Best Mac For Gaming
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In a previous version of this article, pre-M1, we talked about how the Mac gaming scene had picked up since Macs started to use the same Intel processors as Windows PCs (back in 2007). The strong sales of Macs in recent years also helped encourage developers to make more A-List games available on the Mac than ever before. Just check out our roundup of the best Mac games for some of the highlights.
In the pre-M1 days the Mac also has a cunning trick up its precision-engineered sleeve in the form of Boot Camp. Installing Windows via Boot Camp means it is possible to play Windows games on an Intel-based Mac. Alternatively, Parallels or VMware might have been considered options for PC gaming on a Mac.
If you really want to run un-ported Windows games on an M1 Mac Crossover Mac from Codeweavers is the best option available right now. It can translate x86-64 code for Windows to ARM64 code for macOS. Read: CrossOver 20 brings Windows apps to M1 Macs.
A fast storage system will also help to improve gaming performance so you would want to avoid a hard drive. Luckily Apple no longer sells any Macs with hard drives or the Fusion drive that combined a hard drive and flash storage (but look out for that if you are buying a refurbished Mac or a second hand Mac).
The lack of games that were ready for the M1 Mac, either to run natively, or to run reasonably well via Rosetta, was a problem for some time, but now the situation is a lot better so it is easier to recommend M1-series Macs for gaming.
A graphics card (GPU) is essential for 2D and 3D games because the faster your Mac is able to process the information, the more frames it can handle. So rule number one: choose a good graphics card. There are also other things that impact gaming quality. Here are the top 6:
In the guide below, we look into the Macs you can use for gaming today. But we encourage you to keep in mind that M1 might bring some serious changes to the Pro models, so it could be wise to wait until more high-end Apple Silicon Macs arrive.
Apple now offers a 13-inch MacBook Pro with M1, but Intel is better for gaming (although we believe it might change in the near future). Right now, older versions with Intel Core i5 give you more memory and storage. With the M1 MacBook Pro, you can upgrade storage up to 2TB and memory up to 16GB max. With the Intel-based one, you get up to 4TB and 32GB respectively. So two times more!
As you see, gaming MacBooks differ across a huge range of characteristics. Some are 2X and even 3X more expensive than others. So it all really depends on your priorities. But whatever model you choose, you can always make your gaming better if you follow the tips below.
If you play online games, your happiness seriously depends on your internet. NetSpot is a Mac app that analyzes your network environment and tells you the best spots for gaming. You can even draw your living space, house, or office, and NetSpot will visualize places with the best network connection for you. We say, before you move into a new apartment, install this app.
Gaming is one of the most demanding tasks you can ask of your computer. It used to be that you needed a dedicated desktop gaming PC to handle most AAA releases, but nowadays there are plenty of capable gaming laptops to choose from as well.
8GB of RAM is the absolute minimum for any gaming computer, whether a PC or a Mac. This amount of memory will allow you to run most games smoothly. Luckily, every Mac Apple sells these days has at least that 8GB.
The base model was given a 2.2GHz 6-core Core i7 CPU that could be upgraded to a 2.9GHz Core i9 with Turbo Boost up to 4.8GHz. This change shifted its performance to a new level, enabling it to solve more complex tasks and compete with dedicated gaming laptops.
Gaming is one of the most resource-hungry processes you can do on a Mac. It may not always be enough to choose the best Mac for gaming purposes. Sometimes you need to back that up by using a Mac optimizer app to make sure everything runs smoothly, from Minecraft to Fortnite.
Another reason why we cannot recommend Apple for gamers is poor upgradability. The gaming community cares deeply about the ability to upgrade devices to keep up with rapidly changing technology, but that is simply not possible with a Mac.
To choose iMac for gaming, opt for a model with the most powerful processor and graphics card you can afford. Even though this rule of thumb applies to all Apple computers, you need extra power to take the full advantage of the 4K Retina display.
A passable iMac for gaming is a 21.5-inch model with the 3.0 GHz 6-core 8th-generation Core i5. But if your budget can handle an extra $700, go for a 27-inch iMac. It features the 5.0 GHz 10th-generation Core i9 and a larger 5K display, which offers better immersion.
We test monitors' compatibility with the 2021 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M1 Pro chip using USB-C or DisplayPort connections, so our recommendations reflect those results. The results are also valid for any MacBook, including if you're looking for the best MacBook Air monitor or if your MacBook uses the M2 chip.
We've bought and tested more than 260 monitors, and below are our recommendations for the best displays for MacBook Pro to purchase. Also, check out our recommendations for the best work monitors, the best monitors for photo and video editing, and the best monitors for Mac Mini.
The Apple Studio Display is the best monitor for MacBook Pro that we've tested. Considering it's an Apple monitor, there are some features you can only get with a macOS device. It has exceptional accuracy before calibration thanks to its outstanding sRGB mode that you can only access with a macOS device, making it a fantastic choice for content creators as you won't have to calibrate it. It has an impressive selection of additional features, including a built-in webcam, microphone, and speakers. Its 5k resolution delivers incredibly sharp text, and the 27-inch screen makes it easier to see more of your work at once.
Our recommendations are based on what we think are the best external monitors for MacBook Pro and the best MacBook Air monitors that are currently available. They are adapted to be valid for most people, in each price range. Rating is based on our review, factoring in price, and feedback from our visitors.
So, to make sure you get the most functionality for your money, keep reading and check out our breakdown of the best models we have tested for both general and specific usage cases. After that, look for a detailed buying guide on what to seek out in a gaming mouse for the Mac. (You'll also find a detailed spec breakout of our favorite picks at the bottom of the page.)
Only a handful of companies have made their configuration apps compatible with macOS, and their mice are the only ones that work to their fullest potential on a Mac. We've compiled a list of the best keyboards for Macs for the same reason. It's about the software as much as the hardware.
Of the major manufacturers that PCMag regularly covers, there are three with macOS-compatible configuration software: Corsair, Logitech (specifically the G series), and SteelSeries. There are also a handful of smaller manufacturers who make their software available on Macs. Oftentimes, you'll have to customize your profile on a Windows computer or settle for default settings when gaming on a Mac. That's just one of the (many) reasons why hardcore gamers shy away from gaming on a Mac.
Apple appears to be taking important steps toward having PC-level gaming experiences on Macs. Metal 3 seems like a robust developer platform, and combined with Apple silicon and macOS 13, the company could potentially deliver competent gaming experiences in the near future.
We should also keep in mind that Apple is rumored to be developing controllers and an Apple VR/AR headset. If true, it would be further proof that the company is taking gaming more seriously than it has before.
If you know a Windows gamer, or you used to be one, you might be concerned that Macs just aren't cut out for gaming. It's no hidden secret that MacBooks were never solely designed to perform as gaming laptops.
The gaming industry exploded in the PC world. That was mainly because people could quickly build powerful computers suitable for all the latest games and update and upgrade them with processing power, video cards, and RAM as the games evolved.
Apple's focus on beauty, design, and simplicity meant they temporarily got left behind. However, over time, Apple has thankfully caught up, and with the arrival of Apple Silicon, the future of gaming looks very exciting indeed.
Gaming on a Mac is not as hard as you think with a little bit of savvy optimization, and that's what we're here for, to show you everything you need to get your Mac ready for an epic gaming experience.
When it comes down to gaming on a Mac, it's all about improving and maximizing your Mac performance, including optimizing space, memory, adjusting graphics, and turning off unneeded functions to boost your Mac output.
There's quite some debate online around the best Macs for gaming, but ultimately it's going to come down to what you can realistically afford when buying a new Mac for gaming; here are some things to consider.
Well, we've come to the end of this read on how to optimize Mac for gaming. Hopefully, I've answered the question, "Are MacBooks good for gaming?" And you feel more informed on what are the best Macs for gaming.
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