Gamers using the MacBook Pro M4 often encounter several common issues that can impact their gaming experience. Here are some of the most prevalent problems:
Crashing and Performance Issues
- Crashing with Specific Monitors: Some users have reported that their M4 MacBook Pros crash or hang when connected to certain monitors, such as the MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED. This issue seems to be specific to multiplayer games and does not occur with other monitors or in single-player mode[1].- Performance Drops: The M4 Max model, in particular, has been noted to experience performance drops during demanding tasks like simulations. Despite its powerful hardware, it can slow down significantly and even reboot during intense tasks, which is unexpected given its capabilities[3].
Gaming Performance Limitations
- FPS and Resolution: While the M4 MacBook Pros have improved gaming capabilities compared to previous models, they still struggle to maintain high frame rates at native resolutions. For instance, running games at high settings can be challenging, and achieving a stable 60 FPS is often difficult at the laptop's full resolution[5].- Comparison to Windows Laptops: The integrated GPUs in M4 MacBook Pros, although improved, cannot match the performance of discrete GPUs found in many Windows gaming laptops. This means that while Macs are becoming more viable for gaming, they still lag behind in terms of raw performance per dollar[5][9].
Software and Compatibility Issues
- Software Optimization: Some software and games may not be fully optimized for the M4 chip, leading to performance issues. This is a common problem with new hardware, as developers need time to adapt their software to take full advantage of the new architecture[6].- Limited Game Compatibility: The number of games available for macOS is still limited compared to Windows. While Apple has made efforts to improve game porting with tools like the Game Porting Toolkit, many popular titles remain unavailable or run with reduced performance[5][10].
Thermal and Resource Management
- Thermal Throttling: Although not as common with the M4 models, thermal throttling can still occur, especially during prolonged gaming sessions. Managing fan speeds and ensuring good airflow can help mitigate this issue[8].- Resource Management: Background applications and insufficient storage can strain system resources, leading to lag and shutdown issues during gaming. Managing these factors can improve overall gaming performance[8].
In summary, while the MacBook Pro M4 offers improved gaming capabilities, users may still face challenges related to hardware compatibility, software optimization, and performance limitations compared to dedicated gaming laptops.
Citations:[1] https://discussions.apple.com/thread/255900440
[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/bootcamp/comments/104f6bl/massive_game_performancefps_issues_on_my_2019/
[3] https://discussions.apple.com/thread/255933201
[4] https://discussions.apple.com/thread/255894163
[5] https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/macbooks/dont-look-now-but-macs-are-finally-getting-good-for-gaming
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cwi_GBO0VpE
[7] https://www.reddit.com/r/macgaming/comments/1hupa89/gaming_on_m4_max_macbook_pro/
[8] https://setapp.com/how-to/set-up-your-mac-for-games
[9] https://www.reddit.com/r/macgaming/comments/1ght63a/macbook_pro_m4_or_gaming_laptop/
[10] https://www.xda-developers.com/mac-mini-m4-gaming-hands-on/