Which iMac would be sufficient enough to run The Sims 4 on ultra settings? [ Edited ]

[HopeyStarr]

I've been playing the sims 4 on my MacBook Pro 2012 with medium settings, but ever since the Seasons EP I've had to lower my settings just so the game doesn't run like poop. Despite that the game still stutters and lags on low settings which makes me think, "Why am I enduring these crusty graphics only for the game to barely perform?" I play with a good amount of mods and cc and I know removing them would help performance a bit, but these additions pretty much make the sims 4 or me. Anyways long story short I'm looking into a new Mac, an iMac in particular, and need a little bit of advice on what system would allow me to play the game on ultra settings while supporting mods and such.

What I'm looking for:

I'm not really in the position to splurge so I'm looking an iMac around $1500 - $2000 that could play on ultra settings and support mods/cc.

Current Computer:

• MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2012)
• Processor 2.5 GHz Intel Core i5
• Memory 4 GB 1600 MHz DDR3
• Graphics Intel HD Graphics 4000 1536 MB

iMac I've been eyeing:

• 3.6GHz quad-core 8th-generation Intel Core i3 processor
• 8GB 2400MHz DDR4 memory, configurable up to 32GB
• 1TB hard drive1
• Radeon Pro 555X with 2GB of GDDR5 memory
• Two Thunderbolt 3 ports
• Retina 4K 4096x2304 P3 display

Would the iMac I've looked into be able to run the game to my requirements? Would an iMac model from 2017 be sufficient (I guess that depends on the graphics card and RAM). I don't mind upgrading certain parts of the system as long as it doesn't go over $2000.

Thanks for the help!

[Bluebellflora · Accepted solution]

@HopeyStarr

Yes, the graphics card is key although a good processor and decent amount of RAM are also important. Also go for an SSD if you can instead of the Fusion Drive.

Can you upgrade to the 3.2GHz 6-core 8th-generation Intel Core i7 processor on that model? i3s really aren't great.

Can you add more RAM? Apple charge ridiculous prices for RAM so it's cheaper to buy it separately and install yourself but this is only possible on the 27" iMac.

I would go for the entry level 27" and upgrade to the 512 SSD. You've got a better GPU, better CPU and you can upgrade the RAM yourself at a later date

[Bluebellflora · Accepted solution]

@HopeyStarr

Yes, the graphics card is key although a good processor and decent amount of RAM are also important. Also go for an SSD if you can instead of the Fusion Drive.

Can you upgrade to the 3.2GHz 6-core 8th-generation Intel Core i7 processor on that model? i3s really aren't great.

Can you add more RAM? Apple charge ridiculous prices for RAM so it's cheaper to buy it separately and install yourself but this is only possible on the 27" iMac.

I would go for the entry level 27" and upgrade to the 512 SSD. You've got a better GPU, better CPU and you can upgrade the RAM yourself at a later date

[HopeyStarr]

@Bluebellflora Thanks for your response.

It seems like with any option I choose in addition to the suggested upgrades the cost will be tipping over $2000. Guess I'll have to save up a bit more.

[Bluebellflora]

@HopeyStarr

Look at it this way, the more you spend on higher specs the longer you will have with your iMac as you won't need to update it for, hopefully, years. You'll be future-proofing yourself

[GyalNiiyxm]

Hi I don’t know if you still answer to these types of questions but I’m really new to the sims 4 on imac and I wanted to know some things as I’m kind of clueless I was planning on getting the 27 inch iMac but I wanted to know what generation, icore and year I should get it as. I also wanted to know which iMac should give me really high graphics and not be laggy and would last and work good with mods and cc

[Bluebellflora]

@GyalNiiyxm

There are problems running the game on the current 27" iMacs due to the GPU https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-Mac/-Sims-4-keeps-crashing-on-2020-iMac-27/td-p/9522077

I have the previous 2019 model and the game runs great. Maybe you can find one refurbished on the Apple site? Mine is an 8-core i9 with 8GB Radeon Pro 580X and 32GB RAM.

[GyalNiiyxm]

Thank you for responding I really appreciate it! I found the iMac you were talking about but sadly there out of stock but I can always wait as I’m not in a rush, I’ll keep checking  to see if they will restock have a great day!

[SouthySim]

I'm still using my 2013 Imac with M2 chip.

[Bluebellflora]

@SouthySim

A 2013 iMac would have an Intel CPU. The M2 chip was not released until 2022.

Apple have never put an M2 chip in an iMac. The first iMac with the Apple silicon ARM chip was the M1 released in 2021. iMacs with M3 chips came out in 2023 and they have just this week announced an update to the M4 chip.