wow, can't believe it's been leaked!

[jonbgood93]

can anyone post a link to the download please

[likemyorbs]

You guys realize that he's talking about the Sims 3 and not Sims 2 right? How are you guys playing part 3 when it's not due out in stores for at least another week? :confused:

oh yeah, we know exactly what he's talking about.

[likemyorbs]

can anyone post a link to the download please

that would be against forum rules

[cl0wnzee]

Would they be a difference between Sims 3 on a unibody macbook (2.0GHz) with 2GB or 4GB RAM?

Thank you,
-Val

[likemyorbs]

Would they be a difference between Sims 3 on a unibody macbook (2.0GHz) with 2GB or 4GB RAM?

Thank you,
-Val

absolutely, definitely upgrade to 4gb. its so inexpensive now that you should really do it anyway, there's no reason not to.

[peepboon]

Against forums rules to post link, sorry...

[ditzy]

Would they be a difference between Sims 3 on a unibody macbook (2.0GHz) with 2GB or 4GB RAM?

Thank you,
-Val

CPU probably will not make a difference. RAM probably will though. Two will run it four will run it better.

[peepboon]

from what I can tell when I play:

Firstly, I am using: 2GHZ Unibody Macbook with 4GB ram. Stock harddrive.

- The quality is mostly set to medium. Haven't tried turning it up higher yet as the game auto sets it up to the best settings ur computer can handle.

- The game runs smooth at the settings they provide.

- The quality is ok, nothing compared to what I have seen on the adverts with everything set to high.

- I haven't had any problems with what some people seem to have like stuck login screens, not able to install, visual problems, etc

- I think the screen res it sets it to is 1024x7XX (Not entirely sure)

- Loading and saving takes forever like all previous versions

- It is a nightmare to control the camera angles with the mighty mouse... u will have to enable edge screen scrolling if thats what your used to. I use a combination of mouse/keyboard. The ball controls the zoom and its too sensitive. When pressed in, it controls tilt for left/right up/down and this is wayyy to sensitive as well. Use the keyboard for these imo.

- Cheats so far are the same as Sims 2, lol

[andalusia]

Against forums rules to post link, sorry...

I've always wondered this - would it still violate rules if you posted a link to a Google search page on with the link requested, if the link on that Google page is illegal?

Also, is the download in question the Mac and Windows version?

[RiCEADDiCTBOY]

just pm the op with the link if need be...however, mininova.org is always a good resource for anything.

[peepboon]

I've always wondered this - would it still violate rules if you posted a link to a Google search page on with the link requested, if the link on that Google page is illegal?

Also, is the download in question the Mac and Windows version?

Its not against the rules if you PM people and ask. Just against the rules to post on for the public, etc.

Also, Mac/Windows uses the same version.

Hope that helps

[andalusia]

Its not against the rules if you PM people and ask. Just against the rules to post on for the public, etc.

Also, Mac/Windows uses the same version.

Hope that helps

Thanks for verifying my thoughts man. (:

[bradenwh]

f- Loading and saving takes forever like all previous versions

Really? Sims 3 loads and saves lightning fast for me. Barely takes 3 minutes to start up and get into my family.

[peepboon]

Really? Sims 3 loads and saves lightning fast for me. Barely takes 3 minutes to start up and get into my family.

Might be just me whining... mine is similar in load time as urs... just that I think its a tad long, lol...

Also, I don't think I mentioned...

Playing the games at the recommended settings, my macbook got pretty warm (perhaps around 65-70)?... fan was spinning close to 6000rpm... but it still rums pretty smooth. Perhaps it will run hotter if you have it flat on a surface? I am using the Griffin Elevator which might help cooling. Also, mine might be getting hotter as I am using external monitor.

@ tristangage

No problems man :)

[bradenwh]

Might be just me whining... mine is similar in load time as urs... just that I think its a tad long, lol...

Compared to Sims 2, which took me about 7-10 minutes to get the game loaded and into my family, Sims 3 is blazing fast.
And for a 3-D game this large, 3 minutes to load fully isn't bad at all.

[lyssalou89]

Thanks for all the answers. So now it seems that the Sims 3 will work on the upgraded 4gb macbook, so now for my next question. So, for those of you who have already began playing The Sims 3, how is it? I've been waiting for the game for awhile and am curious if it has been worth waiting for and if its all its cracked up to be? I'm hoping for a yes. :D

[peepboon]

its pretty sweet... a tad bare though as u will have to go online to get more items. Im guessing EA will release a virtual store to buy virtual items too... apart from that its great.

The gameplay is more fun too... shorter working hours... more control of what u do at work so u don't come home in a foul mood (sims 2). Less on trying to get friends to complete tasks and u meet through work, etc etc.

Also, loading time is faster as it loads the whole map rather than just a certain place. so going to shops, etc is a lot faster.

[lyssalou89]

sorry this is my first Mac...but I have the current production of the 2.0 GHz aluminum Macbook with the stock RAM. So does it have 1 stick of 2GB or 2 sticks of 1GB?

I'm looking at Newegg.com and the Macbook-specific RAM is near $400 and I only have ~$130 to spend. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233083 Edit: this is 8GB, but no other 2GB RAM is listed under the Macbook category

There are so many different options for the RAM! How do I know which to pick?

[Kyeris]

Personally, I've used macsales.com, clear and simple. OWC ram seems to work great for me.

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/8566DDR3S4GP/

I think they also offer a ~$14 trade in for your old 2x1GB sticks of RAM.

Oh and when it comes to newegg, you don't really need mac specific ram to put in your mac, I'm pretty sure most 204 pin RAM will work just fine. You don't want 4GB sticks, those are sky high in price, 2x2GB sticks are perfectly fine and usually run from $50-$80. Just check around here on macrumors and see what people are saying about the brand you're looking at.

[lyssalou89]

So would this be good then?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145598

[Kyeris]

That isn't 204-pin ram, it's 200-pin (it's in the title).

[lyssalou89]

That isn't 204-pin ram, it's 200-pin (it's in the title).

:o . please keep in mind that i'm a girl who just got her first Mac and i don't know much about computers (not that gender really has anything to do with it. i'm just playing the pity card). so i need 204-pin, then?


How bout this:
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/8566DDR3S4GP/

[Kyeris]

:o . please keep in mind that i'm a girl who just got her first Mac and i don't know much about computers (not that gender really has anything to do with it. i'm just playing the pity card). so i need 204-pin, then?


How bout this:
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/8566DDR3S4GP/

Haha sorry, I'm posting this from my phone and trying to get straight to the point, i'm not completely emotion less(;

That would work perfectly, I can dig up the link to return the 2GB of ram that came with the machine for a rebate if you want as well. Also, with macsales you grt a straight forward set of instructions to make it easy for you.

[peepboon]

I use crucial... I never used OWC but if you do a quick search I am sure u will find many links linking to the correct OWC ram :)

Also, the ram in stock macbook is two 1GB sticks. Get matching pairs as in 2GB and 2GB so it can use the dual channel mode (a tad faster than if you were to use non-matching pairs)

[Boston Fan]

Purchased this Crucial RAM from newegg.com a few weeks ago - works like a charm!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148191

[untitled-i]

It will run fine :)

Right now, I'm running the Sims 3 on my WhiteBook with a 2.1GHz, X3100, and 4GB of RAM.

sorry to be a pain - am new here, just wondered how the X3100 videocard was holding up for the graphics as other users seem to have the unibody with nvidea graphics cards. same goes for maTUC, and also if either of you could advise me what type of ram to use for upgrading to 4gb preferably one thats available in the uk. Don't want slow loading and lagging graphics like sims 2 :( thanks!

(2.1 GHz white macbook, 120GB HD, X3100 video card and currently only 1GB RAM)

[chrislaw]

anyone playing this with just a bone stock 2.0 UMB?

how is it playing?

[ZhenyaF]

How about macbook with GMA950?

Reason why I ask is because sims3 website shows GMA950 as not compatible

[hocko18x]

Does anyone has a problem with keyboard? Sims 3 doesn't recognize my keyboard on my iMac.

[andalusia]

How about macbook with GMA950?

Reason why I ask is because sims3 website shows GMA950 as not compatible

In the game's Readme file it states that it won't work with GMA950.

Also my keyboard hasn't had any problems :)

[hocko18x]

In the game's Readme file it states that it won't work with GMA950.

Also my keyboard hasn't had any problems :)

I found one other guy on other forum having the same problem... I hope we'll find a way to solve the problem.

[Skeletal-dæmon]

RE: Keyboard problem - My MacBook keyboard works fine, my Apple Pro Keyboard (2003, solid foot) works fine, but my Apple Aluminium Keyboard is not recognised. Odd huh?

Also, no the GMA950 does not provide enough vVRAM (virtual video RAM... I can't remember if that is a real term or if I came to make it up as an easy way to describe the memory of the integrated chips) for the Sims3 to run. If it does manage to install, when it run you'll likely see a pale blue screen, or incredibly poor gameplay (talking 1 frame every two or three seconds on low quality), or a simple error message telling you that it will not work.

Sorry about that.

[hocko18x]

I also have Apple aluminium keyboard...

[peepboon]

Bluetooth Alu Keyboard works fine for me :S

[MrM]

I'm using a 2.4Ghz BlackBook with 4Gb's of ram, it runs pretty good. No real complaints.

[hocko18x]

I guess that wired aluminium keyboards are the problem with this game.

[thebassoonist]

How long did installation take?

[rawrmac]

I don't know much about computers, and i'm worried it will slow down my macbook. i have a aluminum macbook with a 2.4GHz processor and 4GB of memory. Will it run well?

[peepboon]

installation is easy and quick!

Also, it doesn't slow ur laptop down. a 2.4GHZ with 4GB will run it smoothly.

It does however slow your system down after u quit the game due to the way macbook dedicates the ram, etc etc etc a quick restart or a 2-4min wait will smooth things back to normal

[Buskape]

Game runs fine here at native resolution 1280x800, 4gigs of ram :)

[Peikko]

OCZ or Crucial

Kind of off-topic, but still - Don't know about Crucial, but I've had two friends rage on OCZ for shipping shot RAM in a box. In case anyone's on the fence to go with one or the other and looking for some info.

[theARNSKI]

I'm running off 2gigs of ram and it does fairly well. Very playable. But I am considering doing a ram upgrade to 4gigs once the paycheck rolls in.

[SilentGreg]

Somewhat off topic -- what do you guys and gals think of the game? I skipped over The Sims 2 as I didn't have the time nor money to start a new collection after The Sims. The Sims 3 looks very promising; thoughts?

I would be playing on a Windows PC, my MacBook is too old to run The Sims 3. (Original Core Duo)

[andalusia]

Somewhat off topic -- what do you guys and gals think of the game? I skipped over The Sims 2 as I didn't have the time nor money to start a new collection after The Sims. The Sims 3 looks very promising; thoughts?

I would be playing on a Windows PC, my MacBook is too old to run The Sims 3. (Original Core Duo)

It's a very interesting game. I love the no loading screens, and the graphics do look nice when boosted up to full (Although you do lose a little bit of performance - I find it lags ever so slightly on my Macbook (see specs in sig)). In fact, you've made me want to play it now! DAMN YOU! I have revision to do!
;):p

[teksurv]

It's a very interesting game. I love the no loading screens, and the graphics do look nice when boosted up to full (Although you do lose a little bit of performance - I find it lags ever so slightly on my Macbook (see specs in sig)). In fact, you've made me want to play it now! DAMN YOU! I have revision to do!
;):p


This may seem like a silly question, but I noticed you have the same Nvidia Whitebook that I do. Do your fans run full blast when playing Sims 3? Mine do (Mac version), and that's the only real issue I have otherwise great game!

[twinings]

sorry to be a pain - am new here, just wondered how the X3100 videocard was holding up for the graphics as other users seem to have the unibody with nvidea graphics cards...

(2.1 GHz white macbook, 120GB HD, X3100 video card and currently only 1GB RAM)

Same here! I was wondering if anyone had a macbook with the X1300 and the shop version of the Sims 3? My specs are:
2.4 GHz
Intel 2 Core Duo processor
250GB Hard Drive
4GB RAM
800 MHz
Integrated Intel X1300 with 144MB VRAM

(It's a White, not an aluminium Macbook)

I suppose my main question was how fast would the game be with these specs? I don't mind about graphics at all, so long as the game itself doesn't 'lag' or stutter. Also, is the RAM or the video card more important for this?

Thanks so much for your help!

[Buskape]

A video of the sims 3 on the unibody macbook

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFc3w4b7ohU

[pepitko]

I've installed Sims 3 on my MacBook Pro two days ago, and the game is running quite slow, for my taste.

My specs: Aluminum MacBook Pro, Core2Duo @ 2.2 GHz, 2GB 667 MHz RAM, 160 GB HDD, GeForce 8600M GT with 128MB VRAM.

I run the game at medium settings and at 1440x900, same as my Mac. The game lags quite badly especially when there's too much lighting (night) or when there are many sims around (parties, downtown). Do you think it's worth upgrading to 4GB RAM? Or is the VRAM too much of a drag?

[andalusia]

This may seem like a silly question, but I noticed you have the same Nvidia Whitebook that I do. Do your fans run full blast when playing Sims 3? Mine do (Mac version), and that's the only real issue I have otherwise great game!

Yep, fans are always belting out noise. Tbh, I usually stop listening to them, so it's alright for me.

[peepboon]

I've installed Sims 3 on my MacBook Pro two days ago, and the game is running quite slow, for my taste.

My specs: Aluminum MacBook Pro, Core2Duo @ 2.2 GHz, 2GB 667 MHz RAM, 160 GB HDD, GeForce 8600M GT with 128MB VRAM.

I run the game at medium settings and at 1440x900, same as my Mac. The game lags quite badly especially when there's too much lighting (night) or when there are many sims around (parties, downtown). Do you think it's worth upgrading to 4GB RAM? Or is the VRAM too much of a drag?

I turned all the settings up high with the highest res mine could take 1680x1050. The lag IMO isn't that bad :S - I'm not a heavy gamer so maybe I don't mind the odd little lag? :S

[guymarble]

Does anyone else's game crash continuously?

After about an hour the game just closes and goes back to the desktop with no message or anything, which is really annoying since I don't get a chance to save and all my progress.

I am playing it on my Mac Pro and have 2GB's of RAM, would upgrading to 4GB help, or is it a common problem?

[andalusia]

I turned all the settings up high with the highest res mine could take 1680x1050. The lag IMO isn't that bad :S - I'm not a heavy gamer so maybe I don't mind the odd little lag? :S

Same here man, I don't even use ddr3 ram with the nVidia chip and it runs surprisingly well at full blast.

Does anyone else's game crash continuously?

After about an hour the game just closes and goes back to the desktop with no message or anything, which is really annoying since I don't get a chance to save and all my progress.

I am playing it on my Mac Pro and have 2GB's of RAM, would upgrading to 4GB help, or is it a common problem?

Not crashed once for me... Confusing, since you have one of the most powerful Macs ever ;)

[sexynsas]

hey how did u get it to work on urs?

it said it installed sucessfully then says it needs an rmb right hand mouse.. i dont understand lol

[rawrmac]

Could I install the sims 3 on an external hard drive?

[andalusia]

Could I install the sims 3 on an external hard drive?

Yes, that's what I did. It creates a folder called Applications and puts it in there.

[peepboon]

U dont really need a RHM as u can always just use the trackpad and keyboard controls.

Also, mine has never crashed O.o

[sbibbo]

the sims 3 runs awesomely on my aluminum macbook with 4gb ram, i love that game!


Hi, I recently installed 4GB RAM to my macbook pro (2007) (originally 2GB) that has over half space left (67GB) on HD, 2.2 GHz intel core 2 duo processor and Sims3 still runs incredibly SLOW! Am I doing something wrong?

[andalusia]

Hi, I recently installed 4GB RAM to my macbook pro (2007) (originally 2GB) that has over half space left (67GB) on HD, 2.2 GHz intel core 2 duo processor and Sims3 still runs incredibly SLOW! Am I doing something wrong?

Hmm that's odd. Tried cranking down the graphics?

[egk69]

Hi i want to know if theres any way to minimize the game so i can quickly check other things on my macbook (email, etc etc)

Cause its annoying to close the game every time i want to check something on my macbook and then have to open the game again and wait for the loadings, etc etc

[MrM]

Hi i want to know if theres any way to minimize the game so i can quickly check other things on my macbook (email, etc etc)

Cause its annoying to close the game every time i want to check something on my macbook and then have to open the game again and wait for the loadings, etc etc

Pause it. Then press Command and Tab.

[andalusia]

Hi i want to know if theres any way to minimize the game so i can quickly check other things on my macbook (email, etc etc)

Cause its annoying to close the game every time i want to check something on my macbook and then have to open the game again and wait for the loadings, etc etc

Pause it. Then press Command and Tab.

Also a good idea to do Command-Enter to make it not full screen first (:

[Jennaa012]

I have a regular macbook (the earlier version not the silver one) and the sims 3 runs veryy slowly. Also, when I'm creating a sim the sim appears as one big shadow and I can't see any of their features. HELPP I wanna playy..

[tomster2300]

I have a white MacBook (2 ghz, x3100, 4 gigs ram) and I would definitely recommend maxing out your ram. It's incredibly cheap and makes a world of difference. I used Corsair and highly recommend them.

I have yet to use the 9400M chipset, but I would doubt that it would be able to run the Sims 3 at anything but the lowest settings. That's just my guess though. My MacBook couldn't run Spore but at low settings, and I have a feeling that the Sims would be a little bit more stringent.

Just my two cents though.

[andalusia]

I have a regular macbook (the earlier version not the silver one) and the sims 3 runs veryy slowly. Also, when I'm creating a sim the sim appears as one big shadow and I can't see any of their features. HELPP I wanna playy..

I have a white MacBook (2 ghz, x3100, 4 gigs ram) and I would definitely recommend maxing out your ram. It's incredibly cheap and makes a world of difference. I used Corsair and highly recommend them.

I have yet to use the 9400M chipset, but I would doubt that it would be able to run the Sims 3 at anything but the lowest settings. That's just my guess though. My MacBook couldn't run Spore but at low settings, and I have a feeling that the Sims would be a little bit more stringent.

Just my two cents though.

I would certainly recommend boosting your RAM.

However, to counter what tomster said, the 9400m nVidia chipset in the Macbooks runs the Sims3 incredibly well. I can run it at more than medium settings with no lag, and FULL settings with a LITTLE lag. It's pretty much wonderful to play :) At least, it'll be better than the X3100.

[tomster2300]

At least, it'll be better than the X3100.

A dying cow could run games better than the x3100...

[andalusia]

A dying cow could run games better than the x3100...

Haha, don't you run the Sims 3 on it?

[tomster2300]

Haha, don't you run the Sims 3 on it?

I don't have the Sims 3.

I do all my gaming on either my Windows desktop or my xbox 360. The desktop was built for gaming and as a multimedia hub for my room (Windows Media Center, cable dvr, etc.). I use my MacBook for productivity, aka "when I need to actually get something done". Windows is too iffy for me, and I no longer trust it with my work related stuff.

[andalusia]

I don't have the Sims 3.

I do all my gaming on either my Windows desktop or my xbox 360. The desktop was built for gaming and as a multimedia hub for my room (Windows Media Center, cable dvr, etc.). I use my MacBook for productivity, aka "when I need to actually get something done". Windows is too iffy for me, and I no longer trust it with my work related stuff.

I see, sorry for the assumption. I just thought, from your first post, that you had experience. My bad :D

[tomster2300]

I see, sorry for the assumption. I just thought, from your first post, that you had experience. My bad :D

I do have the Sims 2, which is quite entertaining...especially when you don't build them a bathroom...

[andalusia]

I do have the Sims 2, which is quite entertaining...especially when you don't build them a bathroom...

... Or delete all the doors...

[Chi 1080]

Has EA fixed the problems with The Sims 3 running on mac yet?

[maja.ha]

Hi, can I ask you for something? I've just bought the sims3 and I have macbook, but it doesn't work. It only shows me the instalation button and then when i click on it, nothing. I've bought my mac book two years ago, so it is the older version. Will it work on this type or not? thank you

[moogle301]

Hmm perhaps I should pay an extra £69 for 4GB RAM..
SIMS ^________^

[tomster2300]

I see, sorry for the assumption. I just thought, from your first post, that you had experience. My bad :D

Just an update...bought the Sims 3 and it runs beautifully on my i7 920, 6gb ram, hd4870 1gb desktop build.

But that's Windows 7, not OS X!

[alayah]

omg can someone please help me out with this whole sims3 on macbook thing!! okay so ive installed it, created a character, clicked a house to move it into, go to play sim THEN BOOM! it just crashes on me and i have to turn my whooole thing off by the power button. Ive turned off the time capsule, in fact it was never actually on. I got my macbook pro on december 11th 2011! ive read all these things you can do and one of them is getting something called patches... please someone help me! Im dying here.

[DewGuy1999]

omg can someone please help me out with this whole sims3 on macbook thing!! okay so ive installed it, created a character, clicked a house to move it into, go to play sim THEN BOOM! it just crashes on me and i have to turn my whooole thing off by the power button. Ive turned off the time capsule, in fact it was never actually on. I got my macbook pro on december 11th 2011! ive read all these things you can do and one of them is getting something called patches... please someone help me! Im dying here.

I don't play The Sims (but my wife does on a PC) and she said that from The Sims 3 Launcher go to the Updates tab and install any updates listed there (those are the patches). Good luck.