Jul 23, 2018 Keeping all the factors in mind, here is a list of Macs, which can be considered for playing games along with continuing other activities: 15-inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display. 27-inch iMac. 27-inch iMac with Retina display. 21.5-inch iMac (with NVIDIA GeForce GT760M or Intel Iris Pro). Jan 14, 2015 Daily there are people coming to ask if the Mac Pro can be good for gaming and what kind of graphics performance can it achieve, well I have been benching recently and will upload all my tests this week. My specs are in my signature. I only have one game in Yosemite which is F1 2013. Jul 09, 2016 Gaming is usually mostly GPU driven unless you're really hardcore about your gaming. Get a good graphics card (I'm not the right person to advice you when it comes to the Mac Pro.
BestMacBook for GamingiMore2020
Apple MacBooks have never been designed to perform solely as gaming laptops. Despite this, some models are better than others for this type of use. Our favorite current model, the 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019) i7 processor, includes numerous features that make it a terrific device for casual gamers. There are other noteworthy models we've gathered to help you choose the one that fits your needs best.
Best Overall: 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019) i7 processor
For gamers, we're recommending the least expensive of the two 16-inch models, which includes a 9th-generation Intel Core i7 processor with Turbo Boost up to 4.5GHz. We're picking this one because it offers a nice mix of features at a price that's far more affordable than the premium offering we highlight below.
The base 16-inch MacBook Pro comes with 16GB 2666MHz DDR4 memory, 512GB SSD storage, and four Thunderbolt 3 ports. The model comes standard with an AMD Radeon Pro 5300M with 4GB of GDDR6 graphics processor that you can upgrade to an AMD Radeon Pro 5500M with 4GB of GDDR6 or an AMD Radeon Pro 5500M with 8 GB of GDDR6 for better performance.
On the obvious downside, this is still an expensive laptop. Plus, you'll need to recharge this laptop more often than the MacBook Air. And like all MacBooks, it isn't usually on sale at a discount.
Pros:
- The least expensive 16-inch model
- Pay extra for a graphics boost
- Biggest MacBook Pro display to date
Cons:
- Still very expensive
- Not the most powerful MBP you can buy
- Up to 11 hours wireless web
Best Overall
16-inch MacBook Pro (2019) i7 processor
Largest display for less
Best Mac For Gaming
The entry-level 16-inch MacBook Pro is an excellent choice for the occasional computer gamer.
Source: iMore
Much lighter than the 13-inch MacBook Pro that has the same screen size, the 2019 MacBook Air weighs just 2.75 pounds, making it a great take-and-go laptop. Along with being less weighty, the MacBook Air provides an hour more of use between charges, although actual performance depends on the tasks.
We're sold on the entry-level MacBook Air, even for gaming, because of its price. Still, think casual gaming here only thanks to its slower processor and graphics card. There's also fewer Thunderbolt 3 ports on this model.
If you're purchasing a laptop solely for gaming, this isn't the one to buy. However, it will work well in a pinch when you need to take a break from your studies or work.
Pros:
- Same screen size as 13-inch MBP
- Up to 12 hours of wireless web between charges
- Excellent price
Cons:
- Only two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports
- Not as powerful as MBP models
Best Value
MacBook Air (2019)
Is The New Mac Pro Good For Gaming
Save money and still game
Casual-casual gamers will enjoy using this MacBook Air model during the occasional break from work or school.
Source: iMore
When it comes to the 2019 13-inch MacBook Pro, $500 separates the base and most complete package. For even more, you can upgrade the machine's For the five memory, storage, and processor.
The smaller of the two MacBook Pro models is a great overall pick. At just over three pounds, the 13-inch MacBook Pro is only slightly heavier than the MacBook Air. For this, you get a better processor and graphics card, more storage availability, and a Touch Bar. You can upgrade the processor and storage. In doing so, however, you'll push the price just shy of $2,000. If that happens, you might want to consider our No. 1 pick instead.
Regardless, if a 13-inch display is what you want and you want the bells and whistles missing on the MacBook Air, this is the one to get. If you intend to spend more than one-fourth of your time gaming, it's even more vital for you to consider this model over the Air.
Pros:
- Better internals than MacBook Air
- Great mobility
- Much cheaper than the 16-inch model
Cons:
- You can't upgrade the graphics card
- Price can rise as you add components
- Is 13-inches enough?
Best Alternative
13-inch MacBook Pro (2019)
A step up
There's much to love about this model, which offers better internals than the MacBook Air.
Best Premium: 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019) i9 processor
If you're a hard-core Mac gamers, or want to be, the 16-inch MacBook Pro with an 8‑core 9th‑generation Intel Core i9 processor and Turbo Boost up to 4.8GHz is the one for you. Compared to the entry-level model, you'll get a graphics card boost and 1TB of storage. If this isn't enough, add more memory, an even better graphics card, and more storage. In doing so, the cost of this model can quickly exceed nearly $6,000, however.
Pros:
- Apple's best MacBook Pro to date
- Graphics boost, upgrades
- Up to 64GB of memory available
Best Premium
16-inch MacBook Pro (2019) i9 processor
The best of the best
If you're okay with the price, no doubt this is the MacBook to get. Happy gaming!
Bottom line
In 2019, the MacBook lineup changed considerably as Apple discontinued the 12-inch MacBook and 15-inch model MacBook Pro. The change brings to four the number of Apple laptops we recommend for gaming purposes. Our favorite, the 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019) i7 processor, should give you enough power to play your favorite casual computer games. Still, it will cost you, especially if you add extras. It's still an expensive laptop, which no doubt is something to consider too.
The base model includes a 9th-generation Intel Core i7 processor with Turbo Boost up to 4.5GHz with 16GB 2666MHz DDR4 memory, 512GB SSD storage, and four Thunderbolt 3 ports. The model comes standard with an AMD Radeon Pro 5300M with 4GB of GDDR6 graphics processor and can be upgraded to an AMD Radeon Pro 5500M with 4GB of GDDR6 or an AMD Radeon Pro 5300M with 8 GB of GDDR6 for better performance.
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Bryan M. Wolfe is a dad who loves technology, especially anything new from Apple. Penn State (go Nittany Lions) graduate here, also a huge fan of the New England Patriots. Thanks for reading. @bryanmwolfe
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Is the MacBook Pro good for gaming? Being one of the most popular laptops in the recent past, the MacBook has made its way up the ladder, making Apple one of the most trusted brands. However, the scene for MacBooks is a little complicated when it comes to gaming action. Apple devices can support 2D graphic games very well, but they sometimes falter with 3D graphics. However, the MacBook Pro might be changing this notion for Apple users, including the perfect combination of a fast and strong processor with effective graphics.
Apple has been one of the front runners among computers. With some of the best technologies, the MacBook has been rather popular in this regard. After years of hard work, Apple has brought out an efficient device that is promised to be lighter and thinner. Some rather impressive changes and updates have been included in the latest MacBook Pro. Let us look into some of the most interesting features that make the MacBook Pro good for gaming.
For starters, the design has been revamped to bring out the best in the device. This is a thinner device as compared to previous models and weighs only 1.58 kilograms. In addition, a special OLED display touch panel has been incorporated at the top of the keyboard to get rid of the physical functions. According to reports, this LED display panel might be specific to different applications. This means that the functions on the panel will vary depending upon the applications. The 13.3-inch MacBook Pro can actually give a good first impression. Accompanying the internal specifications, the device is teamed with Intel Core i5, which is well-suited to fast and rigorous activities, clocking in at 2.7 GHz. In terms of storage capacities, the 8GB system memory packs quite the punch, coupled with 128 GB of SSD storage. With the Intel Iris Graphics 6100 processor, we can expect a lot from this device.
Usually, Apple devices do not provide the best results when it comes to high-end gaming activities. This has been one of the issues faced by this otherwise effective device. However, the new MacBook Pro, with its superior hardware and graphics, includes major changes that can give you some of the best gaming experiences.
For starters, the iMacs take up much less space as compared to previous models. Second, the quad-core processors pack a lot of power, which aids in gaming activities. Finally, the NVIDIA GPUs place the cherry on top. Much to the delight of avid gamers, new indie games will be available to MacBook Pro users at the same time they are made available to everyone else.
The world of gaming is not a simple one. For small games like Angry Birds and Plants Versus Zombies, which do not require high-end graphics and device specifications, two-dimensional graphics would be more than enough. This is why most MacBooks are able to handle these kinds of gaming activities. The problem crops up when we move on to more high-definition games that require three-dimensional graphics. These high-speed action games tend to put a lot of pressure on MacBooks. That is why there is a need for a strong and fast processor that can accommodate fast gaming actions and provide good performance. Ideally, a dual core Intel Core i5 or Core i7 can do this job perfectly, clocking in at speeds of 2.0 GHz or more. This is why the MacBook Pro can be a good choice if you are an avid gamer.
However, sometimes even a faster processor is not able to live up to the requirements of some games. The MacBook has the perfect solution to this issue. It incorporates a high-end graphics card, popularly known as a Graphics Processing Unit, over and above the usual processor. This can significantly boost your computer’s speed to deal with fast games with superior graphics. When it comes to the GPUs, there are two broad varieties. The first is the integrated type which ensures greater speeds for the computer but shares the device’s RAM with the CPU. On the other hand, the discrete variety of the GPUs is specially designed, keeping in mind the requirements of 3D graphics.
It has its own high-speed memory to enhance the performance of the device. Now Apple incorporates a series of such integrated and discrete GPUs in the Mac series. For instance, the cheaper versions of MacBook Pro come with Iris 6100. It has been found that this sort of GPU does not work well with action games and graphics. That is why a more superior version of Iris in the form of Iris Pro has been included in the newer and more expensive MacBook Pro, which makes it an ideal match for gamers. The Iris Pro also brings with it 128GB of storage space for its own use. In addition, the 2.5 GHz MacBook Pro works with AMD Radeon R9 M370X, which tends to bring out pretty impressive gaming action.
When it comes to a good gaming display, the MacBook Pro stands out once again. The high-resolution display in this device, coupled with the Intel HD 5300 graphics, could give you a rather impressive performance when it comes to high-definition video games, all 2D games and some 3D games.
Pros:
· The Intel Iris 6100 graphics prove to be a charm for most games.
· The 128 GB solid state drive helps in participating in high-end gaming action.
· The backlit keyboard and touchpad with the extra OLED display touch panel for the MacBook Pro Retina proves useful.
Cons:
· The MacBook Pro comes with Intel HD 5300 Graphics that might be well suited for most 2D games, but cannot cater to a lot of the 3D gaming action.
· For the 2.5GHz version of the MacBook Pro, coming with an AMD Radeon R9 M370X graphics card, you will have to shell out quite a sum of money to comfortably engage in 3D graphics gaming.
With the inclusion of superior graphics and a fast processor, the MacBook Pro could bring about revolutionary changes in Apple products for avid gamers. This might well be the turning point for Apple when it comes to a gaming laptop, bringing a glimmer of hope to all gaming enthusiasts.